Lake Wylie Assault Lawyer

Skilled Lake Wylie Assault Attorney

Being accused of assault can result in immediate arrest, protective orders, and lasting consequences if you are convicted. A Lake Wylie assault lawyer can review the charges you are facing and guide you in making informed decisions as the case proceeds.

Every case has different facts and legal issues, so it is important to know your rights before reacting to the accusations. Christopher A. Wellborn, P.A., has experience defending people charged with assault throughout South Carolina.

Hire an Assault Lawyer

Christopher A. Wellborn, P.A., only practices criminal defense. The firm represents clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies in state and federal courts in South Carolina. Christopher A. Wellborn is a former York County prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense since 1990 and founded the firm in 1997.

He also served as president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Mr. Wellborn brings many years of dedicated criminal defense experience to clients who have been charged with serious crimes.

Types of Assault Charges in South Carolina

South Carolina has many assault-related offenses, each with different penalties and elements that must be proved. Charges may include assault and battery in the first, second, or third degree, as well as assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.

According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, law enforcement agencies in the state reported 19,710 aggravated assaults in 2024.

Although the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division uses aggravated assault as a crime reporting category, criminal charges in South Carolina are generally brought under the state’s assault and battery statutes. The specific charge depends on the facts of the alleged incident, including the nature of the alleged injury, whether a weapon was used, and the conduct alleged by the prosecution.

Possible Penalties for an Assault Conviction

An assault conviction can carry penalties that include fines, probation, or a substantial prison sentence, particularly for felony-level assault offenses. The potential punishment for an assault conviction varies, depending on the degree of the offense, the facts of the case, and the criminal history of the defendant.

Under S.C. Code Ann. § 16-3-600, South Carolina classifies assault and battery offenses by degree based on the alleged conduct and resulting injuries. A conviction can also have long-term consequences on future employment, professional licensing, housing applications, and other aspects of an individual’s daily life.

Defending Against Assault Charges

All assault cases are determined by the evidence, not the accusation. Depending on the facts, a defense could be self-defense, defense of others, lack of intent, mistaken identity, or even attacking the credibility of the witnesses.

The FBI’s Crime Data Explorer showed a 4.5% decrease in the violent crime rate in 2024 compared to 2023. Assault cases arising in the Lake Wylie area are generally handled through the York County Judicial Center, making local criminal defense experience an important consideration.

Contact a Lake Wylie Assault Lawyer

If you have been accused of assault, retaining an attorney early can help you preserve your rights and work on your defense. Christopher A. Wellborn, P.A., defends clients charged with assault in Lake Wylie and all of South Carolina. Schedule a consultation today to hire an assault lawyer.

Lake Wylie Assault Lawyer Reviews