Sex Crimes

Charleston Sex Crime Attorney

Discreet, Personalized Defense for Criminal Sexual Conduct Allegations

A sex crime allegation can lead to an investigation, warrant, summons, arrest, or formal criminal charge. We represent people facing these situations in Charleston, developing strategies based on the alleged offense, available evidence, procedural history, and their objectives.

Before answering questions or making case-specific decisions, protect your right to remain silent and seek legal advice. Preserve relevant messages, photographs, social media records, and other potential evidence without altering or deleting anything. We can review charging documents, explain upcoming dates, and identify issues that require immediate attention.

Speak with our Charleston sex crime attorneys before discussing the allegation with investigators or potential witnesses. Call (843) 428-6360 to request a free initial consultation.

Criminal Sexual Conduct & Related Charges

South Carolina law separates criminal sexual conduct charges by degree and the circumstances surrounding the alleged act. The statutes define sexual battery to include specific acts covered by these laws. Alleged force, coercion, confinement, incapacity, and age can affect the charge and the elements prosecutors must prove.

Sex crime allegations may involve:

Criminal sexual conduct: First-, second-, or third-degree charges based on the alleged conduct and statutory circumstances.
Criminal sexual conduct with a minor: Charges in which age-related facts are central to the applicable statute.
Assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct: Allegations involving an assault and an alleged intent to commit a sexual offense.
Internet-related conduct: Allegations involving online communications, solicitation, or digital records.
Child sexual exploitation: Offenses involving prohibited images or other conduct addressed by separate statutes.
Indecent exposure: Allegations involving intentional exposure under circumstances prohibited by South Carolina law.

The specific statutory section determines what the prosecution must establish. A general label such as sex crime doesn’t reveal the full accusation, possible penalties, or legal issues that may shape the defense.

How We Prepare a Sex Crime Defense in Charleston

We begin by identifying the charge, the current procedural posture, and any decisions that require prompt attention. A case may still be under investigation, awaiting a bond or preliminary hearing, proceeding through discovery, or scheduled in General Sessions Court. Each stage brings different questions and deadlines.

Our criminal defense work can include:

Reviewing warrants, indictments, charging documents, and discovery.
Examining relevant statements, communications, digital records, physical evidence, forensic testing, and witness accounts.
Evaluating police conduct and how investigators obtained statements or evidence.
Comparing the available evidence with each element of the charged offense.
Negotiating with prosecutors when appropriate and litigating supported motions.
Preparing for court proceedings, sentencing hearings, appeals, or probation violation hearings when applicable.

No single approach fits every allegation. Depending on the facts, the strategy may involve motion practice, negotiation, trial preparation, or a combination of these steps.

South Carolina Criminal Sexual Conduct Laws & Penalties

Potential penalties depend on the statutory charge, alleged facts, prior record, and case outcome. Under South Carolina Code Section 16-3-652, criminal sexual conduct in the first degree is a felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Section 16-3-653 classifies criminal sexual conduct in the second degree as a felony punishable by up to 20 years.

South Carolina separately addresses criminal sexual conduct with a minor, assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct, and other sexual offenses. A qualifying conviction or plea may also trigger sex offender registry requirements. Registration obligations and other collateral consequences depend on the offense, statutory section, age-related facts, disposition, and law applicable to the case.

Don’t assume a general penalty range describes your potential exposure. The charging document and current statutory language must be reviewed together, including every element the prosecution would need to prove.

What to Expect in Charleston Criminal Court

The Ninth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office serves Charleston and Berkeley counties. Depending on the procedural stage, a case may involve bond court, a preliminary hearing, or proceedings in General Sessions Court. A bond hearing addresses pretrial release conditions rather than guilt or innocence. A preliminary hearing may determine whether probable cause supports moving a qualifying charge forward.

Court schedules and South Carolina criminal procedure can shape what happens next. Case-specific legal advice can clarify which proceedings apply, what deadlines are approaching, and how to prepare.

Focused Guidance for a Sensitive Criminal Case

Attorneys Kevin M. Seibert and Rebecca A. Seibert are members of the South Carolina and Georgia Bar Associations. At Seibert Law Firm, we provide clear information and focused attention while building a plan around the facts of the case. We also explain unfamiliar procedures without minimizing the seriousness of the accusation.

Cost shouldn’t remain an unanswered question while you decide how to proceed. We offer competitive pricing and multiple financing options, and we accept cash, checks, and major credit cards.

Discuss Your Case in a Free Initial Consultation

A free initial consultation can address your court paperwork, upcoming dates, immediate concerns, and possible next steps. We serve clients in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties and throughout the greater Lowcountry.

You can receive guidance based on your circumstances rather than assumptions drawn from a general description of South Carolina law.

Call (843) 428-6360 to discuss your situation with our Charleston sex crime defense lawyers.

Continue Reading Read Less

Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
I consent to receive marketing text messages from Seibert Law Firm, LLC at the phone number provided. Frequency may vary. Message & data rates may apply. Text HELP for assistance, reply STOP to opt out.
I consent to receive non-marketing text messages from Seibert Law Firm, LLC regarding appointments, legal services, and case-related communications at the phone number provided. Message & data rates may apply. Text HELP for assistance, reply STOP to opt out.
See Privacy Policy and Terms