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Homicide

South Carolina Homicide Charges

In South Carolina, homicide is where one person causes the death of another without legal justification.  Homicides include both murder and manslaughter and can be intentional or caused by reckless conduct.  Under South Carolina homicide law, murder is punishable by a minimum prison term of 30 years, but a person convicted of murder can receive a sentence of up to life in prison or death.

Because murder is such a serious crime, it is advisable that you contact a South Carolina homicide attorney as soon as you become a suspect.  Even if no formal charges are filed, a homicide attorney in South Carolina can protect your rights during the investigation and ensure that police and prosecutors treat you fairly.  If you are facing or may face murder or manslaughter charges, contact Jack B. Swerling.

Manslaughter in South Carolina

Manslaughter is a lesser offense of murder but is still a serious crime.  South Carolina homicide law defines manslaughter as the killing of another person, but without the malice necessary for murder.  Manslaughter usually involves a person causing the death of another in the heat of passion after experiencing a legally sufficient provocation.

Because manslaughter depends on the state of mind of the party and the sufficiency of the provocation, there is often a fine line between murder and manslaughter.  Manslaughter is punishable by a minimum sentence of two years in prison, but sentences can be as lengthy as 30 years without parole.

Involuntary Manslaughter in South Carolina

Involuntary manslaughter is also a lesser crime.  A person commits involuntary manslaughter when he or she causes the death of another while engaged in criminally negligent conduct—conduct showing a reckless disregard for the safety of others.  The conduct does not necessarily have to be illegal itself.

Involuntary manslaughter is still a serious crime punishable by up to five years in prison.

Homicide crimes are vigorously investigated and prosecuted.  Therefore, if you are suspected or charged with committing any of these serious crimes, contact a homicide attorney in South Carolina immediately.

Contact South Carolina Criminal Defense Attorney Jack B. Swerling Today

If you are facing homicide charges or learn you are the subject of a homicide investigation, call our law firm 24 hours a day at 800-701-0599.  Our answering service can direct you to Jack Swerling.  You may also contact Jack Swerling online.

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  • Columbia Office
    1720 Main St
    #301
    Columbia, South Carolina 29201-2850
    Phone: (803) 765-2626
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Jack Swerling In The News >>

  • Jack Swerling, Derrick Mobley and Alissa Wilson were successful in having a Judge rule after an extensive hearing, that the defendant was immune from prosecution based on the “Stand Your Ground” law in a murder prosecution. The Judgment was handed down on March 29, 2021.
  • Jack Swerling, Gregory Harris and Alissa Wilson obtained a Not Guilty Verdict in Lexington County on March 3, 2022. An Orthopedic Surgeon was charged with Involuntary Manslaughter in the accidental shooting death of a friend.
  • “When Jack is on my docket, I tell my law clerks, ‘You do not want to miss this. You are seeing one of the greatest trial lawyers in the state’s history.'” -South Carolina Circuit Court Judge
  • Jack was selected to Super Lawyers Magazine Top Ten List for 2019. Each year Super Lawyers recognizes the top lawyers in South Carolina via a selection process involving peer evaluations, independent research and professional achievement. The South Carolina lawyers who receive the highest points during this selection process are further recognized in the South Carolina Super Lawyers Top Ten List.
  • USA v. FRANK*: In a child pornography case, Swerling was successful in obtaining a 22 level variance reducing the defendant’s sentence from 8 years to 6 months.
  • STATE v. BORIS: The defendant was found not guilty by reason of insanity in a case where the defendant was involved in a shoot-out with 3 police officers.
  • STATE v. TYGER: Jack Swerling obtains a not guilty verdict in a criminal sexual conduct case in Beaufort County.
  • Pre Trial Dispositions: STATE v. DWAYNE: Mr. Swerling successfully argued for the dismissal of stalking and unlawful use of telephone charges brought against a prominent businessman in Florence County.
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