Avvo
Avvo

Statutory Violent Crimes

In everyday conversation, the phrase “violent crimes” usually refers to any crime that involves physical force and that has a victim or victims. But, there is also a statutory definition of “violent crime” under SC law.

There is often confusion over what the phrase "violent crime" means for purposes of sentencing in South Carolina - violent crimes are defined in S.C. Code § 16-1-60, Violent crimes defined, and a non-violent crime is any crime that is not listed in § 16-1-60.

To further complicate matters, “violent crime” does not necessarily mean that you cannot be paroled or must serve 85% of the sentence – no-parole and 85% crimes are separately defined in SC law.

What do each of these terms mean when it comes to sentencing and the length of time an inmate must serve? 

Parole Eligibility

A person who is convicted of a violent crime is generally eligible for parole after 1/3 of their sentence has been served, whereas a person convicted of a non-violent crime is generally eligible for parole after 1/4 of their sentence has been served, as outlined in S.C. Code § 24-21-610, Eligibility for parole.

This is a general rule only, and there are many other factors that may affect parole eligibility. A SC parole attorney can only advise you of parole eligibility after thoroughly reviewing the particular facts of your case.

No-Parole and 85% Offenses

Statutory violent crimes are not automatically no-parole or "85%" crimes, although these two classifications often overlap.

Inmates earn various "credits" which can greatly reduce the amount of time that they serve on their sentences, including work credits, education credits, and good behavior credits.

S.C. Code § 24-13-100, Definition of no parole offense, defines a no-parole offense as a Class A, B, or C felony, or any crime that is exempt from classification but punishable by a maximum term of 20 years or more.

Under S.C. Code § 24-13-150, Early release, a person convicted of a no-parole offense is not eligible for parole and cannot be released until they have served at least 85% of their sentence.

SC Statutory Crimes – Criminal Defense Attorney in Myrtle Beach, Columbia, and Lexington

Lacey Thompson is a criminal defense lawyer with offices in Columbia and Myrtle Beach, SC. She accepts only criminal defense clients, including violent crimes, criminal appeals, and post-conviction relief (PCR).

If you have been accused of a violent crime in Horry County, Richland County, or Lexington County, call the Thompson & Hiller Defense Firm now at (843) 444-6122 or contact us online to find out how we can help.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Mindi and Laura were an amazing team team in helping my son with a traffic violation. There responsiveness from answering my phone call, to being able to pay the invoice online, showing up to court and representing my son for a ticket in less than 24 hours. Not to mention successfully having the ticket dismissed. The process was explained to us clearly each step of the way. This allowed us to prepare for any possible ramifications as well being patient with any questions we may have had. Even if the ticket did not get dismissed the care and attention they showed towards my son's situation made us feel very safe in their good hands for this legal matter. N. Jones
★★★★★
I retained Lacey Thompson & Hiller, defense firm for a difficult domestic violence case. She provided a strategy that won my case. Her legal skills are great, but just as important she's a supportive attorney who truly cares and her advice was spot on. I'll always be thankful. Besides Lacey, all the staff that I worked with at Thompson & Hiller firm were terrific: competent, professional, and personable. I recommend Lacey Thompson to everybody who needs a defense attorney. Anonymous
★★★★★
Attorney Laura Hiller, assisted me in 2013 by representing my daughter who at the time was only (14) years old in a juvenile criminal case being tried as an adult. The State charged her with murder. The claims at the time were completely shocking to myself and my daughter at the time and I wasn't sure what to do or who I needed to assist me with this. That's when I met Laura, who in all honesty kept me sane and hopeful through the entire process. She was so thorough when it came to gathering all information from all parties involved, aggressive when stepping into the courtroom, and behind the scenes. Most importantly though she was invested in proving my daughters innocence and I will forever be grateful for her and her work. My daughter's case was dismissed! Definitely who you want in your corner, whether the case is big or small. L.P.M.