In Need of a Defense Attorney for a Minor-Related Sex Crime Charge?
Providing Aggressive Representation in Life-Changing Criminal Cases
Sexual conduct with a minor is one of the most serious charges someone can face in South Carolina. A conviction can carry mandatory prison time, sex offender registration, and devastating long-term social consequences.
At David W. Martin Law Group, our Columbia criminal defense attorneys understand what’s at stake. We provide strategic, confidential, and experienced defense for clients accused of sexual conduct with a minor throughout Richland County and across the state.
You must act quickly if you are under investigation or have already been charged. We are here to protect your rights and ensure every legal defense is fully explored.
What is Considered Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor can fall under multiple statutes depending on the age of the parties involved, the nature of the conduct, and whether force or coercion was involved.
Some of the most common charges include:
- Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor (CSC) – Covers situations where the alleged victim is under 16, and the accused is significantly older or in a position of authority.
- Statutory Rape – Involves sexual activity with a person below the age of legal consent (16), regardless of whether the minor appeared to consent.
- Sexual Exploitation or Solicitation of a Minor – Includes attempts to coerce, entice, or engage in online sexual activity or in-person contact.
- Engaging in Sexual Battery with a Minor – Applies when there is physical sexual contact, particularly where the minor is under 11 or 16 and the accused is over 18
Even if the alleged conduct was non-violent or involved a misrepresented age, South Carolina prosecutors treat these cases extremely seriously. So do we. Contact our skilled Columbia criminal defense lawyers today to learn how we can help.
What are the Penalties for Sexual Conduct with a Minor in South Carolina?
Convictions for sexual conduct with a minor come with some of the harshest penalties in the South Carolina criminal justice system.
They may include:
- Decades or even life in prison, depending on the child’s age and degree of force involved.
- Mandatory sex offender registration for life.
- Loss of parental rights or ability to work with minors.
- Lifetime social stigma and barriers to employment, housing, and education.
- Disqualification from certain government benefits and licenses.
Judges and prosecutors often seek the maximum penalty in these cases. Our role is to build a robust defense that challenges the prosecution’s narrative and protects your future.
Common Defenses to Sexual Conduct with a Minor Charges in South Carolina
While these charges are severe, they are also highly complex and can be defensible under the correct legal strategy.
Depending on the facts, possible defenses may include:
- Mistaken identity or false accusation.
- Lack of intent or knowledge of age.
- No physical evidence to support the allegation.
- Misleading or coerced statements made by the minor or others.
- Violation of your constitutional rights during investigation or arrest.
Every case is unique. We take time to understand the full scope of what happened, because no one should be defined solely by a criminal accusation.
Why You Need a Columbia Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
Allegations involving minors trigger fast-moving investigations, often including law enforcement, schools, social services, and sometimes the media. Any statement you make can be used against you, and attempts to explain yourself can easily be misinterpreted or twisted by the prosecution. When you learn of an allegation, you must contact a skilled criminal defense attorney in Columbia.
We’ll act fast to:
- Protect yourself during questioning or investigation.
- Conduct our investigation and preserve crucial evidence.
- Work with forensic, digital, or psychological experts.
- Challenge the legal basis of the charges.
- Build a defense designed to minimize or eliminate consequences.
Your future depends on the actions you take right now. We’re ready to stand with you.
We Also Focus on the Following Criminal Defense Services in Columbia:
- Drug Crimes Defense
- DUAC Defense
- DUI Defense
- Murder & Attempted Murder Defense
- Stolen Vehicle Possession Defense
- Shoplifting Defense
- Traffic Violation Defense
- Assault & Battery Defense
- Burglary Defense
- Domestic Violence Defense
- Gun Crimes
Contact David W. Martin Law Group in Columbia Today
If you’ve been accused of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in Columbia or anywhere in South Carolina, don’t wait. The sooner you speak with our defense attorney, the better your chances of protecting your rights, reputation, and freedom.
Call us today at (803) 219-4902 to schedule a confidential consultation. We will fight for your future.
