Domestic violence charges in South Carolina are divided into several degrees, each carrying its own set of fines, penalties, and potential jail time.
Whether it’s Domestic Violence 3rd Degree, 2nd Degree, 1st Degree, or Domestic Violence of a High and Aggravated Nature (DVHAN), a conviction can seriously impact your life.
At Coastal Law, our criminal defense attorneys in Myrtle Beach defend clients facing all levels of domestic violence charges.
Here’s what you need to know about the fines, penalties, and jail time for DV charges in South Carolina.
South Carolina Domestic Violence Laws
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 16-25-20, domestic violence occurs when a person:
- Causes physical harm or injury to a household member, or
- Threatens harm in a way that reasonably causes fear of injury
“Household members” include spouses, former spouses, people who live or used to live together, and people who share a child.
Comparison Chart:
Fines, Penalties & Jail Time for DV Charges in SC
| Charge | Classification | Fines | Jail/Prison Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| DV 3rd Degree | Misdemeanor | $1,000 – $2,500 | Up to 90 days |
| DV 2nd Degree | Misdemeanor | $2,500 – $5,000 | Up to 3 years |
| DV 1st Degree | Felony | Set by court | Up to 10 years |
| DVHAN | Felony | No minimum fine (penalties are severe) | Up to 20 years |
Fines, Penalties & Jail Time by Degree
Domestic Violence, 3rd Degree (DV 3rd)
Charge: Misdemeanor
- Applies when someone allegedly causes or threatens harm to a household member without aggravating circumstances.
Penalties:
- Fine: $1,000–$2,500
- Jail Time: Up to 90 days
Domestic Violence, 2nd Degree (DV 2nd)
Charge: Misdemeanor
- Involves aggravating factors such as:
- Moderate bodily injury
- Occurred in front of a child
- Violation of a protective order
- Prior DV conviction
Penalties:
- Fine: $2,500–$5,000
- Jail Time: Up to 3 years
Domestic Violence, 1st Degree (DV 1st)
Charge: Felony
- Applies if:
- The victim suffered great bodily injury
- The accused attempted to prevent law enforcement intervention
- Multiple aggravating factors are present
- Prior DV convictions within the past 10 years
Penalties:
- Jail Time: Up to 10 years
- Fines: Determined by the court
Domestic Violence of a High and Aggravated Nature (DVHAN)
Charge: Felony (most severe DV charge in SC)
- Applies when:
- The act shows extreme indifference to human life
- The accused used a deadly weapon
- The victim suffered serious bodily injury
Penalties:
- Jail Time: Up to 20 years
- No minimum fine set by statute, but penalties are severe
Why These Penalties Matter
The fines, penalties, and jail time for DV 1st, 2nd, 3rd degree, and DVHAN go beyond just serving time. A conviction can:
- Take away your right to own firearms
- Impact employment opportunities
- Affect custody or visitation rights
- Stay on your permanent criminal record
This is why having an experienced criminal defense attorney is critical if you’re facing any DV charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the jail time for Domestic Violence 3rd Degree in SC?
A. DV 3rd can lead to up to 90 days in jail, along with fines up to $2,500.
Q. What is the penalty for Domestic Violence 2nd Degree in SC?
A. You could face up to 3 years in prison and fines of $2,500–$5,000.
Q. Is Domestic Violence 1st Degree a felony in South Carolina?
A. Yes. DV 1st is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Q. What is the maximum penalty for DVHAN in South Carolina?
A. Domestic Violence of a High and Aggravated Nature (DVHAN) carries up to 20 years in prison.
Q. Can a DV charge be dropped in SC?
A. Only the prosecutor can decide to drop a DV charge. A lawyer can help present evidence and negotiate, but the final decision is not up to the alleged victim.
Call Coastal Law Today
If you’re facing domestic violence charges in South Carolina, you need to understand the fines, penalties, and jail time you could be up against.
At Coastal Law, our team has years of experience defending clients in Myrtle Beach and throughout Horry County.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation and let us help protect your future.
