Are there any defenses available to someone charged with a violent crime?

Yes, there are a number of defenses available to someone charged with a violent crime in South Carolina. These defenses rely on circumstantial evidence, and may be used to dispute the charges brought against the defendant. One such defense is self-defense. To prove this type of defense, the accused must show that they had reasonable grounds to believe they were in imminent danger of suffering great bodily injury or death. Another common defense is insanity. This defense requires the accused to have lacked the mental capacity to understand the wrongfulness of their actions during the time the crime was committed. If successful, this defense can prevent criminal responsibility for the offense. In addition, the defendant may use the defense of diminished capacity or diminished responsibility. This defense reduces the degree of criminal culpability for a defendant who had a mental illness at the time of the crime that was not as serious as being insane. Finally, the defense of accident may be used to argue that the accused did not intend to commit the crime at all. If successful, this defense can prevent criminal responsibility. These defenses help protect the rights of those accused of a violent crime. Although each defense mentioned must be proven in court, they can be an effective way to fight a charge of a violent crime in South Carolina.

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Are there any defenses available to someone charged with a violent crime?

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