Columbia Sex Crime Defense Attorneys
Aggressive defense against sexual assault and conduct charges in Columbia, South Carolina
Defending against sex offense charges requires a great deal of skill, determination, and strategy. Even though you are innocent until proven guilty, you will face an uphill battle in the court of public opinion. Your lawyer should focus on protecting your interests, not parading you in front of a media circus.
At The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. in Columbia, South Carolina, our devotion is solely to your best interests. We do not give in to pressure from the media. Instead, we will work hard to help you build a strong case in the venue it matters most — the courtroom.
Proven advocate with experience as a defense attorney and prosecutor
Accusations of sex crimes have a life-shattering impact on the accused. You could face years or decades in prison. What's more, the strong social stigma that accompanies the label "sex offender" could follow you for the rest of your life, including – if convicted – the requirement of registering on the public sex offender registry.
We know how to manage the many layers of consequences that accompany a sex offense charge. At our firm, you will find an ideal combination of experience, dedication, and zealous, cutting-edge advocacy. We don’t shy away from challenging cases, and our attorney handles sex crime defense with the tireless determination it takes to secure a favorable outcome.
Are you a college student accused of date rape, sexual assault, or other types of sex crimes? Your liberty is not the only thing on the line. You will likely also face disciplinary proceedings through your university. We offer comprehensive legal guidance addressing all aspects of the charges. Turn to our firm for trusted legal representation regarding any state or federal charge.
Attorney Hough can consult with you about your particular situation and craft a strategic defense on your behalf.
“Remember, an arrest is not a conviction.” - Attorney Hough
Types of sex crimes
The state of South Carolina outlines a variety of illegal sexual acts, behaviors, and activities. These criminal offenses range in severity from acts like indecent exposure to extremely serious offenses like rape and sexual assault. Other types of sex crimes our firm handle include:
- Assault with intent to commit a sexual act
- Criminal sexual conduct (CSC)
- Date rape
- Lewd conduct
- Prostitution
- Sexual assault
- Solicitation
- Statutory rape
Sex crimes and offenses can vary widely in terms of severity, so potential penalties for conviction can range from misdemeanors with a maximum of a few years in jail – all the way up to serious felony charges that could result in 30 years in prison. It’s essential to have an experienced attorney on your side for any type of sex-related crime, however, to avoid lifelong penalties like ending up on the sex offender registry.
What is the South Carolina sex offender registry?
There’s another heavy consequence that comes with a sex crime conviction – the requirement to register as a sex offender in the state of South Carolina. The sex offender registry is available to the general public and allows them access to information regarding sex offenders in their area. This can make it difficult for convicted sex offenders to find employment, housing, or enroll in classes. The sex offender registry is requirement for life.
Criminal charges take a toll on all aspects of your life. We offer big picture guidance to get you back on track.
Can I be charged with statutory rape if it was consensual?
Yes. Here in SC, if you’re older than 16 and engage in intercourse with an individual under the age of 16, you can be arrested and charged with statutory rape – even if the other party consented. Statutory rape laws and charges can be extremely complex. We understand them and use our knowledge to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom.
The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. also aggressively defends clients against other criminal charges, including assault, arson, kidnapping, and charges against college students. We also handle drunk driving defense.
How can a sex crimes defense lawyer help me?
It’s vital to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after you’re arrested, or as soon as you know you’re under investigation, for a sex offense. However, not all criminal defense attorneys are created equal. You need an attorney dedicated to your defense, who understands your needs and has a thorough understanding of the law. At The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A., we provide unique representation to our clients.
- We are a local team. When you need a defense team on your side, every advantage counts. Attorney Hough grew up in this area, and is familiar with the intricacies of the law and of our justice system. This makes him a valuable asset to you when you are facing criminal charges.
- We focus on criminal defense. Our firm emphasizes criminal defense, and Attorney Hough’s 25+ years of experience gives him a deep and thorough understanding of the law from both sides, allowing him to build a strong defense on your behalf – working to avoid the severe penalties a sex crime conviction can bring.
- We explore every option available. We thoroughly review the circumstances of your charges and arrest, ensuring your rights were not violated and that law enforcement acted properly. We perform our own investigation, combating issues like false charges or extortion. We work and negotiate with prosecutors to either minimize the charges against you or have them dropped altogether. Our goal is for the best possible resolution to your case.
In today’s world, just being charged with a sex crime can stigmatize you for a very long time. A conviction can give you a permanent criminal record and a mandatory listing on the public sex offender registry. This collateral consequence can stay with you for the rest of your life, affecting your ability to work, live, own a firearm, and even travel to certain places, per International Megan’s Law. Don’t take a chance with your future – get trusted legal help on your side today.
Strategic criminal defense when you’re facing sex crime charges in Columbia or Charleston
As a former prosecutor, lawyer A. Randolph "Randy" Hough understands the nuances of sex crime charges. He has more than two decades of criminal law experience. If you want an attorney with a commitment to winning, you’ve come to the right place. To schedule a free consultation with The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. in Columbia or Charleston, please call 803-771-4119 or fill out our contact form.