A hate crime is defined as a criminal offense that is carried out due to an underlying prejudice or hostility towards a particular person or group of people. If the motivation for the crime was because of disability, religion, sexual orientation, or race, this could be classified as a hate crime. If a judge rules that a criminal act is a hate crime, they can impose a more severe sentence on the defendant under the Read More
Your Quick Guide to Felonies in South Carolina
Under Federal law, a felony is described as any crime whose punishment exceeds 1 year in prison. Some states, like South Carolina, have their own criminal laws and punishment that stray from federal definitions. In South Carolina, felony offenses are broken down into 6 categories, ranging from Class A to Class F. This article will discuss each felony category in South Carolina as well as examples of crimes under Read More
Furry Felonies: South Carolina’s Animal Fighting & Baiting Act
Encouraging animals to fight each other for sport has been illegal for many years, and comes with very serious penalties. Those who engage in this activity, whether as the owner of an animal, a trainer, property owner, or anyone present where the fighting occurs, can be found guilty of violating Title 16, Chapter 27 of South Carolina’s Code of Laws. This law is more commonly known as the Animal Fighting & Baiting Read More
Understanding Conspiracy Charges
Anyone without a legal background or more advanced knowledge of the law may be perplexed to learn of the existence of a criminal charge known as “conspiracy.” More than likely for most people this word evokes images of wild-eyed fanatics in tinfoil hats spouting off about the JFK assassination or the moon landing. However, unlike most conspiracy theories, criminal conspiracy charges are very real and very serious, Read More
3 Major Risks for College Students Convicted of a Crime
College students often reside in a bubble, living out their university years with little fear of reproach or understanding of the long-term consequences of their actions. These young people are at a crossroads of maturation where many are prone to making mistakes and unwise decisions, particularly under the influence of alcohol, and at the same time they are also of an age to be considered adults with regard to the Read More
