What is a “Violent Crime" Crime in SC?

By the dictionary definition and common understanding of the word “violent,” most people would say a “violent crime” involves a crime where someone deliberately injures or kills someone (or attempts to do the same). However, the SC Code also has a “classification” of violent or non-violent—that is, the word “violent,” when used as a statutory classification, carries its own special legal meaning. Whether a crime is “violent” or not may affect parole eligibility, how much of one’s sentence they serve in prison, and the security level of the facility where a person serves time.

What is an 85%, No-Parole Offense in SC?

85% and no-parole crimes and violent crimes are not always the same, although most violent crimes are also 85% and no-parole. In most cases, inmates can earn work credits, education credits, and good behavior credits that can greatly reduce the amount of time that they serve in prison – but not for 85%, no-parole offenses.

SC Code Section 24-13-150 says that a person convicted of a crime that is a no-parole offense must serve at least 85% of their sentence before they can be released. 

SC Code Section 24-13-100 defines no-parole offenses as Class A, B, or C felonies or offenses that carry a potential sentence of 20 years or more.

SC Violent Crimes Defense in Greenville

If you have been charged with any type of violent crime in the Greenville or Upstate SC area, do not delay – call the attorneys at Watson Fowler NOW at (864) 467-0380 or fill out our online contact form to set up a free consultation about your case.