Being charged with Unlawful Conduct Toward a Child under South Carolina Code § 63-5-70 is a serious matter. These charges can arise in a wide range of situations—and unfortunately, many times they result from misunderstandings, overreactions, or even false accusations.
At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we have over 20 years of experience defending clients in Lexington and Columbia, South Carolina, who have found themselves facing life-changing criminal allegations. We understand that being accused of mistreating a child is not only emotionally devastating, but it can also jeopardize your freedom, your job, your reputation, and your relationship with your family.
What Is Unlawful Conduct Toward a Child?
South Carolina Code § 63-5-70 makes it a felony for a parent, guardian, or other person responsible for a child’s welfare to:
Place the child at unreasonable risk of harm, or
Cause harm to the child, or
Willfully abandon the child, or
Encourage or permit someone else to commit harmful acts toward the child
The law is broad and often overlaps with other criminal charges such as child neglect, child abuse, or even domestic violence. It is not limited to physical harm—allegations of emotional abuse, drug use around a child, or failure to seek medical care can all potentially result in charges.
Conviction carries up to 10 years in prison, in addition to possible involvement with DSS (Department of Social Services), loss of custody rights, or being placed on the Central Registry of Child Abuse and Neglect. This is a felony level charge, prosecuted in the Court of General Sessions by the Solicitor's Office or Attorney General's Office.
Common Scenarios That Lead to Charges
In our experience defending clients throughout Lexington and Richland Counties, Unlawful Conduct Toward a Child charges often arise in these types of situations:
A parent disciplines a child and is accused of going too far
A child is accidentally injured, and a caregiver is blamed
A domestic dispute leads to police being called, and an officer makes an arrest "just to be safe"
An ex-spouse or co-parent makes an accusation in the context of a custody or divorce dispute
Drug or alcohol use is alleged in a home where children are present
A step-parent or other caregiver is accused of sexual conduct with a child
In many cases, the facts are far more complicated than what appears in the police report.
You Are Innocent Until Proven Guilty—And We Make Sure That Counts
Being charged with a felony under § 63-5-70 does not mean you are guilty. In South Carolina, the State has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that you acted unlawfully and that your conduct directly harmed—or put at risk of harm—a child under your care.
We approach these cases with an aggressive and strategic mindset. We review every piece of evidence: police reports, DSS records, medical records, and witness statements. When necessary, we involve private investigators, professional witnesses, or forensic professionals. We explore all options for challenging the credibility of the accusation and the legality of the police or DSS investigation.
How We Defend These Charges
Our defense strategies often include:
Challenging the credibility of the accuser, especially if there is a motive such as custody or divorce issues
Presenting evidence of responsible parenting, including school records, medical care history, and testimony from family or neighbors
Cross-examining DSS workers or police officers about assumptions, lack of evidence, or improper procedures
Negotiating for a dismissal or reduction to a non-criminal or lesser offense where appropriate
Taking the case to trial if necessary to fight for a not-guilty verdict
We understand what’s at stake—your freedom, your family, your future. Our goal is always to protect your rights and work toward the most favorable resolution possible.
Free Confidential Consultations
If you’ve been charged—or if you’re under investigation—for Unlawful Conduct Toward a Child in Lexington, Columbia, or anywhere in South Carolina, don’t wait to get legal help.
We offer free and confidential consultations with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Once we’re retained, we immediately begin preparing your defense, including filing motions, reviewing evidence, and protecting your rights during all interactions with law enforcement.
Call the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC at (803) 359-3301 to schedule your consultation.
We’re here to listen. We’re here to help. And we’re ready to fight for you.