Legal Question in Criminal Law in South Carolina

Re: sentencing guideline for 3rd offense domestic violence

Any person who violates this section after having previously been convicted of two preious violations is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than three thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than three years, or both. In determining whether or not to suspend the imposition or execution of all or part of a sentence as provided in this section, the court must consider the nature and severity of the offense, the number of times the offender has repeated the offense, and the best interests and safety of the victim. A court may require an offender to pay for participation in a program or treatment or counseling as an appropriate term or condition for suspending the imposition or execution of all or part of a sentence.