WHAT EACH CHARGE CARRIES
39 charges people actually meet, each with the section it comes from, what it requires the state to show, and the most it can carry. Each South Carolina offense section sets its own penalty and says whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony, so each level here names the kind and the longest term that section allows.
39 charges
Larceny
30 DAY MISD to 10 YEAR FELONY · up to 10 years
Also searched as theft, shoplifting, petit larceny, grand larceny, stealing
Simple larceny of goods, chattels or other personal property, graded by the value of what was taken.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 daysUp to $1,000 fine | WhenWorth $2,000 or less: petit larceny |
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsIn the court's discretion fine | WhenWorth more than $2,000 but less than $10,000: grand larceny |
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 yearsIn the court's discretion fine | WhenWorth $10,000 or more: grand larceny |
Assault and battery
30 DAY MISD to 20 YEAR FELONY · up to 20 years
Also searched as assault, battery, fight, hit someone, ABHAN
Unlawfully injuring another person, or offering or attempting to with the present ability to do so, graded by the injury and the circumstances.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 daysUp to $500 fine | WhenThird degree |
| 3 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to three years | Up to 3 yearsUp to $2,500 fine | WhenSecond degree: moderate bodily injury results or could have, or nonconsensual touching of private parts |
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 yearsNone set by the section fine | WhenFirst degree: lewd touching, during a robbery, burglary, kidnapping or theft, or an attempt by means likely to produce death or great bodily injury |
| 20 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to twenty years | Up to 20 yearsNone set by the section fine | WhenHigh and aggravated nature: great bodily injury results, or by means likely to produce it |
Domestic violence
90 DAY MISD to 10 YEAR FELONY · up to 10 years
Also searched as CDV, criminal domestic violence, domestic assault
Causing physical harm or injury to one's own household member, or offering or attempting to with apparent present ability under circumstances reasonably creating fear of imminent peril.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 90 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to ninety days | Up to 90 days$1,000 to $2,500 fine | WhenThird degree |
| 3 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to three years | Up to 3 years$2,500 to $5,000 fine | WhenSecond degree: moderate bodily injury, a protection order violated, a prior conviction in ten years, or the other circumstances the section lists |
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 yearsNone set by the section fine | WhenFirst degree: great bodily injury, a firearm used, two prior convictions in ten years, or the other circumstances the section lists |
Trespass
30 DAY MISD · up to 30 days
Also searched as trespassing, refused to leave, posted land
Entering another's dwelling, business or premises after being warned not to, refusing to leave when asked, or entering land after notice posted or given.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 daysUp to $100 fine | WhenEntering land posted or noticed against entry |
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 daysUp to $200 fine | WhenEntering after a warning, or failing to leave when asked |
Public disorderly conduct
30 DAY MISD · up to 30 days
Also searched as disorderly conduct, drunk in public, public drunkenness, cursing in public
Being grossly intoxicated or disorderly in a public place, using obscene or profane language in public, or firing a gun near a public road while under the influence.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 daysUp to $100 fine | WhenAny of the three forms |
A first offender may, with the solicitor's approval, be discharged without a conviction, once.
Resisting arrest
1 YEAR MISD to 10 YEAR FELONY · up to 10 years
Also searched as resisting, assaulting an officer, opposing an officer
Knowingly and wilfully opposing or resisting an officer serving process, or resisting an arrest by someone the person knows or reasonably should know is an officer.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 1 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to one year | Up to 1 year$500 to $1,000 fine | WhenResisting |
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 years$1,000 to $10,000 fine | WhenAssaulting, beating or wounding the officer while resisting |
Failure to stop for a blue light
3 YEAR MISD to 30 YEAR FELONY · up to 30 years
Also searched as fleeing, evading, running from police, high speed chase
Failing to stop, absent mitigating circumstances, when signaled by a law enforcement vehicle's siren or flashing light.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 3 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to three years | Up to 3 yearsAt least $500 fine | WhenFirst offense, no great bodily injury or death |
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 yearsNone set by the section fine | WhenSecond or later offense, or leading a high-speed pursuit |
| 15 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to fifteen years | Up to 15 yearsNone set by the section fine | WhenGreat bodily injury results |
| 30 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to thirty years | Up to 30 yearsNone set by the section fine | WhenDeath results |
Unlawful carrying of a handgun
1 YEAR MISD to 5 YEAR FELONY · up to 5 years
Also searched as carrying where prohibited, gun in courthouse, gun at polling place
Carrying a handgun about the person, concealed or not, permit or not, into one of the places the carrying section lists.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 1 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to one year | Up to 1 yearUp to $1,000 fine | WhenFirst offense |
| 3 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to three years | Up to 3 yearsNone set by the section fine | WhenSecond offense |
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsNone set by the section fine | WhenThird or later offense |
Carrying past a posted sign is charged only as a trespass after warning.
Possession of a firearm after a conviction
5 YEAR FELONY to 30 YEAR FELONY · up to 30 years
Also searched as felon in possession, convicted person with a gun
Possessing a firearm or ammunition after a conviction for a crime punishable by more than one year, apart from the offenses the section leaves out.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsNone set by the section fine | WhenFirst offense |
| 20 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to twenty years | Up to 20 yearsNone set by the section fine | WhenSecond offense: a mandatory minimum of five years |
| 30 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to thirty years | Up to 30 yearsNone set by the section fine | WhenThird or later offense: a mandatory minimum of ten years |
Selling or delivering a handgun to a prohibited person
5 YEAR FELONY · up to 5 years
Also searched as giving a gun to a minor, straw sale, handgun to felon
Knowingly selling, delivering, leasing or exchanging a handgun to a person the section lists, or such a person possessing one, or possessing a stolen handgun.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsUp to $2,000 fine | WhenAny violation of the article other than the carrying section |
Pointing a firearm
5 YEAR FELONY · up to 5 years
Also searched as brandishing, pointed a gun
Presenting or pointing a loaded or unloaded firearm at another person, apart from self defense and theatrical performances.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsIn the court's discretion fine | WhenAny pointing |
Firearm on school property or in a public building
5 YEAR FELONY · up to 5 years
Also searched as gun at school, gun on campus
Possessing a firearm on school or college property or in a publicly owned building without permission, apart from one secured in a vehicle on school property.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsUp to $5,000 fine | WhenAny violation |
Carrying a weapon on school property
5 YEAR FELONY · up to 5 years
Also searched as knife at school, blade over two inches
Carrying on elementary or secondary school property a knife with a blade over two inches, a blackjack, a metal pipe, a firearm or another weapon, apart from one secured in a vehicle.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsUp to $1,000 fine | WhenAny violation |
Carrying a firearm into a business serving alcohol
2 YEAR MISD · up to 2 years
Also searched as gun in a bar, gun in a restaurant
Knowingly carrying a firearm into a business that sells alcohol for consumption on the premises, apart from a lawful carrier who does not drink there.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 2 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to two years | Up to 2 yearsUp to $2,000 fine | WhenAny violation |
A permit holder who violates it loses the permit for five years.
Riot
2 YEAR MISD to 5 YEAR FELONY · up to 5 years
Also searched as rioting, inciting a riot
Participating in a riot, by being present, or by instigating, promoting or aiding it.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 2 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to two years | Up to 2 yearsUp to $250 fine | WhenAny participation not covered by the other levels |
| 2 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to two years | Up to 2 yearsUp to $500 fine | WhenUrging others present to force or violence |
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsUp to $1,000 fine | WhenTo resist a law or obstruct an officer, or while armed or disguised |
Voyeurism
3 YEAR MISD to 10 YEAR FELONY · up to 10 years
Also searched as peeping, secret recording, hidden camera
Knowingly viewing, photographing, recording or filming a person without their knowledge and consent in a place where they would expect privacy, for sexual gratification.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 3 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to three years | Up to 3 yearsUp to $500 fine | WhenFirst offense |
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 years$500 to $5,000 fine | WhenSecond or later offense |
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 years$500 to $5,000 fine | WhenAggravated voyeurism: selling or distributing such a recording |
Unlawful interception of a communication
5 YEAR FELONY · up to 5 years
Also searched as wiretapping, recording a call without consent
Intentionally intercepting a wire, oral or electronic communication without being a party or having a party's prior consent, or disclosing or using one known to be intercepted unlawfully.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsUp to $5,000 fine | WhenOrdinarily |
Possession of marijuana
30 DAY MISD to 1 YEAR MISD · up to 1 year
Also searched as weed, simple possession, pot
Knowingly or intentionally possessing twenty-eight grams or one ounce or less of marijuana, or ten grams or less of hashish.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 days$100 to $200 fine | WhenFirst offense |
| 1 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to one year | Up to 1 year$200 to $1,000 fine | WhenSecond or later offense |
More than one ounce is prima facie possession with intent to distribute.
Possession of a controlled substance
6 MONTH MISD to 10 YEAR FELONY · up to 10 years
Also searched as drug possession, pills without a prescription
Knowingly or intentionally possessing a controlled substance not obtained from a practitioner or under a valid prescription.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $1,000 fine | WhenA substance in Schedules I to V not named elsewhere, first offense |
| 1 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to one year | Up to 1 yearUp to $2,000 fine | WhenThe same, second or later offense |
| 3 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to three years | Up to 3 yearsUp to $5,000 fine | WhenCocaine, first offense |
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsUp to $7,500 fine | WhenCocaine, second offense |
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 yearsUp to $12,500 fine | WhenCocaine, third or later offense |
Leaving the scene of a crash
1 YEAR MISD to 25 YEAR FELONY · up to 25 years
Also searched as hit and run, failure to stop after an accident
Failing to stop and remain at the scene of a crash, or to give information and render aid, as the crash sections require.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 1 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to one year | Up to 1 year$100 to $5,000 fine | WhenDamage to an attended vehicle only |
| 1 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to one year | Up to 1 year$100 to $5,000 fine | WhenInjury, but no great bodily injury or death: thirty days to one year |
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 years$5,000 to $10,000 fine | WhenGreat bodily injury: thirty days to ten years |
| 25 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to twenty-five years | Up to 25 years$10,000 to $25,000 fine | WhenDeath: one to twenty-five years |
Driving under suspension
30 DAY MISD to 90 DAY MISD · up to 90 days
Also searched as DUS, driving on a suspended license, driving while revoked
Driving a motor vehicle on a public highway while the license to drive is canceled, suspended or revoked.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 days$300 fine | WhenFirst offense |
| 60 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to sixty days | Up to 60 days$600 fine | WhenSecond offense |
| 90 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to ninety days | Up to 90 days$1,000 fine | WhenThird or later offense, in jail or home detention |
Driving an uninsured vehicle
30 DAY MISD to 6 MONTH MISD · up to 6 months
Also searched as no insurance, uninsured motorist
Owning an uninsured vehicle and driving or allowing it to be driven, or knowingly driving someone else's uninsured vehicle.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 days$100 to $200 fine | WhenFirst offense |
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 days$200 fine | WhenSecond offense |
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsNone set by the section fine | WhenThird or later offense: at least forty-five days |
Reckless driving
30 DAY MISD · up to 30 days
Also searched as careless driving, driving dangerously
Driving any vehicle in a way that indicates a wilful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 days$25 to $200 fine | WhenAny offense |
A second offense within five years brings a three month suspension.
Passing a stopped school bus
30 DAY MISD to 5 YEAR FELONY · up to 5 years
Also searched as school bus violation, ran the stop arm
Passing a school bus stopped with its flashing red lights operating, or overtaking one with its amber signals on.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 daysAt least $500 fine | WhenFirst offense |
| 60 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to sixty days | Up to 60 days$2,000 to $5,000 fine | WhenSecond or later offense: thirty to sixty days |
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 years$10,000 to $25,000 fine | WhenDeath of a pedestrian results: one to five years |
Open container
30 DAY MISD · up to 30 days
Also searched as open beer in the car, open liquor
Having beer or wine in an open container in a vehicle on a public highway outside the trunk, or carrying liquor with a broken seal outside a separate compartment.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 daysUp to $100 fine | WhenEither |
Harassment
30 DAY MISD to 5 YEAR FELONY · up to 5 years
Also searched as harassing, unwanted contact, won't stop calling
A pattern of intentional, substantial and unreasonable intrusion into a targeted person's private life that serves no legitimate purpose and causes, and would cause a reasonable person, mental or emotional distress.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 daysUp to $200 fine | WhenSecond degree |
| 1 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to one year | Up to 1 yearUp to $1,000 fine | WhenSecond degree, with a prior conviction within ten years or an order in effect |
| 3 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to three years | Up to 3 yearsUp to $1,000 fine | WhenFirst degree |
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsUp to $5,000 fine | WhenFirst degree, with a prior conviction within ten years |
Stalking
5 YEAR FELONY to 15 YEAR FELONY · up to 15 years
Also searched as following someone, cyberstalking
A pattern of words or conduct that serves no legitimate purpose and is meant to cause, and causes, a reasonable fear of death, assault, bodily injury, sexual contact, kidnapping or property damage to the person or family.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsUp to $5,000 fine | WhenStalking |
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 yearsUp to $7,000 fine | WhenWith an injunction or restraining order in effect |
| 15 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to fifteen years | Up to 15 yearsUp to $10,000 fine | WhenWith a prior conviction of harassment or stalking within ten years |
Violating an order of protection
30 DAY MISD · up to 30 days
Also searched as protective order violation, breaking a restraining order
Violating a family court order of protection, which every such order states is a criminal offense or may be contempt of court.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 days$200 fine | WhenAs a criminal offense, in the order's words |
Every order also states that it may be punished as contempt of court, by up to one year and a fine of up to $1,500.
Financial identity fraud
10 YEAR FELONY · up to 10 years
Also searched as identity theft, identity fraud, using someone's social security number
Obtaining, recording or using another person's identifying information without permission to take their financial resources, defraud, or get money, property or services by false pretenses, or using it to get a job or avoid identification by police.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 yearsIn the court's discretion fine | WhenEither offense |
Hazing
12 MONTH MISD · up to 12 months
Also searched as fraternity hazing, initiation
Intentionally or recklessly doing acts with a foreseeable potential for physical harm for initiation into a student organization, knowingly assisting in it, or failing to report it promptly to the school's chief executive officer.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 12 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to twelve months | Up to 12 monthsUp to $500 fine | WhenHazing, assisting, or failing to report |
Failure to report child abuse
6 MONTH MISD · up to 6 months
Also searched as mandated reporter failure, not reporting abuse
A person required to report child abuse or neglect who knowingly fails to, or a person who threatens or tries to intimidate a witness.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $500 fine | WhenAny offense |
Dangerous animal violations
30 DAY MISD to 5 YEAR FELONY · up to 5 years
Also searched as dangerous dog, dog attack charge, vicious dog
Letting a dangerous animal go unconfined or unrestrained, failing to register it, or owning one that attacks and injures a domestic animal or a person.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 daysUp to $200 fine | WhenConfinement, restraint or registration, or injury to a domestic animal: first offense |
| 3 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to three years | Up to 3 yearsUp to $5,000 fine | WhenAn unprovoked attack injuring a person: first offense |
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsUp to $10,000 fine | WhenAn unprovoked attack injuring a person: later offense |
A later confinement, restraint or registration offense carries a $1,000 fine that may not be suspended.
Malicious injury to a tree, fence or house
30 DAY MISD to 10 YEAR FELONY · up to 10 years
Also searched as cutting a neighbor's tree, vandalism, damaging a fence
Wilfully and maliciously cutting, mutilating, defacing or otherwise injuring another's tree, house, outside fence or fixture, or other trespass on another's land, graded by the value of the damage.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 daysUp to $1,000 fine | WhenDamage of $2,000 or less |
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsIn the court's discretion fine | WhenMore than $2,000 but less than $10,000 |
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 yearsIn the court's discretion fine | When$10,000 or more |
Minor in possession of beer or wine
30 DAY MISD · up to 30 days
Also searched as MIP, underage drinking, underage possession
A person under twenty-one buying, trying to buy, consuming or knowingly possessing beer, wine or a similar beverage.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 days$100 to $200 fine | WhenAny offense |
A conviction also requires an approved alcohol program of at least eight hours, costing no more than $150.
Boating under the influence
30 DAY MISD to 3 YEAR MISD · up to 3 years
Also searched as BUI, drunk boating
Operating a moving motorized water device, or one under sail, while faculties are materially and appreciably impaired by alcohol, drugs or both.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 days$200 fine | WhenFirst offense: forty-eight hours to thirty days |
| 1 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to one year | Up to 1 year$2,000 to $5,000 fine | WhenSecond offense: forty-eight hours to one year |
| 3 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to three years | Up to 3 years$3,500 to $6,000 fine | WhenThird offense: sixty days to three years |
A conviction also bars operating any water device in the state for six months, one year or two years.
Fireworks in a prohibited zone
30 DAY MISD · up to 30 days
Also searched as illegal fireworks, setting off fireworks
Knowingly and wilfully discharging fireworks from, in or into a property posted as a fireworks prohibited zone.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 daysUp to $100 fine | WhenFirst offense |
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 daysUp to $200 fine | WhenSecond or later offense |
Notary misconduct
30 DAY MISD · up to 30 days
Also searched as notario fraud, fake notary
Acting as a notary without a commission, or notarizing without the person present or properly identified, or knowing the document is false.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 daysUp to $500 fine | WhenAny offense |
A notary convicted forfeits the commission and may not be commissioned again.
Illegal window tint
30 DAY MISD · up to 30 days
Also searched as tint ticket, dark windows
Owning or operating a vehicle with after-factory tint that does not meet the section's requirements.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 daysUp to $200 fine | WhenOwner or operator |
Moped violation
30 DAY MISD · up to 30 days
Also searched as scooter ticket, moped on the highway
Breaking a moped operation rule: riding off the seat, carrying too many people, leaving the right lane, riding under twenty-one without a helmet, exceeding thirty-five miles per hour, or riding on a highway posted over fifty-five.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 daysUp to $200 fine | WhenAny offense |
Every level on this page, for reference
The terms come from each offense's own section, and so do the fines, which is why every level names its own. A section can also set a minimum, which the level says where it matters.
- 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty daysUp to 30 days
- 60 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to sixty daysUp to 60 days
- 90 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to ninety daysUp to 90 days
- 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six monthsUp to 6 months
- 12 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to twelve monthsUp to 12 months
- 1 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to one yearUp to 1 year
- 2 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to two yearsUp to 2 years
- 3 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to three yearsUp to 3 years
- 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five yearsUp to 5 years
- 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten yearsUp to 10 years
- 15 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to fifteen yearsUp to 15 years
- 20 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to twenty yearsUp to 20 years
- 25 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to twenty-five yearsUp to 25 years
- 30 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to thirty yearsUp to 30 years
Words on a charging document
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
20 words
- Appearance bondA bond in a set amount with sureties the court approves, one of the conditions a court may impose when it finds release on recognizance will not assure appearance or will create unreasonable danger.
- Assault and battery of a high and aggravated natureUnlawfully injuring another person where great bodily injury results, or by means likely to produce death or great bodily injury, a felony carrying up to twenty years.
- Conditional dischargeProbation without a judgment of guilt for a first time drug possession charge, ending in dismissal of the proceedings when completed. It is not a conviction, and may happen only once for any person.
- Crime of violenceIn the handgun article, murder, manslaughter other than negligent manslaughter from a traffic accident, rape, mayhem, kidnapping, burglary, robbery, housebreaking, and the assaults the definitions list.
- Domestic violenceCausing physical harm or injury to one's own household member, or offering or attempting to with apparent present ability under circumstances reasonably creating fear of imminent peril, graded in degrees.
- Fit to stand trialHaving the capacity to understand the proceedings and to assist in one's own defense. A judge with reason to doubt it orders an examination by two designated examiners.
- ForfeitureThe loss to the state of property connected with drug offenses, such as equipment, conveyances, money and proceeds, decided by a judge on a petition from the Attorney General or the solicitor.
- Great bodily injuryBodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death, or causes serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member or organ.
- HazingIntentionally or recklessly doing acts with a foreseeable potential for physical harm for initiation into, admission to or affiliation with a student organization connected with a school, college or university.
- Moderate bodily injuryInjury involving prolonged loss of consciousness, temporary or moderate disfigurement or loss of function, a fracture or dislocation, or treatment needing regional or general anesthesia.
- Own recognizanceRelease pending trial on the person's own promise, without surety, in an amount the court sets. A person charged with a noncapital offense is released this way unless the court finds a reason the section names not to.
- Petit larcenySimple larceny of goods worth $2,000 or less, a misdemeanor tried in magistrates or municipal court.
- Pretrial interventionA solicitor's program that ends, on successful completion, in a noncriminal disposition of the charge, after which the person may ask the court to destroy the arrest records.
- Qualified interpreterA person eighteen years of age or older, not a family member of a party or witness, able to interpret simultaneously and consecutively and to sight translate documents, whom the court appoints in a criminal case for a person who does not speak or understand English well enough.
- Reckless drivingDriving any vehicle in a way that indicates a wilful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
- Resisting arrestKnowingly and wilfully opposing or resisting an officer serving process, or resisting an arrest by someone the person knows or reasonably should know is an officer.
- Restraining orderA magistrates court order against a person engaged in harassment or stalking, lasting a fixed period of not less than one year and enforceable throughout the state.
- StalkingA pattern of words or conduct that serves no legitimate purpose and is meant to cause, and causes, a reasonable fear of death, assault, bodily injury, sexual contact, kidnapping or property damage to the person or family.
- Victim impact statementA victim's written or oral statement that the court hears or reviews before sentencing. It is given to the defense only after a finding of guilt and is not admissible as evidence at trial.
- VoyeurismKnowingly viewing, photographing, recording or filming another person without their knowledge and consent, while they are in a place where they would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, to arouse or gratify sexual desire.
About this guide — maximums, not predictions. What a specific case carries turns on priors, the facts, and the court, and only a licensed South Carolina attorney can tell you what yours is. Current as of October 2026.