Myrtle Beach CCMF - Common Offenses

From June 8th to June 11th, Myrtle Beach will host the 2023 Carolina Country Music Festival. This year’s lineup will include Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, Bret Michaels, and many more stars of stage. This year, like each before, will be something special for the Grand Strand. 

Unfortunately, however, the festival coincides with the rise in specific criminal charges during the tourist season. The most common offenses include Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Open Container, Resisting Arrest, Unlawful Carry and Public Intoxication/Disorderly Conduct. 

 

Minor in Possession of Alcohol / Open Container

 

These two charges often go together and are two of the most common charges we see during CCMF. Both are misdemeanor offenses that carry up to 30 days and a fine, however there are many ways to resolve these charges without leaving Myrtle Beach with a criminal record. You will need to call our office for a case evaluation and to go over what potential options might be available to you based on your specific case.

Resisting Arrest

As defined by the South Carolina legislature, Resisting Arrest is the intentional and knowing attempt to avoid arrest by a person known to be a law enforcement officer. 

 

If convicted of Resisting Arrest without violence, this is a misdemeanor whose penalties can include a maximum jail term of one year and/or a fine of up to $1,000. If resisting arrest with violence (that is, harming the officer), this becomes a felony and is punishable by a 10-year prison sentence. 

 

There are also municipal level resisting arrest charges depending on what agency is making the charge. If charged in municipal court then the offense carries up to 30 days and a fine.

Unlawful Carry 

Unlawful Carry under South Carolina law is defined as carrying a firearm “about” your person or improperly stored in an occupied vehicle without a Concealed Weapon Permit recognized by the State of South Carolina. This offense is a misdemeanor that carries up to 1 year in prison. SC law requires that individuals carry a concealable weapons permit (CWP) before carrying a handgun in a public place. However, there are restrictions on where you can carry even with a CWP and you should never carry while consuming alcohol. Read more by searching statute SC SECTION 16-23-20 or call one of our attorneys.

 

Penalty: Up to 1 year in prison, $2,000 fine, or both. 

Disorderly Conduct and Public Intoxication

Disorderly Conduct and Public Intoxication charges often go hand in hand. People come to Myrtle Beach looking for a good time and unfortunately the sun, alcohol, and unfamiliar surroundings lead to people from every walk of life being charged with alcohol related offenses.

These charges are heard in magistrates and municipal courts and often times there is a way to resolve the charge without a criminal conviction. Your case specific facts will shed light on what options might be available, so if you are charged please call one of our attorneys for a consultation so that you can better understand your options.

 

Definition: In a previous post, we discussed Disorderly Conduct in detail. As a refresher, here are some facts about this charge: 

  • Disorderly Conduct is a misdemeanor offense carrying either a fine or up to 30 days in jail.

  • If convicted, it will remain on your criminal record for at least 3 years. 

  • Disorderly Conduct is eligible for expungement if other factors are met, such as no criminal convictions in the three years preceding the underlying conviction date.

 

Let Us Help

With this year’s lineup, it’s no wonder the CCMF keeps thousands flocking to the Grand Strand each year. But don’t get lost in the moment and risk tarnishing your criminal record. If you’ve been charged with Resisting Arrest, Unlawful Carry, or Disorderly Conduct, you can rely on the Law Firm of Grooms & Thomas. 

 

Combined, we have 24 years of experience in Criminal Law & Civil Litigation, and we’re here to help defend you. Call us at 843-444-5702 to learn more today. 

 

Please Note:

This article is meant to be informative, explain the charges, and clarify particular court processes. However, you should not rely on this article to determine what will happen in specific cases. Each case is different, and many factors often determine the outcome of any criminal case. 

 

If you are seeking case-specific advice, contact our office for a free case evaluation with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys.

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