Is There a Limit on the Weapons Someone Can Own?
There is no denying that South Carolina has some of the weakest gun laws in the country. Even so, as a gun owner, it is important to understand the law to safeguard your rights. While there is no limit on the number of weapons that someone can carry in South Carolina, there are restrictions on who can carry a firearm and where they are allowed to carry a weapon. Below, our Greenville weapons charges lawyers discuss important points to know about carrying a gun in The Palmetto State.
Who Can and Cannot Carry a Weapon in SC?
With the state’s passage of the “open carry” law, gun owners are no longer required to have a permit to openly carry or concealed carry a firearm. This new law pertains to individuals 18 years of age and over. The law applies to all firearms, shotguns, and rifles used or possessed within the state borders.
However, under South Carolina law, the following groups of people are prohibited from using or having a handgun in their possession:
- Individuals convicted of a felony, violent crime, or domestic violence (with an exception made for those who are pardoned);
- Fugitives from justice;
- Habitual drunkards or drug addicts;
- Undocumented immigrants;
- Aliens under non-immigrant VISAs;
- Individuals deemed mentally incompetent by a South Carolina court;
- Individuals who are members of subversive organizations;
- Individuals who have an order of protection issued against them;
- Offenders on probation or parole;
- Individuals awaiting trial on felony charges;
- Dishonorably discharged veterans;
- Individuals deemed unfit to carry or possess a firearm by a South Carolina court; and
- Individuals under the age of 18, with an exception for those in the Armed Services, National Guard, state militia, or R.O.T.C.
Locations That Prohibit Firearms in SC
Under SC Code §16-23-20, the possession or use of a firearm is prohibited in the following places:
- Police stations and other law enforcement facilities;
- Correctional or detention facilities;
- Courthouses, courtrooms, or any place where court is held, and during the time that court is in session;
- Polling place on election day;
- Office of or business meeting of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality, or special purpose district;
- School or college athletic event unrelated to firearms;
- Daycare or preschool facility;
- Any place where the carrying of a firearm is restricted by federal law;
- Church, sanctuary, or other place of worship, unless permission is given by the appropriate church official or head of the facility;
- Hospitals, medical clinics, doctor’s offices, and other places where medical services or procedures are performed;
- Homes, apartments, or other private residences, unless you have permission from the person who lives there; and
- Any place that displays signage prohibiting the carrying of a concealed weapon.
If you are in possession of a firearm and heading to one of these locations, you should not carry the gun on your person but rather leave it in your vehicle’s glove compartment. If you are found carrying a weapon in one of these restricted places, even if the violation is unintentional, you may be potentially fined $1,000 and imprisoned for up to one year. You will have a criminal record, which will follow you for the rest of your life. These can pose significant challenges, making it difficult to find suitable employment, housing, and have access to your children.
At Ryan Beasley Law, we are prepared to fight gun charges. This may involve questioning the legality of certain evidence or advocating for a more lenient sentence, especially if you are a first-time offender. When you find yourself on the wrong side of the law, look no further than our Greenville weapons charges lawyers.
Reach Out to Our Greenville Weapons Charges Attorneys
A weapons charge should be taken seriously, with a conviction ruining your future prospects. At Ryan Beasley Law, our Greenville weapons charges lawyers understand the ramifications of weapons charges. That is why our legal team advocates so strongly for our clients. We take a personal interest in each case, not stopping until justice is served. To schedule your meeting with an attorney, contact Ryan Beasley Law online or by phone at (864) 756-4204.