William G. Yarborough

Can you get a criminal charge for shooting blanks in public?

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Shooting blanks means firing a gun loaded with cartridges that don’t have bullets. People often shoot blanks for simulation or entertainment purposes, such as in movies or training. However, shooting blanks can still be dangerous. These could still severely injure someone if you fire them up close. Plus, they can scare people who don’t know you’re only shooting blanks.

In South Carolina, you could get in trouble with the law for shooting blanks, depending on the circumstances and the location of the shooting.

Shooting blanks in a public place

Shooting blanks can still be considered firing a weapon, as they can produce loud noise, flash, smoke and gas. If you’re discharging a firearm within city limits, you might violate the law of unlawful discharge of a weapon. This law prohibits firing any gun in certain areas or under specific circumstances, such as:

  • Firing at or from a moving vehicle
  • Firing across a public roadway or state highway
  • Firing into or at an occupied building

Other areas that laws generally consider off limits for firing a weapon include near school grounds, government buildings, large public gatherings and large venues.

Accidental discharge

Shooting blanks in a public place can lead to problems. Even though blanks don’t have bullets, firing a gun can scare people and cause a commotion, which might get you in trouble with the law. However, there could be some defenses. If you didn’t aim the gun at anyone or anything, and it went off by accident, you might be able to use this as a defense. Accidental discharge means you didn’t mean to fire the gun and it went off because of a mechanical problem or external force.

Also, having a valid permit or license to carry a gun might help your case. However, even with a permit, you must handle the firearm responsibly and follow all the local laws to avoid facing extreme consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a lawyer?

If you have been charged with a crime, arrested, or under investigation then you need a lawyer.

When you’re charged with a crime, there may be potential penalties that you’re not aware of. But there are ways to defend against the charges, too. Your lawyer can strategize for your case. They can represent you in court and to the prosecutor, putting their expertise to work for you.

Even if the charges don’t seem significant now, they may affect you in the future. Your lawyer defends your freedom and your best interests. If you’re facing a criminal charge or police investigation, contact a criminal defense lawyer.

What steps should I take immediately to protect my rights?

If you’re arrested or charged with a crime, be polite – but don’t consent to any search. Politely say that you refuse to answer any questions. Don’t resist the law enforcement officer.

Exercise your right to remain silent. This includes law enforcement officers before and after the arrest. It also means not talking to others at the police station, your friends, extended family, and social media. The things you say can be used against you.

Ask to contact your lawyer. Then call us right away. We can represent you at your next court hearing. Save everything that you think may be relevant to the case.

How long will my case take?

Every case has a different timeline depending on the severity and facts of the case. Some criminal charges can be resolved in just a few weeks. Others can take several months.

As your lawyer, William G. Yarborough will help you balance the various factors. It can take time to build defenses and/or negotiate a favorable plea agreement. It may be worth it to wait to go to trial. Other times, it’s best to take a plea deal.

What’s right for you depends on multiple factors. Attorney Yarborough can advise you on what he thinks is your best course of action.

Will my case go to trial?

There may be non-trial options available to you. You may secure a plea bargain or a pre-trial case diversion. Sometimes, preliminary motions can result in charges being dismissed.

However, you always have the right to a trial. In a trial, the prosecutor must prove the charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt.

Most cases don’t end up going to trial. But what matters is your case. Attorney Yarborough will work with you on a personalized case plan that reflects your interests and goals.

If your case does go to trial, Attorney William G. Yarborough is prepared to aggressively defend you in court.

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