William G. Yarborough

Places where firearms are prohibited and the risks of violations

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In South Carolina, owning a gun comes with responsibilities and restrictions. While the state allows lawful owners to carry guns, there are specific locations where carrying a firearm, concealed or not, is not allowed. Failure to follow these rules can lead to severe consequences. These can include fines, imprisonment and the revocation of the permit.

Locations where you cannot carry firearms

Under South Carolina law, there are several locations where carrying a firearm is illegal. These include:

  • Law enforcement and correctional facilities: This includes all detention facilities.
  • Courthouses and courtrooms: Carrying a firearm here can disrupt the peace and order that these places require.
  • Polling places on election days: This rule ensures the safety and neutrality of election sites.
  • Government offices and meetings: This includes offices or business meetings of any county governing body, public school district and other municipalities.
  • Schools and college athletic events: This applies at athletic events unrelated to firearms.
  • Day care and preschools: These places house vulnerable populations and thus necessitate extra safety measures.
  • Places restricted by federal law: This refers to any location where federal law prohibits the carrying of firearms.
  • Religious sanctuaries: Without permission from church officials, it is illegal to bring firearms to churches or similar places.
  • Medical facilities: This category includes hospitals or other facilities where medical procedures occur. In these places, you need authorization from the employer to carry firearms.

Additionally, you cannot carry a weapon in places with a sign that says “No concealable weapons allowed.” This extends to places with signs saying anything similar that prohibits such action.

Violations can lead to penalties or revocations

Violating these firearm restrictions could result in severe consequences. If you willingly disregard these rules, you may find yourself charged with a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, you could face a fine of no less than $1,000, imprisonment for up to one year or both. Plus, this could lead to the revocation of your firearm permit for five years. South Carolina protects your right to carry a firearm. However, as a permitted gun owner, it’s important to understand and respect the rules that come with it. Knowing the locations where carrying is illegal is crucial. It not only ensures community safety and peace but also helps you avoid potential legal complications.

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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