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This time of year, Myrtle Beach is known for long lines of Harley riders, crowds of college kids looking for parties, lovers strolling the beach … and cops looking for someone to arrest.
During last week’s Myrtle Beach Bike Week Spring Rally and the Atlantic Beach Bikefest 2018, which runs through May 28, local police got help from law enforcement officials from all over the state. And, where there are lots of police officers, there are lots of misdemeanor arrests.
If were arrested during Spring Break or the Myrtle Beach bike rallies, contact your Myrtle Beach criminal defense attorney immediately. The sooner you call us, the better chance we have of getting the charges dismissed or winning your case at trial.
WHAT ARE COMMON “BEACH” MISDEMEANOR CHARGES?
These are some of the common charges that police charge beachgoers with this time of year:
Drug Possession – Marijuana
If you are coming into town from one of the states where marijuana is legal, pay attention to this: Marijuana is illegal in South Carolina. Even a first offense for simple possession can land you in jail for up to 30 days, and the penalties for other types of drugs are worse.
Underage Drinking – Minor in Possession of Alcohol
It is illegal for anyone younger than 21 to drink, possess, or even touch an alcoholic beverage. If convicted, you could face fines and up to 30 days in jail. And don’t try to lie your way out of it – lying to police about your age can result in more fines and another 30 days in jail.
Also, if you are 21 or older, it is illegal to sell, give, or share alcohol with a minor. Doing so can result in hundreds of dollars in fines and jail time.
Public Disorderly Conduct
The law is vague about what behavior qualifies as “disorderly,” but don’t worry, the police are more than happy to make the call. You can be charged with disorderly conduct if you are:
- Drunk or acting like you’re drunk;
- Using profanity or obscene language in public or near a church or school; or
- Firing a gun in or near a public place.
The law is also vague on what qualifies as “public,” but basically it means anywhere that is not a private home.
If you were arrested for disorderly conduct or breach of peace for “talking back” to an officer or criticizing them, you may also have a civil lawsuit against the police for violating your First Amendment rights once we get your case dismissed or win it at trial…
Driving Under the Influence – DUI
If it’s your first offense and nobody got hurt, DUI is a misdemeanor. But, it will disrupt your life.
If you are convicted, you may go to jail, your license will likely be suspended, your insurance premiums will skyrocket, you may have to pay for an ignition interlock device to be installed in your car, and you could lose your job.
The DUI defense attorneys at Axelrod have years of experience getting DUI charges dismissed, negotiating re-writes to non-DUI offenses, and winning DUI trials. If you were charged with DUI, call now to maximize your chances of not having an expensive conviction that can never be expunged from your record…
GOT AXELROD?
Your criminal defense lawyer at Axelrod and Associates will help you to get your case dismissed, enter a pretrial diversion program, negotiate your charges, or try your case to a jury, depending on the circumstances.
If you’ve been charged with a crime in the Myrtle Beach area, call Axelrod and Associates now at 843-353-3449 or send us a message online for a free consultation to find out how we can help.
