Myrtle Beach Disorderly Conduct Lawyer

Myrtle Beach Disorderly Conduct Attorney

Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular vacation destinations on the East Coast, but the city has earned an unfortunate reputation for crime. One of the most commonly reported criminal offenses in the Myrtle Beach area is disorderly conduct, which is often misunderstood. If you have been charged with this offense, it is crucial to hire a Myrtle Beach disorderly conduct lawyer you trust to help you resolve your criminal defense case.

Experienced Criminal Defense Counsel for Disorderly Conduct Charges in Myrtle Beach, SC

The team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., provides client-focused defense representation for many types of cases in Myrtle Beach, and we have defended many past clients who have been charged with disorderly conduct. The first steps you take following an arrest for any crime are crucial. It’s vital to know your rights and hire a disorderly conduct lawyer you trust to help you reach a positive outcome in your case.

According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), there were 8,643 arrests throughout the state for disorderly conduct in 2022 and 8,350 arrests for disorderly conduct in 2023, a 3.4% decrease. In Horry County, there were 1,561 arrests for disorderly conduct in 2023. The general definition of disorderly conduct is any behavior that tends to disturb the public peace or shock the public sense of morality.

A few of the most commonly cited examples of disorderly conduct that can lead to arrest in Myrtle Beach include: 

• Engaging in any type of public altercation, such as a fistfight in public. This behavior could also potentially lead to assault and battery charges unless you were forced to act in self-defense.
• Disruptive behavior, such as yelling, playing loud music, or engaging in any behavior intended to annoy or disturb others.
• Excessive use of vulgar or profane language in public. If this behavior includes any type of threat, an individual can face assault charges as well. South Carolina has also adopted a hate intimidation ordinance, which increases penalties for any offenses motivated by a discriminatory bias.
• Public intoxication. While public intoxication is a separate charge, it is possible for an individual to be charged with disorderly conduct if their intoxication creates any type of public disturbance.
• Threatening behavior. Anything that causes alarm or fear in others could qualify as disorderly conduct.

If you have been arrested for any type of disorderly conduct, it is crucial to know your rights while you are in police custody. First, you have the right to remain silent, so you should comply with the instructions of the arresting officers but say nothing until you can speak with an attorney. Second, you have the right to legal counsel, so you need to hire a disorderly conduct lawyer at your first opportunity.

Defending Against Disorderly Conduct Charges in Myrtle Beach

Disorderly conduct is typically charged as a misdemeanor, but this does not mean you should assume this is a minor issue that you can handle on your own. You could face various penalties, but the right attorney may be able to help you avoid conviction or at least minimize your sentence.

In every criminal case, the prosecution must prove that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a high standard of proof, and your Myrtle Beach disorderly conduct attorney can help you determine which defenses are available to you that may help you avoid the harshest penalties that might be assigned to you. It’s also possible for your attorney to help you prove that the incident resulted from extenuating circumstances.

Ultimately, you need to hire a disorderly conduct lawyer at your first opportunity after your arrest to have the greatest chance of reaching a positive outcome in your case. The team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., has the skills and experience you need on your side in this situation, so reach out to our firm right away so we can begin building your defense.

FAQs About Myrtle Beach, SC Disorderly Conduct Laws

What Are the Penalties for Disorderly Conduct in South Carolina?

The penalties for disorderly conduct in South Carolina can include fines and jail time, and the defendant may also owe civil damages to others affected by their behavior. Additionally, they may have been charged with additional offenses, and their sentence may increase significantly. Your Myrtle Beach disorderly conduct lawyer is an invaluable asset for helping you minimize the penalties that might be assigned to you if you are convicted.

How Do I Avoid Jail Time for Disorderly Conduct?

It is possible to avoid jail time for disorderly conduct under certain conditions. Many judges are willing to consider alternatives to jail time for first offenders or if there are any special circumstances that caused the defendant to act in the manner they did when they otherwise would not have. Your Myrtle Beach disorderly conduct lawyer may be able to argue for you for a lighter sentence or negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution.

Does Disorderly Conduct Stay on Your Criminal Record?

Yes, disorderly conduct stays on your criminal record. Just because this may seem like a minor offense does not mean the record of your conviction will not interfere with your life in the future. A record of disorderly conduct could negatively impact future job opportunities and create many other problems.

Why Should I Hire a Disorderly Conduct Lawyer?

You should hire a disorderly conduct lawyer because it is crucial to take full advantage of your constitutional right to legal representation when you are charged with any crime. The right attorney may be able to help you avoid conviction by proving your innocence, but if you did commit the offense, they may still be able to help you secure a lighter sentence than you might otherwise face.

The team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., has years of experience providing effective criminal defense counsel to clients in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas of South Carolina. We can help you determine the strongest available defenses and will do everything we can to help you reach a positive conclusion to your case. If you are ready to hire a disorderly conduct lawyer to help you, contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team.