A Night Out Shouldn’t Ruin Your Future.
If you’ve been charged with public intoxication or disorderly conduct in South Carolina, the consequences can go far beyond a hangover. These misdemeanor charges can carry fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record—even if it’s your first offense.
Call 843-449-0420 today for a free consultation.
Understanding the Charges: What You’re Really Facing
South Carolina law gives police broad discretion when making arrests for public behavior. Unfortunately, that means a simple misunderstanding or isolated moment can result in serious charges.
Public Intoxication
While being drunk in public isn’t automatically a crime in South Carolina, you can be charged if an officer believes you are:
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Visibly impaired (e.g., stumbling, slurred speech)
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Causing a public disturbance (e.g., yelling, arguing, erratic behavior)
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Endangering yourself or others (e.g., walking into traffic)
Because this charge is subjective, there is often room to challenge it in court.
Disorderly Conduct
This is often used as a “catch-all” charge for disruptive or offensive behavior in public. Under South Carolina law, disorderly conduct includes:
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Public intoxication
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Use of obscene/profane language in public or near schools/churches
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Fighting or physical altercations
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Loud, threatening, or aggressive behavior
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Firing a gun within 50 yards of a public road while intoxicated
Officers frequently use this charge when they feel someone is behaving improperly—but it doesn’t always hold up in court.
Penalties for Public Intoxication & Disorderly Conduct
Both offenses are misdemeanors, which can lead to:
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Fines up to $100
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Up to 30 days in jail
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A permanent criminal record
Even if the fine seems small, a conviction can impact your employment, housing, professional licensing, and more.
We Fight These charges with Strategy and Strength
At Chambers Law, we’ve defended countless clients against vague or exaggerated public behavior charges. Our legal team builds a defense around the specific facts of your case, including:
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Lack of evidence – No proof you were actually intoxicated or disruptive?
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Dashcam/bodycam review – Did your behavior really warrant an arrest?
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Violation of rights – Were sobriety tests conducted properly? Was the arrest lawful?
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Protected speech – Was your language or expression constitutionally protected?
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No probable cause – If the officer lacked a legal reason to arrest you, we’ll fight to have the case dismissed.
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De-escalation gone wrong – Were you compliant but still arrested due to miscommunication or profiling?
We’ll work to have your charges dismissed, reduced, or diverted through a program that keeps your record clean.
Alternatives to Conviction: Keep it Off Your Record
For first-time offenders, there are often alternatives to jail or conviction:
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Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) – Community service or classes in exchange for dropped charges
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Alcohol education programs – A second chance without criminal penalties
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Conditional discharge – Probation-based dismissal for eligible defendants
We’ll guide you toward the best option for your case.
Can These Charges be Expunged?
Yes—expungement is often possible if:
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Your charges were dismissed
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You were found not guilty
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You successfully completed PTI or a similar program
We’ll help you determine your eligibility and file the necessary paperwork to clear your record.
