Endangering Emergency Personnel is a serious criminal charge in South Carolina.
Law enforcement, prosecutors, and the courts take these cases very seriously, as they involve alleged threats to first responders such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). However, not every charge is justified, and misunderstandings or exaggerated claims often lead to wrongful arrests. At Chambers Law, we fight to protect your rights and challenge unfair charges.
Call 843-449-0420 today for a free consultation.
What Is Endangering Emergency Personnel?
South Carolina law criminalizes any behavior that recklessly or intentionally puts first responders at risk of harm while they are performing their duties. Charges can arise in a variety of situations, including:
- Interfering with police, EMTs, or firefighters at an emergency scene
- Reckless driving through an accident scene or emergency response area
- Failing to yield to emergency vehicles
- Obstructing or assaulting emergency personnel
- Providing false information during an emergency response
- Engaging in violent or reckless behavior that causes injury to a first responder
Because first responders are afforded special legal protections, any action that is perceived as interfering with or endangering them can quickly escalate to criminal charges.
Penalties for Endangering Emergency Personnel in South Carolina
The penalties for endangering emergency personnel depend on the severity of the alleged offense and whether injuries occurred:
- Reckless Endangerment (Misdemeanor): Up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine
- Obstruction of Emergency Personnel (Misdemeanor): Up to 90 days in jail and $500 fine
- Assaulting Emergency Personnel (Felony): Up to 10 years in prison and severe fines
- Injuring or Causing the Death of a First Responder (Felony): Up to 25 years in prison
Convictions can also lead to loss of employment opportunities, professional licenses, and permanent damage to your reputation.
Common Defenses Against Endangering Emergency Personnel Charges
At Chambers Law, we know that not every charge is justified. False accusations, misunderstandings, and overzealous policing can all lead to wrongful arrests. We fight back with strong defense strategies, including:
- Self-defense: Were you acting to protect yourself in a chaotic situation?
- False allegations: Is the charge based on exaggerated or misleading claims?
- Insufficient evidence: Can the prosecution actually prove intent or recklessness?
- Violation of rights: Were you improperly arrested or denied legal representation?
- Accidental conduct: Was this an unintended mistake rather than a criminal act?
We thoroughly investigate every case, challenge weak evidence, and fight to get charges reduced or dismissed.
Can You Expunge an Endangering Emergency Personnel Charge?
Expungement eligibility depends on the outcome of your case:
- If your charges are dismissed or you are found not guilty, you may qualify for expungement.
- For first-time misdemeanor offenses, you may be eligible for Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), which can lead to dismissal and expungement upon completion.
- Felony convictions cannot be expunged, but we fight aggressively to prevent a felony conviction from staying on your record.
How We Handle These Cases
We take an aggressive, strategic approach to defending against endangering emergency personnel charges:
- Reviewing police reports, body cam footage, and witness statements to uncover inconsistencies
- Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
- Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced or dismissed charges
- Fighting for an acquittal at trial if necessary
Our goal is always to protect your rights, minimize penalties, and secure the best possible outcome for your case.
