2013 South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 16 - Crimes and Offenses
CHAPTER 25 - CRIMINAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
SECTION 16-25-125. Trespass upon grounds or structure of domestic violence shelter; penalty; notice.
(A) For purposes of this section:
(1) "Domestic violence shelter" means a facility whose purpose is to serve as a shelter to receive and house persons who are victims of criminal domestic violence and that provides services as a shelter.
(2) "Grounds" means the real property of the parcel of land upon which a domestic violence shelter or a domestic violence shelter's administrative offices are located, whether fenced or unfenced.
(3) "Household member" means a household member as defined in Section 16-25-10.
(B) It is unlawful for a person who has been charged with or convicted of a violation of Section 16-25-20 or Section 16-25-65, who is subject to an order of protection issued pursuant to Chapter 4 of Title 20, or who is subject to a restraining order issued pursuant to Article 17, Chapter 3 of Title 16, to enter or remain upon the grounds or structure of a domestic violence shelter in which the person's household member resides or the domestic violence shelter's administrative offices.
(C) The domestic violence shelter must post signs at conspicuous places on the grounds of the domestic violence shelter and the domestic violence shelter's administrative offices which, at a minimum, read substantially as follows:
"NO TRESPASSING
VIOLATORS WILL BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PENALTIES".
(D) This section does not apply if the person has legitimate business or any authorization, license, or invitation to enter or remain upon the grounds or structure of the domestic violence shelter or the domestic violence shelter's administrative offices.
(E) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than three thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than three years, or both. If the person is in possession of a dangerous weapon at the time of the violation, the person is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both.
HISTORY: 2008 Act No. 319, Section 1, eff June 11, 2008.
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