Dorchester County sheriff calls for harsher penalties for firing into homes, vehicles

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – Dorchester County Sheriff Sam Richardson is calling on state lawmakers to pass legislation that would enhance the penalties for shooting into homes, businesses, and vehicles.

Richardson testified before the House Judiciary Criminal Laws Subcommittee on Wednesday in support of H.3650, a bill that would categorize the offense as a violent crime and stiffen penalties.

Any person who “knowingly and intentionally” discharges a firearm into a regularly occupied space would be charged with a felony and face up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. The penalty would increase if a victim were struck, injured, or killed.  

“It’s something that we need to have,” Richardson told the committee, noting that the department has seen an increase in these situations, especially among young people.

“For example, if one group has an issue with another, we’ve also seen statistically that they have no problem coming by the residence of an individual and not caring or knowing who’s in there and firing on that residence,” he continued.

Mark Keel, chief of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, called the change “desperately needed,” pointing to the relatively low conviction rate over the past five years.

According to Keel, there were 1,471 charges for discharging a firearm into a dwelling filed between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 509 convictions. The rate was slightly higher for vehicle-related charges during the same period but still below 50%.

“We obviously believe that increased, enhanced penalties here would be very beneficial to us in trying to stem the tide of violence in South Carolina,” Keel said.

The subcommittee voted unanimously to advance the bill to the full Judiciary committee.

“As a former prosecutor and now defense attorney, I’m always surprised that this charge and the elements you have to suffice to be accused of this was not statutorily violent,” said state Rep. Seth Rose (D-Richland).

Richardson applauded the action in a statement Wednesday, urging its swift passage.  

“As Sheriff, protecting the citizens of Dorchester County is my top priority, and I will continue to advocate for stronger penalties for violent criminals who seek to harm the quality of life of the people I am sworn to protect,” Richardson said.