It is against the law to discharge a firearm within the city limits of Charleston, on New Year’s Eve or any other day.
Charleston Police Chief Kirby Griffin said Monday that anyone caught shooting a firearm, even as a celebratory gesture on New Year’s Eve or New Year's Day, will be charged.
There is a zero tolerance policy for anyone discharging a firearm in the city at any time, he added.
Per city ordinance, discharging a firearm within the corporate limits is a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of up to $500 for the first violation and/or up to 90 days in jail. Conviction on a second violation basically doubles those penalties.
If the threat of arrest is not enough, consider the possibility that someone may be seriously injured or killed by a falling projectile after a gun is fired into the air. A bullet fired into the air comes down 20 to 90 seconds later, and it can harm someone as far as two miles away, experts say.
