Harassment means a pattern of intentional or repeated intrusion into the private life of a particular person that causes that person to be concerned, distressed or annoyed.  There are two types of harassment under South Carolina law, first degree harassment and second degree harassment.  Most of these offenses are misdemeanors, but a second offense of first degree harassment is a felony. 

Second degree harassment occurs when a person harasses someone through verbal, written, or electronic means. The penalty for a first-time offender is a fine of up to $200 and up to 30 days in jail.  For a second offense, or if there is a restraining order against the harasser, the penalty jumps to 1 year in prison and $1,000 in fines. 

First degree harassment can occur in 4 different ways: (1) when the victim has told the harasser that the contact is unwanted; (2) when the harasser follows the targeted person from place to place; (3) when the harasser maintains surveillance of places that the targeted person usually spends time; and (4) vandalism and property damage.  The penalty for a first time offender is up to 3 years in prison and a $1,000 fine.  If there was a restraining order in place, the fine jumps to $2,000.  For a second offense, the penalty increases to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines. 

S.C. Code Sections 16-3-1700, 16-3-1710, and 16-3-1720.