Myrtle Beach Mental Health Diversion Programs
If you or a loved one was arrested in Myrtle Beach during a mental health crisis, South Carolina law may allow the case to be diverted into treatment instead of traditional prosecution. Myrtle Beach cases are generally handled in Horry County courts — this guide explains how diversion works there, who qualifies, and what happens after.
South Carolina law that applies in Myrtle Beach
S.C. Code § 17-22-10 et seq. — Pretrial intervention.
- S.C. Code § 14-31-10 (mental health courts)
Citations pending attorney review.
How a Myrtle Beach case moves into diversion
- 1. Arrest & booking. After a Myrtle Beach arrest, the case is filed with Horry County prosecutors. Jail mental health staff may flag a condition at intake.
- 2. Defense request. Your attorney gathers treatment records and asks the court or prosecutor for diversion or mental health court referral.
- 3. Evaluation & plan. A clinician confirms the diagnosis and proposes a treatment plan for the court to review.
- 4. Supervision. You follow the plan with regular check-ins with the Horry County court or program staff.
- 5. Dismissal. Successful completion can lead to dismissed charges and possible record sealing.
Who may qualify in Myrtle Beach
Courts commonly consider a diagnosed condition such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, or major depression; whether it contributed to the alleged offense; whether treatment is likely to help; and public safety. Veterans may also be eligible for veterans treatment court where available. For the full South Carolina breakdown, see the South Carolina diversion guide.
Myrtle Beach diversion FAQs
Does Myrtle Beach have a mental health diversion program?
Criminal cases from Myrtle Beach are typically heard in Horry County courts, where diversion is governed by S.C. Code § 17-22-10 et seq. (Pretrial intervention) and local court and prosecutor policy. Availability depends on the charge and program capacity — a local defense attorney can confirm current options.
Where are Myrtle Beach criminal cases heard?
Most Myrtle Beach arrests are prosecuted in the Horry County criminal courts. Some minor offenses may go through municipal court. Mental health court dockets, where available, are usually run at the county level.
Who qualifies for mental health diversion in Myrtle Beach?
Courts commonly look for a diagnosed mental health condition (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, major depression, and others) that played a role in the offense, a treatment plan likely to help, and no unreasonable public safety risk. Some serious or violent charges may be excluded under South Carolina law.
Can felony charges in Myrtle Beach be diverted?
It depends on South Carolina law and the specific charge. Some South Carolina programs accept certain felonies; others are limited to misdemeanors. A Myrtle Beach diversion lawyer can review whether your charge is eligible.
What happens if I complete diversion in Myrtle Beach?
Successful completion of a South Carolina diversion program often leads to dismissal of the charges, and may open the door to sealing or expungement of the arrest record.
How do I find a mental health diversion lawyer in Myrtle Beach?
Look for a criminal defense attorney who regularly practices in Horry County courts and has handled diversion or mental health court cases. You can request a match through this site at no cost.