S.C. Code Ann. § 16-11-311 – Burglary; first degree

(A) A person is guilty of burglary in the first degree if the person enters a dwelling without consent and with intent to commit a crime in the dwelling, and either:
1. (1) when, in effecting entry or while in the dwelling or in immediate flight, he or another participant in the crime:
  1. (a) is armed with a deadly weapon or explosive; or
  2. (b) causes physical injury to a person who is not a participant in the crime; or
  3. (c) uses or threatens the use of a dangerous instrument; or
  4. (d) displays what is or appears to be a knife, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, or other firearm; or
2. (2) the burglary is committed by a person with a prior record of two or more convictions for burglary or housebreaking or a combination of both; or
3. (3) the entering or remaining occurs in the nighttime.
(B) Burglary in the first degree is a felony punishable by life imprisonment. For purposes of this section, "life" means until death. The court, in its discretion, may sentence the defendant to a term of not less than fifteen years.