Bill > H3073

This bill establishes a new Division of Statewide Grand Jury Defense within the Office of Indigent Defense in South Carolina. The division will be led by a chief attorney and staffed with licensed attorneys who will work full-time and are prohibited from private legal practice. The primary function of this division is to provide legal representation to individuals who are deemed indigent (unable to afford legal representation) and are appearing before a statewide grand jury. To access these services, a person must submit a written request for indigency determination, which the office will review and respond to within ten days, notifying both the requester and the statewide grand jury of their decision. The bill also updates the definitions section of the relevant legal code to include the new Division of Statewide Grand Jury Defense, ensuring it is formally recognized alongside other existing divisions like the Division of Appellate Defense. The legislation will take effect upon approval by the Governor, creating a new mechanism to ensure legal representation for individuals who cannot afford an attorney when facing a statewide grand jury proceeding.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3073&session=126&summary=B