The bill H. 3073 proposes the establishment of the Division of Statewide Grand Jury Defense within the Office of Indigent Defense in South Carolina. This new division will be administered by a chief attorney and will include additional staff necessary to fulfill its responsibilities. The division is tasked with representing individuals before a statewide grand jury who meet specific indigency criteria, as determined by the office. Individuals seeking representation must submit a written request for a determination of their indigency status, and the division is required to respond within ten days.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 17-3-5 of the South Carolina Code to include a definition for the "Division of Statewide Grand Jury Defense," thereby formalizing its role within the existing framework of indigent defense. The bill emphasizes that attorneys employed by the division must be licensed to practice law in South Carolina and are prohibited from engaging in private practice while serving in this capacity. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 17-3-365, 17-3-5
Latest Version: 17-3-365, 17-3-5
12/06/2024: 17-3-365, 17-3-5