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 are determined to be indigent, following a request for representation and a review of their status. The division must notify the individual and the grand jury of its decision within ten days of receiving the request.

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 ensures that attorneys employed by the division are fully dedicated to their duties and prohibits them from engaging in private practice. This legislation aims to enhance the legal representation available to indigent individuals facing grand jury proceedings in South Carolina.

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