The bill H. 3069 proposes an amendment to Section 22-3-545 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, specifically regarding the transfer of certain criminal cases from general sessions court. The key change allows for the transfer of criminal cases where the penalty does not exceed three years of imprisonment, an increase from the previous limit of one year. This adjustment aims to provide greater flexibility in the judicial process for cases with lesser penalties.

The bill stipulates that cases with penalties up to $5,500 or three years of imprisonment may be transferred from general sessions court, provided that the necessary procedures outlined in the section are followed. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor, thereby enabling the revised transfer criteria to be implemented promptly.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 22-3-545
Latest Version: 22-3-545