A person is guilty of criminal contempt when, having been duly subpoenaed to attend as a witness before either house of the legislature or before any committee thereof, he: (1) fails or refuses to attend without lawful excuse; or (2) refuses to be sworn; or (3) refuses to answer any material and proper question; or (4) refuses, after reasonable notice, to produce books, papers, or documents in his possession or under his control which constitute material and proper evidence. A person who is convicted of or pleads guilty to criminal contempt is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined within the discretion of the court or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both. HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 121 (S.22), Pt IV, Section 6.D, eff January 1, 2015.
South Carolina Legal Code