(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a summary court or municipal judge may issue a summons to appear for trial instead of an arrest warrant, based upon a sworn statement of an affiant who is not a law enforcement officer investigating the case, if the sworn statement establishes probable cause that the alleged crime was committed. The summons must express adequately the charges against the defendant. If the defendant fails to appear before the court, he may be tried in his absence or a bench warrant may be issued for his arrest. The summons must be served personally upon the defendant. (B) The Attorney General must design the form containing the summons to appear. The form must include: (1) an affidavit that establishes probable cause; (2) a description of the charges against the defendant; (3) the date, time, and place of the trial; (4) the name of the issuing officer; (5) the defendant's and affiant's name, address, and telephone number; (6) the date and location of the incident; and (7) notice that the defendant may be tried in his absence or a bench warrant may be issued for his arrest. ffiant's name, address, and telephone number; (6) the date and location of the incident; and (7) notice that the defendant may be tried in his absence or a bench warrant may be issued for his arrest. (C) A summons issued pursuant to this section must be tracked in the same manner as an arrest warrant. HISTORY: 2002 Act No. 348, Section 15.
South Carolina Legal Code