S.C. Code Ann. § 17-13-50
Right to be informed of ground of arrest; consequences of refusal to answer or false answer
1962 Code SECTION 17-255; 1952 Code SECTION 17-255; 1942 Code SECTION 993; 1932 Code SECTION 993; Cr. P. '22 SECTION 80; Cr. C. '12 SECTION 74; Cr. C. '02 SECTION 47; G. S. 2447; R. S. 46; 1993 Act No. 184, SECTION 53.
(A) A person arrested by virtue of process or taken into custody by an officer in this State has a right to know from the officer who arrests or claims to detain him the true ground on which the arrest is made. It is unlawful for an officer to:
- (1) refuse to answer a question relative to the reason for the arrest;
- (2) answer the question untruly;
- (3) assign to the person arrested an untrue reason for the arrest; or
- (4) neglect on request to exhibit to the person arrested or any other person acting in his behalf the precept by virtue of which the arrest is made.
- (B) An officer who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 17-255; 1952 Code SECTION 17-255; 1942 Code SECTION 993; 1932 Code SECTION 993; Cr. P. '22 SECTION 80; Cr. C. '12 SECTION 74; Cr. C. '02 SECTION 47; G. S. 2447; R. S. 46; 1993 Act No. 184, SECTION 53.