Legal Question in Criminal Law in South Carolina

Re: arrested for murder

Unfortunately, the criminal process moves very slowly in South Carolina. The more serious the charge, the slower it can be dragged out. According to the Procedural Rules, the prosecution must provide all evidence that they have in their possession (at that point in time) withim 30 days. However, that rule is rutinely violated. All your brother-in-law is entitled to in the first 72 hours is to know what the "probably cause" is for the arrest. The reason he is being held right now (and its just a guess since I don't know anything about the case) is that his bond hearing will have to be held in front of a Circuit Court Judge. I am very sorry for you and the family and understand that this is an agonizing wait. I have had two death penalty/capital murder trials in the past couple years and it took months to obtain all the evidence in the cases. This case may be different, but I cannot predict since I do not know what is involved here. You are certainly welcome to call or email if you would like to know more. Robert Johnston [email protected]