Legal Question in Criminal Law in South Carolina

Yes. There is a Speedy Trial law in South Carolina. There is in every state in the country. The right to a Speedy Trial is a Constitutional Right. However, its not as simple as just having a right to a speedy trial.

In order to invoke that right, your attorney must first notify the solicitor and court in writing that he/she is invoking the defendant's right to a speedy trial. Secondly, there must be shown a reason why this particular case needs to be treated differently from other cases and why it must come to court in a speedy fashion. There are many different types of reasons, such as disappearing evidence, a witness that may disappear or die, or other issues that require bringing the case to court immediately.

There is a formal process for invoking the right. My firm is here in the Myrtle Beach area and I practice in Williamsburg as well as several other counties. If you have not yet retained an attorney and would like to discuss this, you are welcome to call, or email me.

Robert J. Johnston, Attorney. Email: [email protected].

Phone: Eight four three - nine four six - zero zero nine nine.