South Carolina § 17-13-142 - Electronic communications; warrants, orders, and subpoenas.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 17-13-142 — Electronic communications; warrants, orders, and subpoenas., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-13-142. Electronic communications; warrants, orders, and subpoenas.
(A) This section specifically authorizes a court of competent jurisdiction in this State, as defined by 18 U.S.C. Section 2711, to issue appropriate orders pursuant to the requirements and procedures of 18 U.S.C. Section 2703(d) for production of stored wire, digital, or electronic transactional records or subscriber information. These orders have statewide application and application to the extent provided by federal law.
(B) This section specifically authorizes a court of competent jurisdiction in this State, as defined by 18 U.S.C. Section 2711, to issue search warrants pursuant to the procedures established by Section 17-13-140, notwithstanding any jurisdictional limitations contained in that section, for production of stored wire, digital, or electronic communications and transactional records pertaining to them. Search warrants have statewide application to the extent provided by federal law.
(C) The Attorney General may issue a subpoena to an electronic communication service or remote computing service to compel disclosure or production of any stored subscriber or customer information pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 2703(c)(2). A subpoena may only be issued under the authority provided for in this section and must demonstrate specific and articulable facts that there are reasonable grounds to believe the information is relevant and material to an ongoing criminal investigation conducted by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force of the Attorney General's Office. Subpoenas may not be issued under this section to the extent the subpoena is authorized under other federal or state statutes.
(D) Nothing herein expands the obligations of electronic communications service providers.
HISTORY: 2025 Act No. 59 (S.74), SECTION 1, eff May 22, 2025.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 17-13-142
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 17-13-142 cover?
Section 17-13-142 ("Electronic communications; warrants, orders, and subpoenas.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 17-13-142?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 17-13-142" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 17-13-142 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.