South Carolina § 46-21-455 - Prosecution by Commissioner or through Attorney General.

§ 46-21-455. Prosecution by Commissioner or through Attorney General.

When the Commissioner finds that a person has violated a provision of this chapter, he or his authorized agent or agents may institute proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction in the locality in which the violation occurred or where the seed is located; or the Commissioner may file with the Attorney General with a view toward prosecution, evidence as necessary; provided, however, that no prosecution pursuant to this chapter may be instituted without the defendant first having been given an opportunity to appear before the Commissioner or his authorized agent to introduce evidence either in person or by agent or attorney at a private hearing. If, after the hearing, or without a hearing in case the defendant or his agent or attorney fails or refuses to appear, the Commissioner is of the opinion that the evidence warrants prosecution, he shall proceed as provided in this chapter.

The Attorney General or, in his discretion and at his direction, the attorney of the county or city in which the alleged violation has occurred, shall institute proceedings immediately against the person charged with the violation. The proceedings for violations may be instituted after exhaustion of all remedies with the Commissioner has occurred. After judgment by the court in a case arising pursuant to this chapter, the Commissioner shall publish the information pertinent to the issuance of the judgment by the court in the media as he may designate.

HISTORY: 1940 (41) 1875; 1941 (42) 119; 1942 Code SECTION 5806-85; 1952 Code SECTION 3-435; 1962 Code SECTION 3-435; 1976 Code SECTION 46-21-450; 2010 Act No. 238, SECTION 5, eff. upon approval (became law without the Governor's signature on June 8, 2010).