South Carolina § 16-8-250 - Preventing witness or victim from testifying; penalty; coerced person's right to bring civil action.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-8-250 — Preventing witness or victim from testifying; penalty; coerced person's right to bring civil action., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-8-250. Preventing witness or victim from testifying; penalty; coerced person's right to bring civil action.
(A) It is unlawful for a criminal gang member by threat or force to:
(1) prevent a witness or victim from attending or giving testimony at a trial, proceeding, or inquiry authorized by law that concerns or relates to any criminal activity; or
(2) attempt to prevent a witness or victim from attending or giving testimony at a trial, proceeding, or inquiry authorized by law that concerns or relates to any criminal activity.
(B) A criminal gang member who violates a provision of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be punished by a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than ten years, or both.
(C) A person who has been coerced, intimidated, threatened, or injured in violation of this section has a civil cause of action against a criminal gang or criminal gang member violating this section for treble the amount of his actual damages, for punitive damages, an injunction, and any other appropriate relief in law or equity. Upon prevailing in the civil action, the plaintiff may recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs from the criminal gang or criminal gang member.
(D) Nothing in this section limits prosecution under any other provision of law.
HISTORY: 2007 Act No. 82, SECTION 5, eff June 12, 2007.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 16-8-250
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-8-250 cover?
Section 16-8-250 ("Preventing witness or victim from testifying; penalty; coerced person's right to bring civil action.") 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 § 16-8-250?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-8-250" (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 § 16-8-250 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.