South Carolina § 2-17-140 - Groundless allegations of violations to be stricken from public record; penalties for wilful filing of groundless complaint.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 2-17-140 — Groundless allegations of violations to be stricken from public record; penalties for wilful filing of groundless complaint., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2-17-140. Groundless allegations of violations to be stricken from public record; penalties for wilful filing of groundless complaint.
If an alleged violation is found to be groundless by the State Ethics Commission, the entire matter must be stricken from public record. If the State Ethics Commission finds that the complaining party wilfully filed a groundless complaint, the finding must be reported to the Attorney General. The wilful filing of a groundless complaint by a person with the State Ethics Commission is a misdemeanor, and the person filing a complaint, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year. In lieu of the criminal penalty provided by this section, a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars may be assessed against the complainant upon proof, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the filing of the complaint was wilful and without just cause or with malice.
HISTORY: 1991 Act No. 248, SECTION 2; 1993 Act No. 184, SECTION 127.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 2-17-140
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 2-17-140 cover?
Section 2-17-140 ("Groundless allegations of violations to be stricken from public record; penalties for wilful filing of groundless complaint.") 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 § 2-17-140?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 2-17-140" (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 § 2-17-140 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.