South Carolina § 23-15-70 - Call out for assistance or posse comitatus; penalty for refusing to assist.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 23-15-70 — Call out for assistance or posse comitatus; penalty for refusing to assist., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-15-70. Call out for assistance or posse comitatus; penalty for refusing to assist.
Any sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable or other officer specially empowered may call out the bystanders or posse comitatus of the proper county to his assistance whenever he is resisted or has reasonable grounds to suspect and believe that such assistance will be necessary in the service or execution of process in any criminal case and any deputy sheriff may call out such posse comitatus to assist in enforcing the laws and in arresting violators or suspected violators thereof. Any person refusing to assist as one of the posse comitatus in the service or execution of such process, when required by the sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable or other officer shall be liable to be indicted therefor and upon conviction shall be fined and imprisoned, at the discretion of the court any person who shall fail to respond and render assistance when summoned by a deputy sheriff to assist in enforcing the laws and in arresting violators or suspected violators thereof shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction shall be fined not less than thirty nor more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned for thirty days.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 53-199; 1952 Code SECTION 53-199; 1942 Code SECTIONS 1382, 1952, 3493; 1932 Code SECTIONS 1382, 1952, 3493; Civ. C. '22 SECTION 2038; Cr. C. '22 SECTIONS 312, 328, 934; Cr. C. '12 SECTIONS 322, 936; Cr. C. '02 SECTIONS 235, 650; G. S. 2569, 2702; R. S. 200, 537; 1839 (11) 52; 1871 (15) 560; 1912 (27) 865.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 23-15-70
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 23-15-70 cover?
Section 23-15-70 ("Call out for assistance or posse comitatus; penalty for refusing to assist.") 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 § 23-15-70?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 23-15-70" (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 § 23-15-70 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.