South Carolina § 24-13-20 - Escaped convicts; sheriffs' duties to arrest; penalty.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 24-13-20 — Escaped convicts; sheriffs' duties to arrest; penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 24-13-20. Escaped convicts; sheriffs' duties to arrest; penalty.
The sheriffs of this State under the penalty provided, in this section must arrest in their respective counties, with or without a warrant, all escaped inmates from the state prisons or from the local detention facilities found in their respective counties. Upon an arrest a sheriff must notify immediately the proper authority from whose care the inmate escaped. Upon the wilful neglect or failure by a sheriff to comply with the provisions of this section, he is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined in a sum of not more than five hundred dollars nor less than one hundred dollars or be imprisoned for not more than six months or must be fined and imprisoned, at the discretion of the court.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 55-4; 1952 Code SECTION 55-4; 1942 Code SECTION 3545; 1932 Code SECTIONS 1541, 3545; Civ. C. '22 SECTION 2088; Cr. C. '22 SECTION 488; Civ. C. '12 SECTION 1195; Cr. C. '12 SECTION 561; Civ. C. '02 SECTION 870; Cr. C. '02 SECTION 404; 2010 Act No. 237, SECTION 65, eff June 11, 2010.
Effect of Amendment
The 2010 amendment rewrote the section.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 24-13-20
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 24-13-20 cover?
Section 24-13-20 ("Escaped convicts; sheriffs' duties to arrest; penalty.") 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 § 24-13-20?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 24-13-20" (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 § 24-13-20 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.