Attorney General’s office proposes new initiative aimed to end case backlog

Attorney General’s office proposes new initiative aimed to end case backlog

Photo: SC House of Representatives

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The Attorney General’s Office is proposing a new initiative call the “Statewide Violent Crimes Case Reduction Unit” which aims to help tackle the violent crime backlog with solicitor’s officers across the state.

Officials say there are at least 11,600 general sessions indictments that are three years or older pending in the state’s system.

Also, hundreds of pending cases in some circuits in the state.

“Justice delayed is justice denied and that is simply unacceptable for the citizens of our state,” said Speaker of the House Murrell Smith.

The proposal was highlighted on Wednesday morning by House Speaker Murrell Smith and Attorney General Alan Wilson.

The Attorney General testified in support of the proposal during the Criminal Justice Budget Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee meeting.

“If you commit a violent crime, you will be held responsible within a timely manner. Victims should not have to wait years to get justice,” said Attorney General Alan Wilson.

The unit will achieve its goal of holding defendants accountable and get cases moving by partnering with prosecution agencies.