Attorney general and lawmakers aim to tackle backlog of violent crimes piling up across South Carolina

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Recently lawmakers have worked on addressing a growing backlog of cases piling up in circuit courts around South Carolina.

However, there are still more than 11,000 cases in the state dating more than three years old.

“The one thing that we still recognize coming out of COVID is that we have a tremendous backlog of cases in this state,” said House speaker Murrell Smith. “That backlog is jeopardizing the safety of the citizens of South Carolina.”

In the 3rd circuit district alone, which includes Sumter County, there are 61 murder charges dating more than three years old.

“Unfortunately, they get released on bond and that’s where we start seeing problems,” Smith said. “The best way to attack is to make sure there’s timely adjudication of these cases for the victims. It would bring more safety to us and a sense of comfort… especially the victims of these crimes.”

Attorney general Alan Wilson says the backlog of cases is overwhelming in some of the smaller counties.

“In more rural areas, they have trouble with their bandwidth and resources. They don’t have the ability to meet the demands that the backlogs are presenting,” Wilson said. “They will call my office up and say ‘General Wilson… will you help with this case?’”

Now, a newly proposed statewide violent crimes reduction unit will be tasked with tackling the state’s backlog of cases. It will consist of nine experienced solicitors who will work statewide.

“It’s not taking over the solicitor’s job. It’s giving them another tool,” said Rep. Dennis Moss, a Republican from Gaffney. “These murder cases take a week or even 6 weeks to try. If you have someone in the courtroom, that gives you time to cue up the next one or putting a patch on the hole in the boat.”

The attorney general says the pilot program will cost a little more than a million and a half dollars and he hopes to see progress on the backlog in 2 to 3 years.

“It’s going to take time and patience. Now that we have it, we’re going to focus on it like a laser,” Wilson said. “We’re going to move these cases and clear this backlog going forward.”