When most people think of criminal charges in South Carolina, they think of local police, magistrate courts, and county-level prosecutions. But in some of the most serious and complex cases, the state turns to a powerful tool: the South Carolina State Grand Jury.
The State Grand Jury is a unique body with statewide jurisdiction that investigates and issues indictments in major criminal matters that often cross county lines, involve multiple suspects, or require intensive investigation. These cases are typically prosecuted by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, rather than a local solicitor.
So what kinds of charges end up in front of the State Grand Jury? While the list can vary, there are several types of cases that frequently fall under its jurisdiction.
Public Corruption
One of the most high-profile uses of the State Grand Jury is to investigate and prosecute public corruption. This includes misconduct by elected officials, misuse of government funds, pay-to-play schemes, campaign finance violations, and other abuses of public office. Because these cases often involve sensitive political considerations and complex financial records, the state relies on the grand jury to handle them discreetly and thoroughly.
Recent examples include prosecutions of state legislators, sheriffs, and municipal officials accused of misusing public resources or accepting bribes in exchange for official acts.
Drug Trafficking and Conspiracy
The State Grand Jury is frequently used in major drug trafficking cases, especially those involving multiple counties, organized networks, or ties to out-of-state suppliers. These investigations often rely on months (or years) of surveillance, confidential informants, and forensic evidence.
Unlike local drug charges, which might involve simple possession or distribution within a single jurisdiction, State Grand Jury drug cases typically involve trafficking quantities, conspiracies, and enhanced penalties under South Carolina law.
Criminal Gang Activity
Another priority area for the State Grand Jury is investigating and prosecuting gang-related crime. This includes cases brought under South Carolina’s Criminal Gang Prevention Act, which targets individuals and organizations alleged to be part of violent criminal enterprises.
State Grand Jury indictments in gang cases may include charges like attempted murder, weapons violations, drug distribution, robbery, and other violent crimes tied to gang activity. Because gangs often operate across county lines and involve multiple defendants, these cases are well-suited for the grand jury’s statewide reach.
Financial and Insurance Fraud
Complex financial crimes—especially those involving large-scale embezzlement, securities fraud, white-collar, or insurance fraud—are also common targets of State Grand Jury investigations. These may involve:
Business owners accused of defrauding investors
Doctors or clinics involved in healthcare billing scams
Individuals staging accidents for fraudulent insurance claims
Because these cases often require forensic accounting, subpoenaed bank records, and multiple witness testimonies, the grand jury process allows for a more detailed and secretive investigation than typical local court proceedings.
Multi-County Criminal Conspiracies
Finally, any criminal conspiracy that spans multiple counties can be investigated by the State Grand Jury. This might include coordinated theft rings, cybercrime operations, or fraud schemes affecting individuals in different parts of South Carolina.
The ability of the grand jury to issue subpoenas across the state, compel testimony, and return broad conspiracy indictments makes it an essential tool for law enforcement when dealing with organized or wide-ranging criminal activity.
Why This Matters If You’re Under Investigation
If you’ve received a target letter, been subpoenaed to testify, or suspect that you’re under investigation by the South Carolina State Grand Jury, you need to take the matter seriously. These cases are typically high-stakes, aggressively prosecuted, and can carry significant penalties including mandatory minimum sentences, restitution, and long-term consequences.
At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we represent individuals in some of South Carolina’s most serious criminal cases. We understand how the State Grand Jury operates, and we work to protect your rights from the very beginning of the investigation through every stage of defense.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation
If you believe you may be involved in a State Grand Jury investigation—either as a witness or as a potential defendant—call our office today at (803) 359-3301 to schedule a confidential consultation. Early intervention by experienced legal counsel can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case.