# S.C. Code Ann. § 17-13-20: SECTION 17-13-20. Additional circumstances when citizens may arrest; means to be used

> South Carolina · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T17_C13_S17-13-20

## Section

- **Citation:** S.C. Code Ann. § 17-13-20
- **Heading:** SECTION 17-13-20. Additional circumstances when citizens may arrest; means to be used
- **Jurisdiction:** South Carolina
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** SC Code / Title 17 / Chapter 13 / Section 17-13-20

## Text

A citizen may arrest a person in the nighttime by efficient means as the darkness and the probability of escape render necessary, even if the life of the person should be taken, when the person: (a) has committed a felony; (b) has entered a dwelling house without express or implied permission; (c) has broken or is breaking into an outhouse with a view to plunder; (d) has in his possession stolen property; or (e) being under circumstances which raise just suspicion of his design to steal or to commit some felony, flees when he is hailed.

## Nearby sections

- [S.C. Code Ann. § 17-13-10 SECTION 17-13-10. Circumstances when any person may arrest a felon or thief.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T17_C13_S17-13-10.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 17-13-20 SECTION 17-13-20. Additional circumstances when citizens may arrest; means to be used.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T17_C13_S17-13-20.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 17-13-30 SECTION 17-13-30. Officers may arrest without warrant for offenses committed in view.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T17_C13_S17-13-30.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 17-13-40 SECTION 17-13-40. Law enforcement officer jurisdiction when in pursuit of offender; authority, rights, privileges and immunities extended.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T17_C13_S17-13-40.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 17-13-45 SECTION 17-13-45. Response to distress calls or requests for assistance in adjacent jurisdictions; extension of rights, privileges and immunities.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T17_C13_S17-13-45.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 17-13-47 SECTION 17-13-47. Arrest in State by officer from Georgia or North Carolina; procedure for determining lawfulness of arrest; extradition.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T17_C13_S17-13-47.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 17-13-50 SECTION 17-13-50. Right to be informed of ground of arrest; consequences of refusal to answer or false answer.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T17_C13_S17-13-50.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 17-13-60 SECTION 17-13-60. Circumstances when persons are not to be arrested but may be served process.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T17_C13_S17-13-60.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 17-13-70 SECTION 17-13-70. Warrant authorizing breaking open gambling rooms.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T17_C13_S17-13-70.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 17-13-80 SECTION 17-13-80. Service of process on domestic and foreign corporations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T17_C13_S17-13-80.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 17-13-90 SECTION 17-13-90. Service of criminal process on Sunday.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T17_C13_S17-13-90.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 17-13-100 SECTION 17-13-100. Escaped prisoners may be retaken on Sunday.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T17_C13_S17-13-100.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 17-13-110 SECTION 17-13-110. Confinement in industrial communities.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T17_C13_S17-13-110.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 17-13-120 SECTION 17-13-120. Persons shall not be removed from one prison to another without cause.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T17_C13_S17-13-120.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T17_C13_S17-13-20. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.