# 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

> South Carolina · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T17_C13_S17-13-50

## Section

- **Citation:** S.C. Code Ann. § 17-13-50
- **Heading:** SECTION 17-13-50. Right to be informed of ground of arrest; consequences of refusal to answer or false answer
- **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 17-13-50

## Text

(A) A person arrested by virtue of process or taken into custody by an officer in this State has a right to know from the officer who arrests or claims to detain him the true ground on which the arrest is made. It is unlawful for an officer to: (1) refuse to answer a question relative to the reason for the arrest; (2) answer the question untruly; (3) assign to the person arrested an untrue reason for the arrest; or (4) neglect on request to exhibit to the person arrested or any other person acting in his behalf the precept by virtue of which the arrest is made. (B) An officer who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.

## 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_S17-13-50. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.