Statutes: South Carolina

Prior to setting bail, a magistrate or a municipal judge may order a defendant charged with harassment in the first or second degree or stalking pursuant to this article to undergo a mental health evaluation performed by the local mental health department. The purpose of this evaluation is to determine if the defendant needs mental health treatment or counseling as a condition of bond. The evaluation must be scheduled within ten days of the order’s issuance. Once the evaluation is completed, the examiner must, within forty-eight hours, issue a report to the local solicitor’s office, summary court judge, or other law enforcement agency. Upon receipt of the report, the solicitor, summary court judge, or other law enforcement agency must arrange for a bond hearing before a circuit court judge or summary court judge.