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What pretrial diversion or drug court programs exist in South Carolina?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-05-18

South Carolina's PTI is administered through the State Pretrial Intervention Commission and circuit solicitor offices.

1. Pretrial Intervention / Diversion (DA-Run). S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-10 to -170 establish statewide PTI; solicitor-controlled; supervision up to 2 years; completion = dismissal and expungement (§ 17-22-150). Application fee plus supervision fee.

2. Statutory Deferred Adjudication / Judicial Diversion. S.C. Code Ann. § 44-53-450 (conditional discharge for first-time drug offenses): court defers proceedings; completion of probation = dismissal. § 17-22-530 establishes Alcohol Education Program (AEP) for misdemeanor alcohol offenses.

3. Drug Court. S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-1010 authorizes drug courts; 30+ counties operate them.

4. Veterans Treatment Court. Authorized administratively by the SC Judicial Branch; first opened in Greenville 2012.

5. Mental Health Court. Authorized administratively; Charleston, Richland, Greenville, others operate them.

6. DUI Court / Traffic Education. Traffic Education Program (TEP) under § 17-22-530; ignition interlock under § 56-5-2941.

7. Youthful Offender Act (YOA). S.C. Code Ann. § 24-19-10 to -160 allows under-25 (when adjudicated) defendants to receive indeterminate sentences with conditional discharge and expungement upon completion under § 22-5-920.

8. First-Time-Offender Statute. Expungement under § 17-22-150 (PTI), § 22-5-910 (first-offense misdemeanor), § 17-1-40 (non-conviction).

9. Effects. PTI and YOA completions = dismissal/no conviction; eligible for expungement. Federal databases persist.

10. Federal Pretrial Diversion. 18 U.S.C. § 3154; DSC operates PTD.

This is legal information, not legal advice.

When to Talk to a Lawyer
  • You are under 25 and want Youthful Offender Act treatment under § 24-19-10
  • You face a first-time drug charge and want conditional discharge under § 44-53-450
  • You need expungement under § 17-22-150 after completing PTI
Related Statutes & Laws
  • S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-10
  • S.C. Code Ann. § 44-53-450
  • S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-1010
  • S.C. Code Ann. § 24-19-10

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.