Solicitor
4th Judicial District Solicitor
Paul M. Burch, Jr.
I come from a long family line of law enforcement and became a volunteer firefighter at the age of sixteen. After receiving a golf scholarship to USC-Lancaster and making the NJCAA Academic All-American team, I transferred to USC’s main campus and graduated Magna Cum Laude. I went on to graduate from the University of South Carolina School of Law.
I am prepared to work with legislators to pass homicide by overdose legislation and prosecute fentanyl dealers to the fullest extent of the law. Too many families have suffered because of these deadly drugs. Moreover, violent criminals and repeat offenders have no place on our streets. I will make every effort to ensure those accused of violent crime stay in jail without bond until their trial date
Solicitor’s Office Roles & Responsibilities
Office of Solicitor is a constitutional office elected by voters within the circuit for a term of four years. In many states, this position is referred to as the District Attorney. The Solicitor ensures prosecutions are processed orderly and efficiently, assigning cases and advising attorneys as the Chief Prosecuting Attorney. Paul M. Burch, Jr. is the elected Solicitor for the Fourth Judicial Circuit of South Carolina.
South Carolina Solicitors administer administrative and diversion programs as alternatives to traditional court processes such as Pre-Trial Intervention, the Worthless Check program and Alcohol Education. These programs, along with several others, are very effective in helping individuals get on the right track.
Helpful Links
- 4th Judicial District Solicitor’s Office Website
- Online Applications
- Victim’s Services
- Online Payment Portal
- Court Dates
Additional Links:
Frequently Asked Questions
The Solicitor is an elected official responsible for overseeing the prosecution of all General Sessions and Family Court criminal cases. The state is divided into 16 judicial circuits, each consisting of two or three counties. Solicitor Will Rogers is responsible for the 4th Judicial Circuit, which includes Dillon and surrounding counties. Solicitor Rogers and his counterparts across the state run for re-election every four years.
A court proceeding where the judge decides an amount of money or property that the defendant or their family must pay or put up to leave jail while they wait for the case to be called for trial. The bond guarantees that the defendant will show up for trial. When setting a bond, the judge looks at the defendant’s past criminal history, their ties to the community, the facts of the case, and the defendant’s prior criminal history. The judge must also consider whether the defendant is a flight risk or a danger to the community.
Be patient. Please provide us with any new mailing addresses or telephone numbers you have. Please make sure the information you give us about your case is accurate. You also need to ensure you save any expenses related to your case. This will help us prove your case in court.
The Solicitor’s Office strives to move cases through the system in a timely fashion, but factors influence the pace of movement. There is a limited amount of court time every year. A large number of criminal defendants request jury trials. Complicated cases take more time to prepare. Cases are often delayed while important pieces of evidence are tested by the State Law Enforcement Division. SLED lab technicians serve police departments all over the state. They often have a huge backlog of items to be tested.
Generally, criminal cases involve defendants who are 16 years old or younger. Juveniles who commit felonies that carry 15 years or more are tried in the General Sessions Court
The right to be treated with respect and understanding, regardless of my criminal history or lifestyle. The right to be informed of when the defendant is arrested, released from custody, or has escaped. The right to be notified about court proceedings – bond hearings, preliminary hearings, arraignments, guilty pleas, jury trials, restitution hearings, etc., and allowed to speak to the judge at the appropriate times. The right to meet with the investigating police officer and the prosecutor before the trial. The right to have restitution ordered for losses incurred by the crime. The right to assistance in understanding the criminal justice system and support from victim advocates through meetings, conversations, and accompaniment to court proceedings. The right to apply for funds to help with medical bills, funeral bills, counseling, and lost wages through the Victims’ Compensation Fund.
This court procedure is the first step in a criminal case. A preliminary hearing is the right of the person charged with the crime. It is their chance to hear the evidence that the state has against them. A judge also decides if there is enough probable cause to charge the defendant with the crime they are accused of committing.
A grand jury is a panel of 18 citizens, selected each year, whose duty is to determine whether enough evidence exists to believe a crime has been committed. At least 12 of the 18 jurors must agree that the arresting agency or the victim in a self-signed warrant has enough evidence for them to grant an indictment or an actual bill. An indictment is a charging document prosecutors must prove
in the General Sessions Court. When the Grand Jury is not convinced a crime has been committed, a “no bill” is returned. The case is dismissed.
in the General Sessions Court. When the Grand Jury is not convinced a crime has been committed, a “no bill” is returned. The case is dismissed.
A rehabilitation program for non-violent, first-time offenders. Participants individually meet with counselors to discuss their progress in a demanding program. Participants also have to make restitution to their victims.
Transfer court is available for defendants who have been charged with any crime that incurs up to one year in prison or a fine of up to $5,000. Defendants who are eligible have their cases presented to a Magistrate Judge. One of the benefits of transfer court is that it takes place twice a month with set court dates. This schedule leads to speedy dispositions for less serious cases.
You can have a fraudulent check conviction removed from your record one year from the date of your conviction, but only if there has been no further criminal activity.
A VIS form is an abbreviation that stands for Victim Impact Statement. This form was designed to protect crime victims' rights in South Carolina’s criminal justice system. Victims use this form to show how crime has affected their lives. The form will become part of the court record and follow the defendant through the criminal justice system. The judge will use the form to understand better the case's details and the financial and emotional losses. The victim can also indicate on the VIS form whether or not they want to be present for all court proceedings related to their case. VIS forms need to be returned to the office promptly.
A person ordered to pay a victim restitution is put on probation. During this probation, they must comply with a strict payment plan their probation officer sets up. The state Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services ensures no contact between the victim and the defendant. If you fail to receive a payment, you need to contact Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services.
Following a first offense conviction in Magistrate’s Court or Municipal Court, a defendant may apply to the Circuit Court three years after the sentence date for an order expunging the records of arrest and conviction. This law doesn’t apply to traffic offenses or criminal domestic violence. No person may have a criminal record expunged more than once. After the expungement, the State Law The Enforcement Division must keep a non-public record of the offense and ensure that nobody takes advantage of this law more than once. Contact the Solicitor’s Office to apply.
In most cases, crimes must be reported to the police department with jurisdiction over where the crime occurred. Solicitors prosecute crimes rather than investigate them.