S.C. Code Ann. § 23-17-90: Illegal arrest.

If any sheriff or deputy sheriff, without writ, warrant or process, shall summon anyone by arresting the person or attaching the goods to appear in any of the courts of this State, not having at that time any process to justify such summons, upon complaint thereof, on oath, such sheriff or deputy shall be liable to be punished for a contempt by either the court of common pleas or general sessions for his county. But nothing herein contained shall prevent the sheriff or his deputy from arresting any person for treason, felony or breach of the peace committed in his presence or from arresting any person for treason or felony upon probable and reasonable grounds.