{"data":{"id":"us-sc/s.c.-code-ann.-16-13-140","jurisdiction":"us-sc","citation":"S.C. Code Ann. § 16-13-140","heading":"Defense to action for delay to investigate ownership of merchandise.","body":"In any action brought by reason of having been delayed by a merchant or merchant's employee or agent on or near the premises of a mercantile establishment for the purpose of investigation concerning the ownership of any merchandise, it shall be a defense to such action if: (1) The person was delayed in a reasonable manner and for a reasonable time to permit such investigation, and (2) reasonable cause existed to believe that the person delayed had committed the crime of shoplifting.","path":["Title 16 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES","CHAPTER 13 Forgery, Larceny, Embezzlement, False Pretenses and Cheats","ARTICLE 1 Miscellaneous Offenses"],"source_url":"https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t16c013.php","current_through":"2025 Session of the General Assembly","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-02T06:44:34Z","sha256":"0ac6f79a38500bee7b1059191c20d86d027ecdb1d645b4668d7f5ccdcc43e7f7","source_id":"us-sc","stale":false,"prev":"us-sc/s.c.-code-ann.-16-13-135","next":"us-sc/s.c.-code-ann.-16-13-150"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}