(A) In addition to other remedies set forth in this chapter, whenever the department determines, from evidence satisfactory to it, that any person has engaged, is engaged, or is about to engage in an act or practice constituting a violation of this chapter or a regulation promulgated hereunder, the department may bring action in the name and on behalf of the State against the person and any other person concerned in that practice in violation of this chapter to enjoin the person or persons from continuing the violation. In the court proceedings, the department may apply for and on due showing is entitled to have issued, the court’s subpoena requiring the appearance of any defendant and his employees or agents to testify or give evidence concerning the acts or conduct or things complained of in the application for injunction, and requiring the production of documents, books, and records that may appear necessary for the hearing of the petition.

(B) In addition to all other means provided by law for the enforcement of any temporary restraining order, temporary injunction, or permanent injunction issued in the court proceedings, the court shall have the power, upon application of the department, to impound and to appoint a receiver or administrator for the property, assets, and business of the defendant, including, but not limited to, the books, records, documents, and papers appertaining thereto. The receiver or administrator, when appointed and qualified, shall have all powers and duties as to custody, collection, administration, winding up, and liquidation of this property and business as is from time to time conferred upon him by the court. In the action, the court may issue orders and decrees staying all pending suits and enjoining any further suits affecting the receiver’s or administrator’s custody or possession of this property, assets, and business, or in its discretion may with the consent of the chief administrative judge of the circuit, require that all these suits be assigned to the circuit court judge appointing this receiver or administrator.

Terms Used In South Carolina Code 34-36-60

  • Assets: (1) The property comprising the estate of a deceased person, or (2) the property in a trust account.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Department: means the Department of Consumer Affairs. See South Carolina Code 34-36-10
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Injunction: An order of the court prohibiting (or compelling) the performance of a specific act to prevent irreparable damage or injury.
  • Restitution: The court-ordered payment of money by the defendant to the victim for damages caused by the criminal action.
  • Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
  • Temporary restraining order: Prohibits a person from an action that is likely to cause irreparable harm. This differs from an injunction in that it may be granted immediately, without notice to the opposing party, and without a hearing. It is intended to last only until a hearing can be held.
  • Testify: Answer questions in court.

(C) In addition to any other remedies provided by this chapter, the department may apply to the court hearing this matter for an order of restitution whereby the defendants in the action must be ordered to make restitution of those sums shown by the department to have been obtained by them in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter. The restitution, at the option of the court, must be payable to the administrator or receiver appointed pursuant to this section or directly to the persons whose assets were obtained in violation of this chapter.