For the repeal of this section, see §§ 39-26-140 and 39-26-160.

If unable to secure the written consent to the condemnation or destruction in accordance with § 39-26-80(B)(1), the Commissioner, or any authorized agent of the Commissioner, shall make a complaint before a magistrate, or other officer authorized to issue summons, having jurisdiction where the covered produce was seized. The magistrate or other officer shall issue his summons to the person from whom the covered produce was seized, directing him to appear before an appropriate court in the jurisdiction not less than six nor more than twelve days from the date of issuing the summons and show cause why the covered produce should not be condemned or destroyed. If the person from whom the covered produce was seized cannot be found, then the summons must be served upon the person then in possession of the covered produce. The summons must be served at least six days before the time of appearance as directed herein by the appropriate court. If the person from whom the covered produce was seized cannot be found, no one can be found in possession of the covered produce, and the defendant does not appear on the return day, an appropriate court shall proceed in the cause in the same manner as where a writ of attachment is returned not personally served upon any of the defendants and none of the defendants appears upon the return day.

Terms Used In South Carolina Code 39-26-90

  • Attachment: A procedure by which a person's property is seized to pay judgments levied by the court.
  • Commissioner: means the South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture. See South Carolina Code 39-26-20
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Covered produce: means food that is produce within the meaning of 21 C. See South Carolina Code 39-26-20
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Produce: means food that is produce within the meaning of 21 C. See South Carolina Code 39-26-20
  • Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.
  • Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.