(A) It is unlawful for a factor or commission merchant to receive from a planter cotton, rice, or other agricultural produce for sale and:

(1) sell the produce and fail to pay over the net proceeds to the planter on demand;

Terms Used In South Carolina Code 46-1-70

  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.

(2) apply the produce to his own use and benefit; or

(3) fail to account for the produce in a satisfactory manner if unsold.

(B) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a:

(1) felony and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both, if the sale amount of the commodities is ten thousand dollars or more;

(2) felony and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than five years, or both, if the sale amount of the commodities is more than two thousand dollars but less than ten thousand dollars;

(3) misdemeanor triable in magistrates court or municipal court, notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 22-3-540, 22-3-545, 22-3-550, and 14-25-65, if the sale amount of the commodities is two thousand dollars or less. Upon conviction, the person must be fined not more than one thousand dollars, or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.