Criminal Domestic Violence Centralized Court to Begin Operating in Batesburg-Leesville in January

(COLUMBIA, S.C. – December 21, 2012)   South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced a new Criminal Domestic Violence (CDV) Centralized Court is being established in Batesburg-Leesville. 

Beginning in January 2013, Assistant Attorney General Megan Gresham will be prosecuting all Criminal Domestic Violence first offense cases in Batesburg/Leesville the third Wednesday of each month. 

Until now, all first offense cases had been prosecuted by law enforcement. 

Criminal Domestic Violence Courts offer increased efficiency by concentrating responsibility for defendant oversight in the hands of a single judge.  It unites all the participants in one courtroom at the same time, saving time for defendants, attorneys, court officials and law enforcement officers.  In addition, victims can receive increased attention and help in addressing family issues.

This is the fourth CDV Centralized Court in South Carolina to be supervised by the Attorney General’s Office.