Opinion
2024-07-22-01
07-22-2024
Use of Electronic Sentence Sheet Application (ESSA) in User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Counties and Revision to SCCA 217
ORDER
DONALD W. BEATTY CHIEF JUSTICE
A web-based Electronic Sentence Sheet Application (ESSA) has been designed to provide accurate and timely sentencing data to the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) and other state agencies. The ESSA will reduce errors, increase efficiency, and modernize the sentencing process.
Pursuant to the provisions of Article V, Section 4 of the South Carolina Constitution, IT IS ORDERED that use of the ESSA is required in Lexington County Court of General Sessions effective July 24, 2024; Cherokee County Court of General Sessions effective August 19, 2024; and Union County Court of General Sessions effective August 26, 2024, for the purpose of documenting the disposition of criminal cases. The ESSA shall be used for disposition of all cases unless there is a loss of internet service or other extenuating circumstance. The ESSA should not be used for cases adjudicated in Transfer Court pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 22-3-545 (Supp. 2023).
Pursuant to Rule 36, SCRCrimP, the attached revised General Sessions Sentence Sheet, SCCA 217, bearing a revision date of 07/2024 is approved for use in all counties effective July 24, 2024. The ESSA will be expanded to other counties pursuant to future Orders of the Chief Justice.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the use of electronic signatures in the format of s/[typed name] is approved for use in the automated sentence sheet process by judges, attorneys, and clerks of court. Defendants are not required to affix a signature to the ESSA or to SCCA 217.
The form will be available on the South Carolina Judicial Branch website at http: //www. sccourts. org/forms.
The provisions of this order remain in effect unless amended or revoked by subsequent order of the Chief Justice.