Candice Lively announces candidacy for Solicitor
April 4, 2016
Lexington County attorney Candice Lively formally announced her candidacy for 11th Circuit Solicitor this week, saying a “fresh face” is needed to implement critical improvements in the Solicitor’s Office.
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Lively, a Republican, currently serves as Senior Resource Attorney at USC’s Children’s Law Center, training law enforcement officers and prosecutors statewide in investigating and prosecuting child abuse cases. She previously served as Senior Assistant Solicitor in the 15th Circuit, where she earned a reputation as a tough prosecutor and fierce advocate for victims.
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“As the criminal justice community is aware, there are serious shortcomings in the 11th Circuit Solicitor’s Office,” Lively said. “And as the only candidate who hasn’t been part of the current Solicitor’s Office, I believe I’m the best-suited to take an objective look at those areas that need improvement and bring about the necessary reforms.”
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High on her priority list is reducing the backlog of cases in the 11th Circuit, which perennially has one of the worst case backlogs in the entire state. “A backlog means criminals aren’t being brought to justice and victims aren’t getting the peace of mind they deserve,” Lively said. “The people of Lexington, Saluda, Edgefield and McCormick counties shouldn’t have to settle for one of the worst backlogs in the state.”
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Lively said some of her other goals include:
- Strengthened partnerships with local law enforcement agencies to more effectively prosecute criminals and keep communities safe
- More vigorous prosecution of those who manufacture and distribute hard drugs – particularly “meth,” which is a growing problem in the four-county area
- A tough stand against public corruption and abuses of power by government officials
- High standards of ethics and conduct for all Solicitor’s Office personnel
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Lively said her campaign will emphasize her record as an effective prosecutor and tireless victim advocate who has tried cases for murder, rape, burglary, child sexual assault and felony drug charges.
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Due to her effectiveness in the courtroom, Lively was one of just 80 prosecutors nationwide to be chosen by the National District Attorney’s Association (NDAA) to receive specialized training in prosecuting child homicides. She’s now certified to train other prosecutors in these complex investigative and prosecutorial procedures.
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In addition to training hundreds of criminal justice professionals and prosecutors, Lively has conducted educational presentations for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the S.C. Sheriff’s Association, S.C. Coroner’s Association and other professional organizations. She’s also regularly selected as a speaker at the annual S.C. Solicitors Conference.
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For her child advocacy efforts, she received the National Collaborative Leadership Award from the National Drug Endangered Children Alliance.
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Lively was born and raised in Lexington County, growing up in West Columbia. She graduated from Airport High School and the University of South Carolina, and earned her law degree from the USC School of Law. She lives in Chapin with her husband, Chad, and their two children.
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