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Magistrate Court Services

Scales of Justice Stock PhotoThe Magistrate Court is the Summary Criminal Court and the Small Claims Court for South Carolina residents. It is established under the SC Unified Judicial System supervised by the Chief Justice of the SC Supreme Court through the Office of Court Administration.

The Magistrate Court is responsible for trying all traffic cases and misdemeanor criminal offenses that carry up to a 30-day jail sentence or $500 fine plus assessments. Criminal cases that have more severe consequences are referred to the General Sessions Court.

The Magistrate Court also handles small claims disputes up to $7,500 in value and landlord-tenant disputes. Civil cases that exceed small claim maximum value are removed to the Court of Common Pleas.


Civil Court Information
Rules Summons and Complaint Claim and Delivery Evictions Civil Rules of Procedure Restraining Orders Filing Fees
Printable Forms Affidavit & Itemization
Complaint
Affidavit (Claim and Delivery) Application for Ejectment (Eviction) See link above for forms Complaint and Motion for Restraining Order (Harassment and Stalking) Additional Magistrate Court Forms are available under the Civil Rules of Procedure

Criminal/Traffic Court Information

Domestic Violence

Criminal Jurisdiction

Driving Under the Influence

Fraudulent Checks

Preliminary Hearings

Bond Hearings

Pre-Trial Intervention

Expungements

Alcohol Education Program

Traffic Education Program