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Lancaster Magistrate's Court
We have your back all the way through, from start to finish
The Lancaster County Magistrate Court provides South Carolina citizens with efficient summary court services. Magistrates serving the Court carry out the following judicial processes and procedures daily:
Chief Magistrates hold limited authority to impose fines and jail sentences, and they oversee civil claims litigation up to $7,500.
If you have a court date scheduled at the Lancaster County Magistrate Court, having some background on court etiquette and procedures can help you feel more prepared. Let’s examine what to expect when appearing before the magistrate and how local criminal defense attorneys can effectively handle your magistrate court case.
Lancaster County Magistrate Court
761 Lancaster
Hwy 9 Bypass E
Lancaster, SC 29720
Mailing Address:
PO Box 1809
Lancaster, SC 29721
Ph: 803-283-3983
Fax: 877-636-7977
Its hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Lancaster County’s Magistrate Court handles matters across various civil and criminal law branches.
Their jurisdiction includes:
Magistrates give Lancaster citizens swift access to the judicial system for minor claims and offenses. However, charges heard in magistrate court still carry potentially severe penalties.
That’s why working with an experienced local criminal defense lawyer is so important when facing the magistrate.
In South Carolina, magistrate courts operate under the state’s unified judicial system. The Governor appoints Magistrate judges with the advice and consent of the South Carolina Senate.
The South Carolina Supreme Court chief justice designates one magistrate in each county as the Chief Magistrate to oversee the Court’s administrative operations and jurisdiction.
If you have a court date on the calendar with Lancaster County’s magistrate, here is what you can anticipate:
Be prepared to pass through a metal detector when entering the magistrate court. Security will also search bags and clothing. Leave any weapons, including pocket knives, at home.
Arrive early so you have time to take care of any check-in procedures. Be sure to turn off cell phones and other devices before entering courtrooms.
Wear professional business attire to demonstrate respect for court proceedings.
Magistrate courtrooms are small, with the judge’s bench opposite the witness stand and tables for the prosecution and defense. The gallery where you will sit is behind the bar area.
If you hire legal representation, you’ll interact with the magistrate judge, court clerk, potential law enforcement officers, and lawyers. Be respectful in all exchanges within the courtroom.
Stand when addressed by the magistrate and refer to him/her as “Your Honor.” Speak only when prompted and keep answers brief and truthful.
Lancaster County’s magistrates hear many criminal and traffic cases with penalties or jail time not exceeding $500.00 or 30 days, respectively. The civil jurisdiction is $7500.00 for magistrate court civil cases.
Some of the typical criminal offenses under the Court’s jurisdiction include:
Magistrates can issue arrest warrants, preside over bond hearings, grant restraining orders, and more. They also can set monetary fines and sometimes sentence individuals to jail for up to 30 days.
The outcomes of magistrate court cases clearly carry high stakes, even when charges are comparatively minor.
Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in your corner can make all the difference during magistrate court proceedings.
Rather than facing the prosecutor alone, your attorney can:
In short, skilled criminal defense lawyers know how to navigate South Carolina’s magistrate courts. OKOYE LAW in Rock Hill understands the best defenses, negotiating tactics, and sentencing strategies for the state’s magistrate courts.
Our criminal defense lawyers have successfully represented clients before Lancaster County magistrates for years. If your case moves beyond magistrate court, we can also continue defending you through the circuit court.
Okoye Law offers personalized representation that closely analyzes your unique case’s details to build the most potent defense approach.
We evaluate the prosecution’s evidence, identify illegal searches or interrogation tactics, research potential defenses, and anticipate the magistrate judge’s likely stance.
Our ultimate goal is to have traffic or criminal charges reduced or dismissed without any conviction. Our experience with plea negotiations and sentencing hearings also gives clients the best shot at minimizing fines and avoiding jail time.
For fast, flexible representation tailored to your specific case, contact Okoye Law today to schedule your initial consultation.
You will stress less and sleep better knowing we’ve got everything under control.
We raise the bar by providing detail-oriented legal assistance that zeroes in on the client experience.
Every case we take begins and ends with your unique situation in our hearts and on our minds.
