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Lancaster Municipal Court
We have your back all the way through, from start to finish
Lancaster Municipal Court handles various criminal and civil cases arising within its jurisdiction. As an active summary court with limited fine-imposing and sentencing power, it oversees traffic violations, misdemeanors, local ordinance infractions, and more throughout the year.
Having an experienced local criminal defense lawyer on your side can make all the difference after receiving a citation or being charged with an offense in Lancaster County that requires an appearance in this Court.
Navigating South Carolina criminal statutes and procedures can be intimidating and confusing when trying to avoid convictions, jail time, fees, or license suspensions.
Let’s review how legal representation can help you and Lancaster Municipal Court hearings, typical cases handled, court process, and potential sentences so you’ll know what to expect.
405 E. Arch St.
Lancaster, SC 29720
Phone: 803-825-7622
Its hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Under the SC Judicial Branch and S.C. Code Ann. § 22-3-545, the Lancaster Municipal Court holds jurisdiction to preside over cases not subject to fines exceeding $500 or imprisonment exceeding 30 days.
You can contact the Court clerk at the number above to check the status of your case, confirm your court date, arrange payments for citations, or ask general questions.
The Lancaster Municipal Court hears minor criminal offenses and traffic violations that occur within Lancaster city limits, including:
For more serious felony cases, the Lancaster Municipal Court holds preliminary hearings and can set bonds. Still, complete trials occur in South Carolina Circuit Courts after an indictment by a grand jury.
Lancaster Municipal Court proceedings are less formal than upper South Carolina courts, but judges still expect appropriate courtroom conduct and attire.
Leave phones and hats outside, do not bring food or drink inside, and dress neatly.
Upon entering the Lancaster Municipal Court building, you will pass through a primary security checkpoint. Court officers inspect any bags, jackets, etc., that individuals attempt to bring inside.
You can speak with prosecutors from the solicitor’s office on the second floor before your hearing to have your charges reduced or work out a plea agreement when you plan to plead guilty.
During your first municipal court appearance, the judge formally states the charges against you and asks if you plead guilty or not guilty. If pleading not guilty, more hearings get scheduled.
Having an experienced Lancaster criminal defense lawyer in your corner makes a considerable difference in municipal court cases.
They examine the prosecution’s evidence for illegal searches, false testimony, and other constitutional or procedural violations. Criminal defense attorneys also negotiate with judges and solicitors, contest charges when viable defenses exist, or help arrange alternative sentences to fines like community service.
The penalties you face if convicted in Lancaster Municipal Court vary based on your specific charges.
Traffic and misdemeanor fines usually range between $50 to $500, plus mandatory court fees around $100. Points also get assessed to your South Carolina driver’s license for moving violations.
More serious offenses like reckless driving, criminal battery, domestic violence, or leaving the scene of an accident can result in brief jail sentences of up to 30 days.
Lancaster Municipal Court judges hold the authority to suspend drivers’ licenses for offenses like DUI, driving under suspension or revocation, or failure to pay traffic tickets. If suspended, the court may offer you a work license, allowing you to drive to specific places like your job or school.
Criminal defense law firms assist Lancaster clients in reducing fines or jail time and restoring full license privileges.
You can find Lancaster Municipal Court cases online to check statuses, next hearing dates, fines owed, and more by searching your ticket number or name.
The Court also accepts payment for bonds and fines for parking tickets, traffic tickets, or criminal offenses online or in cash, money order, credit card, or a certified check.
But we recommend speaking with a criminal defense attorney before paying or pleading guilty to ensure you understand the long-term impacts on your driving record and insurance rates.
Contact Okoye Law in Rock Hill for a case evaluation if you still have questions or need legal representation.
Our criminal defense attorneys regularly appear in Lancaster Municipal Court. Let’s take the next step toward protecting your driving and criminal record.
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.
