Magistrate Court

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

The Magistrates 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.

Address, Telephone and Fax Directory

Appointment, Location, and Coordination

Public Index Search

A free guide to the Magistrates Court has been Prepared by the SC Bar's Young Lawyers Division. It offers answers to frequently asked questions; legal definitions; court rules; and forms.

Available to download in Word or Adobe PDF formats

Claim and Delivery of Personal Property - .PDF Adobe Acrobat or .DOC Word Document

Eviction Form - .PDF Adobe Acrobat or .DOC Word Document

Summons and Complaint Form - .PDF Adobe Acrobat or .DOC Word Document

Additional Magistrate Court forms are also available online at:
http://www.judicial.state.sc.us/courtReg/SCRMCRule19Forms.cfm.

Criminal Arrest Warrants

Fraudulent Check Warrants

Solicitor's Worthless Check Program

Affidavit for Ejectment (Eviction)

Claim and Delivery

Restraining Order

Summons and Complaint (Small Claims Action)

Bond Court

Victim’s Assistance

Central Traffic Court