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Public Defender Services in South Carolina
(Separate Website)
Lawline FAQ: Public Defender services are provided by offices located in most counties in the state to people charged with a crime who cannot afford to hire a private lawyer. Public Defender services are available to people who qualify regardless of whether they are in jail or out of jail.
By: South Carolina Bar Association
Public Defender Services in South Carolina
(Separate Website)
Lawline FAQ: Public Defender services are provided by offices located in most counties in the state to people charged with a crime who cannot afford to hire a private lawyer. Public Defender services are available to people who qualify regardless of whether they are in jail or out of jail.
By: South Carolina Bar Association
Circuit Courts Home Page
(Separate Website)
The Circuit Court is the state's court of general jurisdiction. It has a civil court, the Court of Common Pleas, and a criminal court, the Court of General Sessions. In addition to its general trial jurisdiction, the Circuit Court has limited appellate jurisdiction over appeals from the Probate Court, Magistrate's Court, and Municipal Court, as well as appeals from the Administrative Law Judge Division, which hears matters relating to state administrative and regulatory agencies.
By: South Carolina Court Administration, SC Judicial Department
Court of Appeals Home Page
(Separate Website)
The Court of Appeals was created to hear most types of appeals from the circuit court and the family court. Exceptions are when the appeal falls within any of the seven classes of exclusive jurisdiction listed under the Supreme Court.
By: South Carolina Court Administration, SC Judicial Department
Family Court Home Page
(Separate Website)
The uniform statewide Family Court system was established by statute in 1976. The Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all matters involving domestic or family relationships.
By: South Carolina Court Administration, SC Judicial Department
Magistrates Home Page
(Separate Website)
Magistrates generally have criminal trial jurisdiction over all offenses subject to the penalty of a fine, as set by statute, but generally, not exceeding $500.00 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both. In addition, they are responsible for setting bail, conducting preliminary hearings, and issuing arrest and search warrants. Magistrates have civil jurisdiction when the amount in controversy does not exceed $7,500.
By: South Carolina Court Administration, SC Judicial Department
Masters-in-Equity Home Page
(Separate Website)
Masters are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the General Assembly for a term of six years. They have the power and authority of the Circuit Court sitting without a jury, to regulate all proceedings in every hearing before them, and to perform all acts and take all measures necessary or proper for the efficient performance of their duties under the order of reference.
By: South Carolina Court Administration, SC Judicial Department
Probate Court Home Page
(Separate Website)
Each county has a Probate Judge who is popularly elected to a four year term and has jurisdiction over marriage licenses, estates of deceased persons, guardianships of incompetents, conservatorships of estates of minors and incompetents, minor settlements under $25,000 and involuntary commitments to institutions for mentally ill and/or chemically dependent persons. They also have exclusive jurisdiction over trusts and concurrent jurisdiction with Circuit Courts over powers of attorney.
By: South Carolina Court Administration, SC Judicial Department
Registers of Deeds Home Page
(Separate Website)
On January 1, 1998, the name of the office changed from Register of Mesne Conveyances (RMC) to Register of Deeds (RoD). Current office holders, whether appointed or elected, were authorized to keep the name of RMC during their tenure in office, however, after their term, the name is to change to RoD. The duties of the Register of Deeds are set out by the Code of Laws of South Carolina. The proper recording of documents provides notice to subsequent purchasers or creditors of the interests of others in the property and establishes priority of claims against that property. Generally, all instruments conveying an interest in real property must be recorded in that county's Register of Deeds in order to be valid. Other documents of public interest may also be recorded by the Register of Deeds.
By: South Carolina Court Administration, SC Judicial Department
South Carolina Court Administration
(Separate Website)
South Carolina Court Administration was established in 1973 pursuant to the new Judicial Article of the South Carolina Constitution, which provides that the Chief Justice shall appoint an Administrator of the Courts and such assistants as deemed necessary to aid in the administration of the courts of the State. The State Court Administrator serves as the Director of the Office of South Carolina Court Administration. It is the administrative arm of the Chief Justice in his/her capacity as the administrative head of the state judicial system.
By: South Carolina Court Administration, SC Judicial Department
Supreme Court Home Page
(Separate Website)
The Supreme Court is the highest court in South Carolina. The Court is composed of a Chief Justice and four Associate Justices who are elected to ten year terms by the General Assembly. The terms of the justices are staggered and a justice may be reelected to any number of terms.
By: South Carolina Court Administration, SC Judicial Department
Circuit Courts Home Page
(Separate Website)
The Circuit Court is the state's court of general jurisdiction. It has a civil court, the Court of Common Pleas, and a criminal court, the Court of General Sessions. In addition to its general trial jurisdiction, the Circuit Court has limited appellate jurisdiction over appeals from the Probate Court, Magistrate's Court, and Municipal Court, as well as appeals from the Administrative Law Judge Division, which hears matters relating to state administrative and regulatory agencies.
By: South Carolina Court Administration, SC Judicial Department
Court of Appeals Home Page
(Separate Website)
The Court of Appeals was created to hear most types of appeals from the circuit court and the family court. Exceptions are when the appeal falls within any of the seven classes of exclusive jurisdiction listed under the Supreme Court.
By: South Carolina Court Administration, SC Judicial Department
Crime Victims' Ombudsman
(Separate Website)
The mission of the Crime Victim's Ombudsman is to attempt to ensure that all crime victims are served justly, equitably, and fairly by South Carolina's criminal justice organizations. The Crime Victims' Ombudsman provides three main services: refers crime victims to appropriate agencies, provides liaison services, and reviews and attempts to resolve complaints against elements of the criminal and juvenile justice systems or victim assistance programs. The Crime Victims' Ombudsman is an impartial third party that is neither an advocate for victims nor a defender of bureaucracy.
By: SC Crime Victims' Ombudsman
Department of Corrections Home Page
(Separate Website)
Information for family members of inmates, searchable inmate database, and victim services.
By: SC Department of Corrections
Magistrates Home Page
(Separate Website)
Magistrates generally have criminal trial jurisdiction over all offenses subject to the penalty of a fine, as set by statute, but generally, not exceeding $500.00 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both. In addition, they are responsible for setting bail, conducting preliminary hearings, and issuing arrest and search warrants. Magistrates have civil jurisdiction when the amount in controversy does not exceed $7,500.
By: South Carolina Court Administration, SC Judicial Department
Municipal Courts Home Page
(Separate Website)
Municipal courts have jurisdiction over cases arising under ordinances of the municipality, and over all offenses which are subject to a fine not exceeding $500.00 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both, and which occur within the municipality. Municipal courts may hear cases transferred from general sessions, the penalty for which does not exceed one year imprisonment or a fine of $5,000, or both, upon petition by the solicitor and agreement by the defendant. The powers and duties of a municipal judge are the same as those of a magistrate, with regard to criminal matters; however, municipal courts have no civil jurisdiction. The term of a municipal judge is set by the council of the municipality, but cannot exceed four years. Approximately 200 municipalities in South Carolina have chosen to create municipal courts.
By: South Carolina Court Administration, SC Judicial Department
Public Defender Services in South Carolina
(Separate Website)
Lawline FAQ: Public Defender services are provided by offices located in most counties in the state to people charged with a crime who cannot afford to hire a private lawyer. Public Defender services are available to people who qualify regardless of whether they are in jail or out of jail.
By: South Carolina Bar Association
SC Public Defender Offices
(Separate Website)
Who is your local Public Defender? Find out here.
By: SC Office of Indigent Defense
South Carolina Court Administration
(Separate Website)
South Carolina Court Administration was established in 1973 pursuant to the new Judicial Article of the South Carolina Constitution, which provides that the Chief Justice shall appoint an Administrator of the Courts and such assistants as deemed necessary to aid in the administration of the courts of the State. The State Court Administrator serves as the Director of the Office of South Carolina Court Administration. It is the administrative arm of the Chief Justice in his/her capacity as the administrative head of the state judicial system.
By: South Carolina Court Administration, SC Judicial Department
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(Separate Website)
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