Magistrate's and Municipal Court

If you have received a ticket or a warrant for an offense in Magistrate's Court (or Municipal Court) you will receive notice from either your ticket or your bond paperwork about the date, time, and location of your first Court date in Magistrate's Court.

Magistrate's Courts are located throughout the Counties of South Carolina and handle civil and criminal cases. The majority of criminal cases in Magistrate's Court will be 30 day misdemeanor cases which usually carry the penalty of 30 days in the County Jail or a fine.

Municipal Courts are similar to Magistrate's Courts, but they are part of the City or Town system of Courts. Usually these courts, as the City of Columbia Municipal Court, are attached to a specific town or city and are different courts from the Magistrate's Courts. Municipal Courts also have limited jurisdiction over criminal cases mainly involving criminal offenses that carry 30 days in the County Jail or a fine.

The criminal defense lawyers at Strom Law Firm, LLC represent individuals who have been charged with traffic violations whether improper lane change, reckless homicide, or felony DUI. If you are convicted of a traffic violation, especially driving under the influence, the consequences could be severe. While the court could impose hefty fines or even jail time, the highway department may revoke your driving privileges, resulting in increased insurance premiums. Our attorneys have the expertise to evaluate your case and its consequences and provide criminal representation.