Hampton County Magistrate Court cases in Hampton County, Varnville, SC
Hampton County Magistrate Court in Varnville is a county magistrate (summary) court within South Carolina's Unified Judicial System. It handles lower-level criminal matters (misdemeanors punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a $500 fine), state traffic offenses, and county ordinance violations; it also sets bonds, issues arrest and search warrants, and conducts preliminary hearings for cases bound to General Sessions. Its civil jurisdiction covers small claims up to $7,500, including money disputes, landlord‑tenant evictions, and claim and delivery, and it may issue restraining orders for harassment or stalking. It does not hear divorce, custody, or adoption matters, which are handled in Family Court. Matters exceeding its limits are heard in the Circuit Court (General Sessions or Common Pleas).
Hampton County Magistrate Court Contact and Location Information
| Court Type: | Magistrate Court |
| County: | Hampton |
| Street Address: | 411 Cemetery Rd. |
| City: | Varnville |
| Zip Code: | 29944 |
| Phone: | 803-914-2230 |
| Fax: | 803-914-2239 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Website URL: | https://www.hamptoncountysc.org/24/Magistrate-Court |
| Restrictions: | Children are not allowed in court unless they are old enough to sit still and be quiet. You must wear shirt and shoes in the courtroom. No shorts above the knee. No Cell Phones or radios are allowed. |
| Forms & Filing: | https://www.sccourts.org/forms/searchType.cfm |
| Dockets / Schedule / Calendar: | https://publicindex.sccourts.org/Hampton/PublicIndex/PISearch.aspx |
| Languages: | Multiple |
| About / Additional Info: | There are four Magistrate Courts in Hampton County including Criminal Domestic Violence Court and Bond Court.All Magistrates are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, to serve four year terms. South Carolina Court Administration provides administrative support to the Magistrate Courts.Magistrate Courts have jurisdiction over all offenses where punishments do not exceed fines of $500 plus assessments and court costs or imprisonment of 30 days, or both. Some criminal offenses require restitution, or public service in addition to your fine or jail. Some traffic offenses require points off your driver license, and suspension of driver license.Magistrate Courts have jurisdiction of civil matters involving claims that are $7,500.00 or less. Some types of cases handled by Magistrates’ Courts are Summons & Complaint (small claims), Claim & Delivery (repossession of personal property), Evictions, Restraining Orders and Judicial Sales of abandoned property (vehicles, mobile homes, trailers). Magistrates do not settle real property disputes. |
| Wikipedia: | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampton_County_Courthouse |
Services and Case Types Handled in Hampton County Magistrate Court
Hampton County Magistrates Court serves the public by handling:
- Civil case filings: small claims (generally up to $7,500), landlord-tenant evictions, claim and delivery, and civil restraining orders for harassment/stalking (non‑domestic).
- Criminal and traffic matters: minor criminal offenses and traffic citations; issuance of arrest and search warrants; bond hearings; and preliminary hearings to determine probable cause for certain General Sessions charges.
- Court hearings: scheduling and conducting bench and jury trials, eviction hearings, and other pretrial proceedings.
- Jury services: juror summons and qualification, excusals, orientation, and jury management for trials.
- Records and payments: accepting filings, fees, and fines; providing case information, court dates, and certified copies.
The court's role is to provide accessible dispute resolution, ensure due process in lower-level criminal and traffic cases, and facilitate public safety through timely orders and hearings.