Easley Magistrate Court

Easley Magistrate Court cases in Pickens County, Easley, SC

Pickens County Magistrates Court in Easley, South Carolina, is a county-level magistrate (summary) court with limited jurisdiction. It handles small civil claims up to $7,500, landlord-tenant/eviction actions, and minor criminal and traffic offenses typically punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a fine. The court issues arrest and search warrants, sets bonds, conducts preliminary hearings in felony and certain misdemeanor cases, and holds bench trials for offenses within its authority. It can issue restraining orders for harassment or stalking. It does not hear family-law matters (such as divorce, custody, or orders of protection) or general civil cases above its limit or felony trials; those are handled by the Family Court or Circuit Court.

Easley Magistrate Court Contact and Location Information

Services and Case Types Handled in Easley Magistrate Court

Pickens County Magistrates Court serves as the community's entry point for lower-level civil and criminal matters. Core services include:
- Civil filings: small claims within the statutory limit, contract disputes, and landlord-tenant cases (evictions, rent, deposits).
- Criminal/ordinance matters: county/municipal ordinance violations, certain misdemeanors, preliminary hearings, arrest/search warrants, and bond hearings.
- Bad check cases (deposit account fraud) and citizen warrant applications.
- Protective relief: restraining orders or similar protections as authorized by state law; enforcement of no-contact conditions in criminal cases.
- Court hearings: arraignments, bench and jury trials, continuances, and scheduling; acceptance of filings, fees, and fine payments.
- Jury services: juror summons, qualification, deferrals/excuses, check-in, and juror compensation.
- Records and support: case information, subpoenas, certified copies, and guidance on court procedures.