Sumter County Magistrate Court cases in Sumter County, Sumter, SC
Sumter County Magistrates Court is a South Carolina magistrate (summary) court serving as a local trial court of limited jurisdiction in Sumter County. It handles criminal and traffic offenses punishable by a fine of up to $500 or imprisonment up to 30 days (or both), including misdemeanors, traffic tickets, and county ordinance violations. On the civil side, it hears cases with an amount in controversy up to $7,500, such as small claims, landlord-tenant (including evictions), and claim-and-delivery actions. Magistrates also issue arrest and search warrants, set bonds, and conduct preliminary hearings in felony and higher-level cases before they proceed to General Sessions Court. Family law, probate, and major civil or criminal matters are outside its jurisdiction.
Sumter County Magistrate Court Contact and Location Information
| Court Type: | Magistrate Court |
| County: | Sumter |
| Street Address: | 190 E. Canal St. |
| City: | Sumter |
| Zip Code: | 29150 |
| Phone: | 803-436-2280 |
| Fax: | 803-436-2789 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 5:00PM |
| Website URL: | http://www.sumtercountysc.org/departments/s_-_z/summary_court/index.php |
| Restrictions: | Do not bring your mobile phone or electronic communication devices.Do not bring your pocket knife or any type of weapon.Do not wear shorts, flip-flops, halter tops, or tank tops. No hats, no headgear.Men must tuck in their shirts.No food or drink is allowed in the building. |
| Forms & Filing: | https://www.sccourts.org/forms/searchType.cfm |
| Dockets / Schedule / Calendar: | https://publicindex.sccourts.org/Sumter/PublicIndex/PISearch.aspx |
| Jury Service: | http://www.sumtercountysc.org/Departments/Gamecock%20County%20Gazette%20Sept%202019%20_Page_4.jpg |
| Languages: | Multiple |
| Linkedin: | https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-campbell-5b586554/ |
| ADA: | Christopher R. Hilditch, ADA Coordinator |
| ADA Phone: | 803-436-2307 |
| ADA Fax / Email: | 803-436-2335, childitch@sumtercountysc.org |
| Wikipedia: | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumter_County_Courthouse_(South_Carolina) |
Services and Case Types Handled in Sumter County Magistrate Court
Sumter County Magistrates Court provides frontline judicial services for minor criminal, traffic, and civil matters. It accepts filings for civil claims up to $7,500, landlord-tenant actions (ejectment/evictions), claim and delivery, and restraining orders for harassment/stalking. It processes traffic citations and misdemeanor charges (generally punishable by up to 30 days or a $500 fine), issues arrest and search warrants, sets bonds, and conducts bond proceedings. The court schedules and holds non-jury and jury trials, preliminary hearings on higher-level charges, and other hearings on motions and compliance. Jury services include summoning, qualifying, excusing, and orienting jurors for magistrate trials. Public-facing services include fine/fee payments, court date and docket information, forms and filing guidance, subpoenas, and compliance monitoring.