Charleston Courthouses
Last updated: November 19, 2013
Do you have court business in Charleston? South Carolina’s judicial system is complicated, with many courts performing many different functions. The Magistrate Courts are the lowest level courts in the city. Magistrate Courts handle traffic violations and criminal cases with punishments of a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or both. Magistrate Courts also handle landlord-tenant problems, restraining orders, and civil claims not exceeding $7,500. The Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Charleston handles civil cases claiming $7,500 or more as well as criminal felony and misdemeanor cases not heard by the Magistrate Courts. The Circuit Court also has a separate Family Court that handles family law issues and juvenile delinquency. To simplify your courthouse search, below is a list of courthouses in Charleston and North Charleston, including links to official sites with more information.
Ninth Judicial Circuit Court Locations
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Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions Court
100 Broad Street
Suite 106
Charleston, SC 29401
Tel: (843) 958-5000Note: The Broad Street courthouse hears cases for the 9th Judicial Circuit Court, including all civil litigation for claims over $7,500. For claims under $7,500, see the magistrate courts section. The Court of General Sessions is Charleston’s criminal court for serious criminal cases. For some misdemeanor criminal courts, see the magistrate courts section.
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Family Court
100 Broad Street
Suite 143
Charleston, SC 29401
Tel: (843) 958-4400Note: The Family Court hears all matters involving domestic or family relationships, including divorce, custody issues, spousal and child support, adoption and change of name. The Family Court also may hear some cases involving violations of the law by minors under 17.
Magistrate and Small Claims Courts
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Magistrate/Summary Court Administration
4045 Bridge View Drive
Suite B143
North Charleston, SC 29405
Tel: (843) 202-6600 -
Small Claims Court, City of Charleston
995 Morrison Drive
Charleston, SC 29403
Tel: (843) 724-6720 -
West Ashley Area Magistrate Court
1720 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard
Unit 11
Charleston, SC 29407
Tel: (843) 766-6531 -
City of Charleston Magistrate Court
995 Morrison Drive
Charleston, SC 29403
Tel: (843) 724-6719 -
James Island Magistrate Court
615 Riverland Drive
Charleston, SC 29412
Tel: (843) 795-1140
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Centralized Bond Hearing and Preliminary Hearing Court
3870 Leeds Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 746-9822 (Bond Hearing)
(843) 745-2390 (Preliminary Hearing)
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North Area Magistrate Court 1 (Lonnie Hamilton, III Public Service Building)
4045 Bridge View Drive
1st Floor, Suite B125
North Charleston, SC 29405
Tel: (843) 202-6610Note: The Small Claims Court, North Area, is also located in this building in Suite B146.
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North Area Magistrate Court 2
2145 Melbourne Avenue
Suite 100
North Charleston, SC 29405
Tel: (843) 745-2215 -
North Area Magistrate Court 3
7272 Cross County Road
North Charleston, SC 29418
Tel: (843) 767-2743
Federal Courts in Charleston
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Charleston Federal Courthouse
85 Broad Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Tel: (843) 579-1401Note: The Charleston Federal Courthouse hears cases for the U.S. District of South Carolina, including cases arising under federal law. For information about bankruptcy filing and hearings in South Carolina, visit the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of South Carolina website.