close menu
This website uses cookies to store your accessibility preferences. No personal / identifying information is stored. More info.

Magistrates Office

Cheryl Graham
Chief Magistrate
2715 East Highway 76, Suite B
Mullins, SC  29754
cgraham@marionsc.org


Office Hours: 
Monday - Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Marion County Magistrate Court strives to treat all persons having business in the court equally and fairly, regardless of race, creed, or stature. The court administers justice effectively, equally, and mercifully while following and upholding the laws of the United States of America, the State of South Carolina, and the ordinances of Marion County.

PAY TRAFFIC TICKETS ONLINE

PLEASE NOTE OUR PHONE NUMBER HAS CHANGED:

For all Magistrates Office Matters please dial the following number:

Magistrates Office Direct Dial Number: 843-292-5238
To reach us through the Main number for the Law Enforcement Complex, please dial 843-423-8216 and select Option 3

FAX: 843-423-8394

Please be advised the magistrate cannot discuss specific details about your case or give you advice. The court staff will assist you in preparing your court forms.

Criminal/Traffic Court

Magistrates mainly handle criminal and traffic offenses with a maximum fine of $1,000.00 or 30 days in jail. (state assessments will be added to fine imposed). You must appear in court at the specified date and time on your ticket or bond paper. All times are in military time. If you decide to mail in your bond rather than appearing in court, mail a money order, cashier’s check, or bank certified check payable to Marion County Central Traffic Court to 2715 Highway 76 East, Suite B, Mullins, SC  29574. Do not mail cash or personal check. Be sure to enclose a copy of the summons or the summons number on the money order. You may also pay online.  (See online payments link for details.)  The payment must be received in the court on or before the scheduled court time. The posting of bond does not affect your right to appear in court and receive a fair trial before the judge or to request a jury trial, provided the jury trial request is made in writing to the court before your court appearance date. If you fail to post bond or personally appear in court on the assigned court date, your home state motor vehicle division will be notified and your driver’s license may be subject to suspension until the matter is cleared with the trial court. Failure to appear in court or post bond in criminal cases will result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest. 

Email Traffic Court with any traffic-related issues at:
MagistrateCourt@marionsc.org

Civil Court (Small Claims)

Magistrate’s civil jurisdiction is limited to amounts of $7500.00 or less and may included such matters as, disputes over money owed, defaulted credit payments, breach of contracts, abandoned property sales, and landlord-tenant matters. Civil complaints are filed in the county where the defendant (person being sued) lives or the company does business or has an office. The complaint must explain in detail the reason(s) for the action being filed. A filing fee is required. When the complaint is filed, a summons is issued for the defendant to answer the complaint within thirty (30) days. If the complaint is not answered within the 30 days, the plaintiff will be awarded a judgment by default. The defendant may answer the complaint and request a trial by the judge or a jury trial. Each party will be summoned to court to present its position on the complaint. (If witnesses needed please notify the court to subpoena). If neither party appears the case is dismissed.

Courtesy Summons

Pursuant to South Carolina Statute 22-5-110, this Court will no longer issue arrest warrants to persons other than law enforcement. Courtesy Summonses will be issued instead.  You must have a copy of your incident report from the Marion County Sheriff's Office when requesting a Courtesy Summons. The Judge will review the report and determine if there is probable cause to issue a Courtesy Summons.

Restraining Orders (Harassment/Stalking)

Magistrates issue restraining orders in matters concerning harassment or stalking. Restraining Orders are civil in nature and require the filing of a complaint listing verified reasons a restraining order is needed. After the complaint is filed, the magistrate will issue a summons, requiring all parties and their witness to be present for a hearing to determine whether to issue the restraining order. There is no filing fee for a restraining order; however, the non-prevailing party must pay the court cost ($55.00).

Jury Duty

Magistrate Court jury trials are conducted at scheduled times.  Jurors are selected randomly by the computer from the voter registration list of the county. All jurors are to report to the magistrate office located at 2715 Highway 76 East in between Mullins and Marion unless they have been excused by the presiding judge. If you think you may qualify for an exemption, please call the magistrate office for further instructions, some valid exemptions/excuses are: age, child care, physical/mental conditions, recent jury duty, some occupations may delay your service to another term. All jurors must complete the information form and return it to the magistrate office.  You will be paid $10.00 for each day you are required to appear. Dress appropriately for the courtroom. Inappropriate dress would include hats, tank tops, shorts, or Tee shirts. Do not bring telephones, pagers, or any noise-making devices or electronics into the courtroom. Absolutely no weapons are allowed in the building. You may be subject to search or electronic scanning devices.