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Municipal Court

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1. Can I reschedule/continue my court date?

If you need to reschedule your court date and it is before your scheduled appearance, you need to contact the officer at 803-547-2022. You may have to leave a message. You may also request a continuance in open court, however, you will need a valid reason to do so. Valid reasons may include the need to get or consult an attorney or to request a jury trial. The presiding judge may continue the court date on your scheduled court date depending on the circumstances of the case.

2. Do I have court today?

If you were given a court date and time, you will need to either: Appear and plea or ask for a continuance/jury trial or pay the ticket (if applicable) prior to court.

If you do not appear, you are subject to having your driver’s license suspended in the case of traffic charges or having a warrant issued for your arrest in the case of criminal charges.

3. Something unexpected has come up (e.g. illness, car issues, etc.) and I cannot make my court date today. Can you tell the judge/officer or continue my case?

Your case will be heard as scheduled unless you can provide written documentation as to why you could not make your court date as scheduled. This documentation will need to be provided before 4 p.m. on the date of your trial for judicial review. If you do not receive resolution on your court date, you will need to contact the court at 803-547-2120.

4. Why didn’t the judge dismiss my case since the officer was not there ?

All cases in the Fort Mill Municipal Court are heard and evaluated on their individual merits. Each element is considered when a judge makes a decision. Other than the judge, no one can say what she/he would do in your particular case.

5. Can I represent myself?

According to sate statute, you may represent yourself. Your have the right to introduce evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses, make closing arguments and otherwise present a defense to the charges. You will be held to the same standards as an attorney.

6. My child (age 17 or older) received a ticket for curfew violation, possession of tobacco, or underage drinking. Does he/she need to go to court?

Yes, your child will need to go to court.

7. My child (age 16 or older) received a traffic ticket. Does he/she need to appear in court?

In most cases, the ticket may be paid without an appearance, however, there are traffic charges that do require an appearance for traffic violations, regardless of age. If you have any questions regarding required appearances for traffic charges call 803-547-2120.

8. What is the procedure for entering a plea to a criminal charge?

There are 3 possible pleas to a criminal charge: Not Guilty, Guilty, and No Contest. In a Not Guilty plea, you deny guilt and the Town must prove the criminal charge against you. In a Guilty plea, you admit you committed the act(s) charged, that the act(s) are prohibited by law, and that you have no legal defense for such act(s). In a No Contest (or nolo contendere) plea, you neither admit guilty nor deny it.

9. What happens at a trial?

Depending the alleged offense(s), you are entitled to a trial by jury. You are entitled to hear all testimony against you. You have a right to cross-examine any witness who testifies against you, to testify on your own behalf and you hold a Constitutional right not to testify. If you choose not to testify, a refusal cannot and will not be used against you in determining guild or innocence. However, if you choose to testify, the Town will have the right to cross-examine you.

You may call witnesses to testify on your behalf and have the right to have the court issue subpoenas for witness to ensure appearance at trial.

10. Can I plead by phone?

No, you either need to appear or pay the fine prior to your court date.

11. How long is the court session? Will it last longer than an hour?

Fort Mill Municipal Court schedules its regular court sessions Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Depending on the docket and case load, sessions may last longer than an hour.

12. Can I get a prayer for judgment?

While a prayer for judgment is used in North Carolina, it is not available in South Carolina.

13. Can I appear earlier than my trial date and time and speak with the judge?

You must appear on you designated court date and time. Judges do not talk about pending cases without all parties present. You may contact the officer for continuance after the initial court date if you are unable to appear.

14. Can I pay my ticket and still appear to plead not guilty?

Payment indicates a guilty plea and forfeiture of fine monies. Appearing on your court date gives you a chance to ask for a reduction in fines or plead not guilty.

15. What is the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) telephone number ?

The DMV may be reached at 803-896-5000.

16. What to do if my driver’s license is suspended for failing to pay a traffic ticket?

You will need to pay the amount(s) outstanding with the particular agency. Each agency will give you a form you will need at the South Carolina Highway Department which will require you pay reinstatement fee(s) to reinstate your license.

17. What type of payments do you accept?

We accept cash, credit/debit card, cashier’s check and money order. No business or personal checks will be accepted.

18. When do I have to have my fine?

All fines and restitution are due on the day of sentencing.

19. Can my fine be deducted from monies posted for my bond?

Yes, if you are the person who posted the monies for your bond. If someone else posted your bond monies, the fine cannot be deducted

20. What will happen if I don’t pay my fine by the due date ?

If you have a traffic charge and do not pay, your driver’s license will be suspended until you do. If you have a criminal charge and do not pay, a warrant will be issued for Contempt of Court.

21. Can I pay over the phone?

No. Fines must be paid in-person at Fort Mill Municipal Court (200 Tom Hall Street), by mail (P. O. Box 159, Fort Mill, SC 29716) or online. To pay online, visit https://sc.gov/court-payments, you will need your ticket number. Search for your ticket number via [add the link here for the public index]. Other acceptable payment options are cash, credit/debit card, cashier’s check and money order. No personal or business checks will be accepted.

22. When will I get my bond money back?

Bonds are only released upon order by a judge, dismissal of the charge, or a finding of not guilty. The bond is returned only to the party posting it. Bond refunds follow the Town of Fort Mill Accounts Payable Department refund process may take up to 60 days.

23. Who gets the money on a refund?

The person who paid the money will receive the refund.

24. What are court costs?

Court costs are fees and assessments assigned by the state statue created by the South Carolina Legislature. They are subject to change annually.

25. What do I do about the officer being rude?

You will need to contact the officer or his/her supervisor at 803-547-2120. You may have to leave a message. Fort Mill Municipal Court employees are not authorized to speak for officers or about an officer’s actions.

26. Why aren’t the employees more helpful?

The law prohibits Fort Mill Municipal Court employees other than the Municipal Judge or Associate Municipal Judge from explaining or interpreting the law. As a result, court employees must refrain from answering many questions asked of them because to do so would constitute legal advice, which personnel may not provide. Instead, they must refer you to competent legal counsel.

27. Will you call the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and tell them I paid my ticket?

Due to the large volume of traffic tickets, Fort Mill Municipal Court employees do not make individual calls for this purpose. You will need to take your individual receipt(s) to the DMV.