Russell A. DeMott, Chief Magistrate 

Magistrate Court has jurisdiction over criminal/traffic offenses that carry a punishment of a fine and/or a jail sentence that is not more than 30 days generally. They also have jurisdiction over civil disputes when the amount in controversy does not exceed $7,500 commonly referred to as “Small Claims Court”.

The Magistrate Court also processes evictions, restraining orders, sets bail, conducts preliminary hearings, and issues arrest and search warrants.

Overflow Parking 

Parking at the Troy Knight Judicial Center is limited as a result of the construction on the County's new Emergency Operations Center. Overflow parking has been established at the LC Knight Detention Center.

Shuttle services will run every fifteen minutes, Monday - Thursday, from 7:45 AM to 5:25 PM. Passengers must wear a seatbelt at all times while in the vehicle. Smoking and vaping is prohibited. Note: Cellphones are not permitted inside the judicial center. Cellphones should be left in your private vehicle. Dorchester County is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Directions to Overflow Parking

Central Bond Court 

Phone: (843) 832-0370 ext. 5423

Central Bond Court is located in the Summerville Magistrates Court, located at the Troy Knight Judicial Complex in Summerville. 

Bond hearings are scheduled at 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM every day. This includes weekends and holidays. Releases can be done in Summerville and St. George during regular business hours. 

Helpful Links

• Magistrate Court Forms
• Collections of Judgments
• Court Room Dress Code
• Civil Court Filing Fees
• Magistrate's Storage Sale Packet

Judges

• The Honorable Russell A. DeMott, Chief Magistrate
• The Honorable Tera S. Richardson, Associate Chief
• The Honorable Amanda Leviner
• The Honorable Brandt Shelbourne
• The Honorable Julie Stewart
• The Honorable Tara F. Frost