About Charleston County

Charleston County occupies a distinctive place along the South Carolina Lowcountry coast, encompassing approximately 917 square miles of barrier islands, tidal marshes, rivers, and mainland terrain. The county's geography is defined by its intricate network of waterways, including the Ashley, Cooper, and Wando rivers, as well as the iconic Charleston Harbor. This coastal character shapes daily life profoundly, influencing everything from the local economy to the architecture and culture that draw visitors from around the world. The area is prone to flooding and hurricane risk, which also plays a significant role in property law, insurance disputes, and land use planning throughout the region. With a population of approximately 408,235 residents, Charleston County is one of South Carolina's most populous and fastest-growing counties. The county seat, the City of Charleston, is a historic port city founded in 1670 and renowned for its antebellum architecture, cobblestone streets, and rich — if complex — history. Beyond the city proper, the county includes vibrant communities such as Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, James Island, Johns Island, Kiawah Island, and Folly Beach, each with its own distinct character ranging from upscale suburban neighborhoods to working-class communities and resort destinations. The Charleston County economy is one of the most dynamic in the Southeast, driven by a diverse mix of industries. The Port of Charleston is one of the busiest container ports on the East Coast, anchoring significant logistics, manufacturing, and trade activity. Major employers include Joint Base Charleston, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Volvo Cars, Boeing, and a thriving hospitality and tourism sector. The region has also seen rapid growth in technology, healthcare, and professional services, attracting a well-educated workforce and fueling a competitive real estate market. This economic diversity brings with it a wide range of legal needs, from business formation and employment law to real estate transactions and personal injury claims.

Practice Areas in Charleston County

Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Charges, arrests, bail and criminal trials.
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DUI
DUI
DUI charges, licence suspension and reinstatement.
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Family Law
Family Law
Divorce, custody, property and support.
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Immigration Law
Immigration
Visas, green cards, deportation and citizenship.
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Traffic Law
Traffic Law
Traffic violations, licence matters and offences.
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Employment Law
Employment Law
Wrongful termination, discrimination, disputes.
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Courts in Charleston County

Charleston County is served by several courts operating at different levels of the South Carolina judicial system. The Charleston County Court of Common Pleas, located at 100 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401, handles major civil matters including contract disputes, personal injury cases, and domestic relations issues. The Court of General Sessions, operating at the same address, presides over felony criminal cases. The Charleston County Magistrate Courts, with multiple locations across the county including North Charleston and Mount Pleasant, handle misdemeanor criminal matters, traffic violations, civil claims up to $7,500, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims cases. The Charleston County Family Court, also situated at the Broad Street courthouse complex, has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and juvenile delinquency matters. At the federal level, the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina maintains a division in Charleston, hearing federal civil and criminal cases arising in the Lowcountry region.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Charleston County

In Charleston County, most everyday legal matters — including traffic violations, divorce, child custody, local criminal charges, and state contract disputes — are handled by the South Carolina state court system, which includes magistrate courts, family courts, and the courts of Common Pleas and General Sessions. However, when a legal matter involves a federal law, a constitutional question, disputes between parties from different states where the amount exceeds $75,000 (diversity jurisdiction), immigration issues, bankruptcy proceedings, or federal crimes such as drug trafficking across state lines or federal fraud, the case falls under the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, which serves Charleston and the broader region. Understanding which court system applies to a particular dispute is a critical first step, and an experienced attorney can help Charleston County residents navigate whether their matter belongs in state court on Broad Street or in the federal courthouse on Meeting Street.

Common Legal Situations in Charleston County

Charleston County residents face a wide range of legal situations reflecting the county's coastal character, rapid growth, and diverse population. Traffic and DUI matters are among the most frequent, given the heavy commuter traffic across bridges connecting islands and the busy Interstate 26 and Highway 17 corridors. The booming real estate market generates significant legal activity around property purchases, boundary disputes, HOA conflicts, and landlord-tenant disagreements, particularly as rising rents push disputes between property owners and tenants. Family law matters including divorce, child custody modifications, and child support enforcement are consistently high-volume given the large and growing population. Employment law issues arise frequently in connection with the county's major employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality, including wrongful termination, wage and hour violations, and workplace discrimination claims. Additionally, the county's active waterways and outdoor recreation scene produce a notable number of boating accident and personal injury cases, while the tourism economy gives rise to premises liability disputes at hotels, restaurants, and vacation rentals.

Why Go To Court for Charleston County Legal Matters

Go To Court Lawyers is a trusted choice for Charleston County residents who need reliable, accessible legal help across a broad range of practice areas. The firm offers a 24/7 free legal hotline, meaning that whether you have been arrested late on a Friday night after a traffic stop on the Ravenel Bridge or face an urgent family court matter, you can speak with a legal professional at any hour without delay. Go To Court's experienced team brings knowledge of South Carolina law and the local court system, helping clients navigate everything from magistrate court hearings to complex family law matters with confidence. With fixed-fee services coming soon, Charleston County residents will have even greater transparency and certainty about the cost of their legal representation from the outset.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I get a traffic ticket in Charleston County?

Traffic tickets in Charleston County are typically handled by the magistrate court or, for violations within the City of Charleston, through the municipal court system. You generally have the option to pay the fine and accept the associated points on your license, or to contest the ticket at a hearing where an attorney can represent you. Fighting a ticket may be worthwhile to avoid points that could increase your insurance premiums or risk your driving privileges.

How does the child custody process work in Charleston County Family Court?

Child custody disputes in Charleston County are resolved by the Family Court, which applies a 'best interests of the child' standard when determining custody arrangements. The process typically involves filing a complaint, possible mediation, temporary hearings, and ultimately a final hearing before a family court judge if the parties cannot reach an agreement. Having an attorney to guide you through the procedural requirements and advocate for your parental rights is strongly advisable given the complexity and emotional stakes involved.

Can I be charged with a DUI for boating under the influence on Charleston waterways?

Yes, South Carolina law prohibits operating a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and Boating Under the Influence (BUI) charges are enforced on Charleston County's rivers, harbor, and coastal waters by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and other law enforcement agencies. The legal blood alcohol limit for boating is the same as for driving — 0.08% — and penalties can include fines, suspension of boating privileges, and even jail time. If you have been charged with BUI, consulting an attorney promptly is important to protect your rights and understand your options.

What are my rights as a tenant in Charleston County if my landlord tries to evict me?

South Carolina's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act provides tenants with specific rights in the eviction process, and a landlord must follow a formal legal procedure — including proper written notice and a magistrate court hearing — before you can be lawfully removed from a rental property. You have the right to appear at the eviction hearing and present a defense, such as that the landlord failed to maintain habitable conditions or did not give proper notice. If you have received an eviction notice, speaking with an attorney quickly is essential because eviction proceedings in South Carolina can move relatively fast.

Do I need a lawyer for a small claims case in Charleston County?

Small claims cases in Charleston County, which involve civil disputes up to $7,500, are heard in magistrate court and are designed to be accessible to people without legal representation. However, while you are not required to have an attorney, having one can significantly improve your chances of success, particularly if the opposing party is a business or has legal counsel of their own. An attorney can help you gather evidence, understand the rules of procedure, and present your case clearly and persuasively before the magistrate.

Neighbouring Counties

Charleston County is bordered by Berkeley County to the north, Dorchester County to the northwest, Colleton County to the southwest, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south.