About Georgetown County

Georgetown County occupies a striking stretch of South Carolina's Lowcountry, covering approximately 815 square miles of coastal plain, tidal marshes, barrier islands, and forested inland terrain. Situated between the bustling Grand Strand to the north and the Charleston metropolitan area to the south, the county offers a distinctive blend of natural beauty and historical depth. The Waccamaw, Pee Dee, Black, and Sampit rivers converge in the county, draining into Winyah Bay before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean, making Georgetown County one of the most hydrologically rich areas on the East Coast. This intricate web of waterways shaped the county's character for centuries and continues to define its identity today. With a population of approximately 63,404 residents, Georgetown County is a community of considerable diversity, encompassing small-town neighborhoods, rural agricultural communities, and growing coastal enclaves such as Pawleys Island and Murrells Inlet. The county seat, the City of Georgetown, is one of the oldest cities in South Carolina and carries a rich colonial and antebellum heritage visible in its historic downtown district along Front Street. The area's storied past — from rice plantation culture to the Civil War era — is preserved through museums, historic landmarks, and a strong local pride in regional identity. Economically, Georgetown County has evolved from its historic reliance on rice cultivation and later timber and steel production into a more diversified modern economy. Tourism plays an increasingly significant role, driven by the county's proximity to popular coastal destinations, championship golf courses, and pristine natural areas like Huntington Beach State Park and the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center. Healthcare, retail, light manufacturing, and the service sector also contribute meaningfully to local employment. The commercial fishing industry and agriculture continue to support rural communities, while ongoing residential development along the coast reflects growing interest from retirees and second-home buyers seeking the Lowcountry lifestyle.

Practice Areas in Georgetown 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 Georgetown County

Georgetown County's court system includes several key venues handling a broad range of legal matters. The Georgetown County Court of Common Pleas and the Court of General Sessions, both located at the Georgetown County Courthouse at 129 Screven Street in Georgetown, SC 29440, serve as the primary state trial courts — the Court of Common Pleas handles civil matters such as contract disputes, personal injury claims, and family law cases, while the Court of General Sessions presides over felony criminal prosecutions. The Georgetown County Family Court, operating within the same judicial complex under the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, addresses divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and juvenile matters. Magistrate courts located throughout the county handle misdemeanor criminal cases, civil claims up to $7,500, landlord-tenant disputes, and minor traffic offenses. The Georgetown County Probate Court, also at the courthouse, oversees estate administration, guardianship proceedings, and the probate of wills.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Georgetown County

In Georgetown County, the vast majority of legal matters — including criminal prosecutions under South Carolina law, family disputes, personal injury claims, and most contract or property issues — are handled by state courts operating under South Carolina's judicial system. However, cases involving federal law, constitutional questions, disputes between citizens of different states involving amounts over $75,000, immigration matters, bankruptcy proceedings, and federal criminal charges fall under the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. Georgetown County residents who need to access federal court would typically appear at the federal courthouse in Florence or Charleston, as the District of South Carolina maintains multiple divisions across the state. Understanding which court system governs a particular dispute is a critical first step in any legal matter, and an experienced attorney can help Georgetown County residents navigate this distinction efficiently.

Common Legal Situations in Georgetown County

Georgetown County residents encounter a wide range of legal situations that reflect both the area's coastal character and its rural-urban mix. Traffic-related offenses, including speeding on Highway 17 and Highway 701, DUI arrests, and driver's license issues, represent some of the most frequent encounters with the legal system. The growing real estate market along Pawleys Island and surrounding coastal communities generates ongoing disputes involving property transactions, construction contracts, easements, and boundary disagreements. Family law matters — including divorce, custody arrangements, and child support modifications — are consistently among the most common civil filings in the county. The presence of hospitality, retail, and service-sector employers means wage disputes, wrongful termination claims, and workers' compensation issues are also prevalent. Landlord-tenant conflicts have increased alongside the area's development, and criminal defense needs range from drug-related charges to assault cases, particularly in areas with higher population density near the city of Georgetown.

Why Go To Court for Georgetown County Legal Matters

Go To Court provides Georgetown County residents with reliable, accessible legal representation across a wide spectrum of practice areas, backed by a team of experienced attorneys who understand South Carolina's courts and legal procedures. Residents can reach the Go To Court team at any time through a free 24/7 legal hotline, ensuring that urgent questions never have to wait until business hours. The firm is also working toward a transparent fixed-fee model, so Georgetown County clients can understand their legal costs upfront without worrying about unpredictable billing. Whether dealing with a traffic matter in magistrate court or a complex family law dispute in the Court of Common Pleas, Go To Court is committed to providing straightforward, effective legal help to the Georgetown County community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a traffic ticket in Georgetown County?

If you receive a traffic ticket in Georgetown County, you generally have the option to pay the fine, which is treated as an admission of guilt, or to contest the ticket in magistrate court. Contesting a ticket may help you avoid points on your license and potential insurance rate increases, so it is worth consulting an attorney before deciding how to proceed. An experienced traffic attorney can review the circumstances of your citation and advise you on the best course of action.

How does the divorce process work in Georgetown County?

Divorce in Georgetown County is handled by the Family Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, and South Carolina law requires that at least one spouse have been a resident of the state for at least one year before filing, or both spouses must have lived in South Carolina for at least three months. South Carolina recognizes both no-fault divorce — based on one year of continuous separation — and fault-based grounds such as adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness, or desertion. Issues such as property division, alimony, child custody, and child support are resolved either by agreement between the parties or by the Family Court judge after a hearing.

Can I be arrested for DUI on a boat or waterway in Georgetown County?

Yes, South Carolina law prohibits operating a boat or any watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and Georgetown County's extensive river and coastal waterways are actively patrolled by law enforcement including the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. A boating under the influence (BUI) charge carries serious penalties including fines, potential jail time, and impacts on your boating privileges, and in some cases may affect your motor vehicle driving record. If you are charged with BUI, it is important to consult an attorney promptly to understand your rights and defense options.

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

Under the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Georgetown County tenants have specific rights during the eviction process, including the right to receive proper written notice before an eviction can be filed with the court. A landlord must follow the legal eviction process — self-help evictions, such as changing the locks or removing belongings without a court order, are illegal in South Carolina. If you are facing eviction, you should respond to any court notices promptly and consider speaking with an attorney who can help you assert any defenses you may have, such as improper notice or retaliation by the landlord.

What happens if I am charged with a felony in Georgetown County?

Felony charges in Georgetown County are prosecuted in the Court of General Sessions, and the process typically begins with an arrest, followed by a bond hearing, arraignment, and potentially a preliminary hearing or grand jury indictment before the case proceeds to trial or plea negotiation. Felony convictions in South Carolina carry serious consequences including significant prison sentences, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and civil rights such as the right to vote or possess firearms. It is strongly advisable to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney as early as possible to protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and explore all available options for resolving the case.

Neighbouring Counties

Georgetown County is bordered by Horry County to the north, Marion County and Florence County to the northwest, Williamsburg County to the west, Berkeley County to the southwest, and Charleston County to the south, with the Atlantic Ocean forming its eastern boundary.