About Horry County

Horry County occupies the northeastern corner of South Carolina, stretching across approximately 1,134 square miles of coastal plain, riverine wetlands, and pine forest. The county is defined by its dramatic geography, bordered to the east by the Atlantic Ocean and threaded through by the Waccamaw River and the Intracoastal Waterway. These waterways have historically shaped the character of the region, supporting agriculture, timber, and eventually one of the most recognizable resort destinations on the East Coast — Myrtle Beach. The Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of coastline, runs through the heart of Horry County and serves as both its crown jewel and its economic engine, drawing millions of visitors each year and giving the county a distinctly dual personality: a working, rural inland community and a bustling coastal tourism hub. With a population of approximately 351,029 residents, Horry County is one of the fastest-growing counties in South Carolina and among the fastest-growing in the entire southeastern United States. The population surge has been fueled by retirees relocating from northern states, young families seeking affordable coastal living, and a steady influx of hospitality and service industry workers who keep the tourism economy running year-round. This rapid growth has placed significant demands on local infrastructure, housing, healthcare, and public services, creating a community that is simultaneously expanding and adapting to modern demands while preserving its Deep South coastal roots. The county seat of Conway, situated along a scenic bend of the Waccamaw River about 15 miles inland from Myrtle Beach, serves as the governmental and cultural heart of Horry County. Conway maintains a charming small-town character with a historic downtown riverfront, Coastal Carolina University, and a sense of community distinct from the tourist corridors to the east. The broader county economy is heavily reliant on tourism and hospitality, with golf, entertainment, and retail forming major sectors. However, healthcare, education, construction, and real estate have grown substantially as the residential population expands, diversifying the economic base beyond seasonal resort activity.

Practice Areas in Horry 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 Horry County

Horry County is served by several court systems handling different levels of civil and criminal matters. The Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions, located at the Horry County Courthouse at 1301 Second Avenue in Conway, is the primary trial court handling serious felony criminal cases under General Sessions and major civil disputes under the Court of Common Pleas. The Horry County Family Court, also part of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit and housed in Conway, handles divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and juvenile matters. The Horry County Magistrate Courts operate at multiple locations throughout the county, including offices in Conway, Myrtle Beach, and North Myrtle Beach, and handle misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, landlord-tenant disputes, and civil claims up to $7,500. The Horry County Probate Court in Conway manages estate administration, guardianship, and conservatorship proceedings. Additionally, the City of Myrtle Beach and other municipalities maintain their own municipal courts for local ordinance violations and minor traffic infractions occurring within city limits.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Horry County

Most legal matters arising in Horry County — including state criminal charges, family law disputes, landlord-tenant issues, and the vast majority of civil claims — are handled exclusively in South Carolina's state court system, which operates under the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit for Horry and Georgetown counties. Federal jurisdiction applies only in specific circumstances: when a case involves a federal law or constitutional question, when the United States government is a party, or when parties are from different states and the amount in dispute exceeds $75,000 (known as diversity jurisdiction). Federal cases involving Horry County residents are heard in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, which has courthouses in Florence and Columbia serving the northeastern and midlands portions of the state. Common federal matters for Horry County residents may include federal criminal charges such as drug trafficking across state lines, immigration proceedings, Social Security disability appeals, and certain employment discrimination claims filed under federal statutes.

Common Legal Situations in Horry County

Given Horry County's character as a high-traffic tourism destination, major highway corridor, and rapidly growing residential community, residents and visitors alike encounter a wide range of legal situations. Traffic offenses are exceptionally common, from speeding citations on US-501 and US-17 to DUI arrests along the Grand Strand's busy commercial strips, and these charges can carry serious consequences for both locals and out-of-state visitors. The county's booming real estate market generates frequent disputes over property transactions, contractor agreements, HOA conflicts, and landlord-tenant matters in a rental market heavily influenced by short-term vacation properties. Family law matters including divorce, custody modifications, and child support enforcement are prevalent as the growing permanent population brings with it the full spectrum of domestic legal needs. Criminal defense work spans from misdemeanor shoplifting and public intoxication charges common in resort areas to more serious drug and assault offenses. Employment disputes also arise frequently in an economy dominated by hospitality, retail, and construction industries where wage theft, workplace injuries, and wrongful termination issues are not uncommon.

Why Go To Court for Horry County Legal Matters

Go To Court Lawyers offers Horry County residents a reliable and accessible path to quality legal representation across a wide range of practice areas, from criminal defense and family law to traffic matters and civil disputes. Our team includes experienced attorneys familiar with South Carolina law and the courts of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, ensuring that clients receive informed, locally grounded advice. We operate a 24/7 free legal hotline so that residents can get answers at any hour — whether you've just been charged after a night out on the Grand Strand or are facing an urgent family law matter. With fixed-fee pricing options coming soon, Go To Court is committed to making professional legal help transparent and affordable for every member of the Horry County community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I received a DUI charge in Myrtle Beach but I live in another state. Do I have to come back to South Carolina for court?

In most cases, yes — a DUI charge in South Carolina requires appearances in the South Carolina court where the charge was filed, and failing to appear can result in a bench warrant and additional penalties. However, an attorney licensed in South Carolina can often appear on your behalf for certain hearings, minimizing the number of trips you need to make. It is critical to address the charge promptly, as a South Carolina DUI conviction can affect your driving privileges in your home state through the interstate licensing compact.

My landlord in Horry County is refusing to return my security deposit. What are my options?

South Carolina's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act requires landlords to return your security deposit within 30 days of you vacating the property, along with an itemized written statement of any deductions. If your landlord fails to comply without justification, you may be entitled to recover the full deposit plus additional damages in Horry County Magistrate Court, which handles landlord-tenant disputes for claims under $7,500. Documenting the condition of the property when you moved in and out — through photos and written records — will significantly strengthen your claim.

How does child custody work in Horry County if my spouse and I are separating?

Child custody matters in Horry County are handled by the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Family Court in Conway, which makes decisions based on the best interests of the child standard under South Carolina law. Parents can reach a custody agreement on their own, often with the help of attorneys or mediators, and submit it to the court for approval, or a judge will determine custody arrangements if the parties cannot agree. Both physical custody — where the child lives — and legal custody — who makes major decisions about the child's upbringing — will be addressed in any final custody order.

I was injured in a slip and fall at a Myrtle Beach hotel. Can I sue, and how long do I have to file a claim?

Yes, you may have a valid premises liability claim against the hotel if you can demonstrate that the property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to address it reasonably. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the injury, meaning you must file suit within that window or lose your right to seek compensation. It is advisable to consult an attorney as soon as possible, as evidence such as surveillance footage and incident reports can disappear quickly.

What happens if I miss a court date for a traffic ticket in Horry County?

If you miss a scheduled court appearance for a traffic citation in Horry County, the court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest and the South Carolina DMV may suspend your driver's license for failure to appear. This can compound what might have been a minor fine into a much more serious situation, particularly if you are an out-of-state driver subject to interstate licensing agreements. Contacting the court or an attorney as soon as possible after missing your court date is the best way to address the warrant and minimize further consequences.

Neighbouring Counties

Horry County is bordered by Brunswick County, North Carolina to the north, Columbus County, North Carolina to the northwest, Marion County to the west, Georgetown County to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.