Magistrate Court Operational Changes Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Beaufort County Magistrate Court is operating according to a phased reopening plan.

Beginning June 1:
  • Office will remain closed to the public but we will continue to collect fines online by mail or phone. 
  • Continue increasing staff in office as we transition toward full opening of the County.
  • Civil filings are by mail only except for Restraining Orders (24 hour quarantine).
  • Continue daily bond court and signing of warrants.
  • Continue holding hearings by remote communication technology.
  • Limited in-person court hearings.
  • Begin in-person eviction hearings with social distancing if all parties agree.
  • Post signage; restricted and limited seating.
  • Pursuant to Order dated April 30, 2020, the Magistrate Court will continue accepting applications for eviction. Please contact the Magistrate court for instructions on how to file. SC Supreme Court Order: Statewide Evictions
Beginning June 15:
  • Office will reopen.
  • Staff at full capacity.
  • Fully operational.
  • Continue daily bond court and signing of warrants.
  • Continue holding hearings by remote communication technology.
  • Resume in-person court hearings. 
  • Comply with county building space usage plan.
  • Will follow orders from the SC Supreme Court regarding resumption of in-person hearings and trials.
Note:

All information above subject to change based on orders from the SC Supreme Court and County directives.

Magistrate Court

Effective June 1, 2020

Beaufort Magistrate Courts remain closed to the public, however, some Civil court is scheduled.
If you are scheduled to attend court, please read the following prior to coming to Court:
  1. Before entering the building, call to let us know you are here.  We will take your number and call you when we are ready for you to come in.  Beaufort: 843-255-5700; Bluffton:  843-255-5610
  2. When you call, let us know if you have witnesses with you who will testify.
  3. If you are experiencing any symptoms, such as fever, cough, chills, shortness of breath, etc., please let us know when you call BEFORE coming into the building.
  4. Only case parties named in the filings and witnesses who will testify will be allowed into the building.
  5. You must wear a mask. No one will be allowed into the building without a mask, per Beaufort County policy. Gloves are encouraged, but not required.

 

Beaufort Magistrate Court

104 Ribaut Road

Post Office Box 2207

Beaufort, South Carolina  29902 (29901)

Tel. (843) 255-5700

Traffic & Criminal Department

Fax: (843) 255-9427

Email: beaufortmagistratecriminal@bcgov.net 

Civil Department

Fax: (843) 255-9516 

Email: beaufortmagistratecivil@bcgov.net 

 

Bluffton Magistrate Court

4819 Bluffton Parkway, 2nd Floor

Post Office Box 840

Bluffton, South Carolina  29910

Tel. (843) 255-5610

Email: blufftonmagistrate@bcgov.net

Traffic & Criminal Department

Fax: (843) 255-9510

Civil Department

Fax: (843) 255-9517

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

We cannot accept any payments or filings before or after office hours.