Walhalla Magistrate

Judge:
Judge Blake A. Norton
Address:
208 Booker Dr.
Walhalla, SC 29691
Phone:
864-638-4125

Seneca Magistrate

Judge:
Erin C. McKinney
Address:
207-A East North 1st St.
Seneca, SC 29678
Phone:
864-888-1460

Westminster Magistrate

Judge:
Judge Will F. Derrick, Jr.
Address:
1606 E. Main St.
Westminster, SC 29693
Phone:
864-647-5998

Oconee County Summary Courts


It is the mission of the Oconee County Summary Court to strive for excellent customer service and to treat all parties appearing before the court with the highest degree of respect and courtesy. Should you feel that we have failed in this regard, please contact the office of Chief Magistrate Blake A Norton at (864) 638-4125.

Magistrates issue warrants, set bonds and hear criminal, traffic and civil cases, as well as preliminary hearings. The courts are not to be confused with the local municipal courts. Magistrate Courts in Oconee County handle such types of civil matters as Evictions and Landlord/Tenant disputes, Summons and Complaint actions, Claim and Delivery actions and public sales of abandoned property. Each Magistrate’s Court, sometimes referred to as “Small Claims Court” have countywide jurisdiction involving disputed amounts of less than $7500.00. Civil matters involving amounts greater than $7500.00 must be heard in the Court of Common Pleas.

Additionally, Magistrates may also issue Bench Warrants, emergency Orders of Protection when Family Court is not in session and Restraining Orders under the Harassment and Stalking Statute.

Additionally, the Magistrate Courts handle most types of criminal cases that fall within their jurisdiction. Generally the criminal jurisdiction involves cases with a maximum fine of $500.00 and/or 30 days in jail. Court costs and assessments may be added to this $500.00 fine. In some specific cases, punishment may exceed this maximum. Persons appearing in Magistrate’s Court are entitled to a trial by Judge or a jury trial after one has been properly requested. Magistrates are empowered to summon juries and conduct jury trials.

When appearing for court, please dress appropriately for the courtroom. Inappropriate dress would include: hats, tank tops, shorts, flip-flops, etc. DO NOT BRING telephones, pagers or any other noise making electronics. Telephones should be left in your vehicle. ABSOLUTELY NO WEAPONS ARE TO BE BROUGHT INTO THE BUILDING. You may be subject to search or scanning devices. Children should be left at home with a caregiver and not brought to court.

Traffic tickets may be paid with money orders or certified checks, made payable to the court, or with cash. The Courts do not accept personal checks.

What the Court Does:

  • Prepare documentation of criminal and traffic offenses for Magistrate Courts.
  • Process civil claims under $7,500.00.
  • Inform tenants and landlords about landlord/tenant matters.
  • Process restraining orders for people being stalked or harassed.
  • Prepare arrest warrants.

What the Court Does Not Do:

  • Provide legal counseling
  • Process claims over $7,500.00 (Clerk of Court)
  • Issue marriage licenses (Probate Court)
  • Resolve property line disputes (Court of Common Pleas)
  • Issue Restraining Orders between spouses (Family Court – {Can issue Emergency Orders of Protection when Family Court is not in Session})
  • Monitor Points on your Driver’s License

To pay a traffic ticket online, please go to the SC State Website and follow the instructions.

To check the status of a case, please go to the SC State Judicial Website and go to Quick Links for a Record Search.

Our Mission

It is the mission of Oconee County to provide our current and future citizens and visitors quality services while protecting our communities, heritage, environment and natural resources, in an ever-changing world.

Vision

Oconee County – A diverse, growing, safe, vibrant community guided by rural traditions and shaped by natural beauty; where employment, education and recreation offer a rich quality of life for all generations, both today and tomorrow.