Chester County has four Magistrates, of which two are full time and two are part time. They are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor upon the advice and consent of the Senate. Magistrates must also pass a certification examination within one year of their appointment.
Magistrates generally have criminal trial jurisdiction over all offenses subject to the penalty of a fine, as set by statute, but generally, not exceeding $500.00 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both. In addition, they are responsible for setting bail, conducting preliminary hearings, issuing restraining orders, arrest and search warrants.
Magistrates have civil jurisdiction when the amount in controversy does not exceed $7,500. They also handle landlord-tenant matters as well as claim and delivery civil actions
Chester Magistrates work out of the Central Magistrates Court located at the Chester Law Enforcement Center, court wing. Chester County also maintains a part time magistrates office and court room in Greatfalls, located in the rear of the Greatfalls Police Department building.
Magistrates
The Honorable Dianne Moore
Central Magistrates Court
2740 Dawson Drive
Chester, SC 29706-5122
Office: (803) 581-5136
Fax: (803) 581-3033
Chief Magistrate
The Honorable Robert Lonnie Sloan
Central Magistrates Court
2740 Dawson Drive
Chester, SC 29706-5122
Office: (803) 581-4161
Fax: (803) 581-5552
The Honorable Angel Underwood
Central Magistrates Court
2740 Dawson Drive
Chester, SC 29706-5122
Office: (803) 581-5136
Fax: (803) 581-3033
The Honorable Yale Zamore
Post Office Box 177
(Office) 324 Dearborn Street
(Court Room) 401 Dearborn Street
Great Falls, SC 29055-0117
Office: (803) 482-2132
Fax: (803) 482-2196
