Municipal Court

  • Honorable Judge Loretta B. Beckett
    Clerk of Court – Britney Allen
    ballentoemunicipalcourt@gmail.com

    Physical Address: 
    323 Martin L. King Jr. Blvd. S

    Mailing Address:  Post Office Box 37 / Estill, SC 29918

    Phone: (803) 625 – 3243
    Fax: (803) 625 – 3106

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  • When is Court held?
    Municipal Court is held during the First and Third Wednesday of each month at 3:00 pm.  The Estill Municipal Court is staffed by a Judge and the Court Clerk

    What are the methods of payment that are accepted?
    The Court accepts cash, money orders, and cashier’s checks.  The Court also accepts debit and credit cards (service charges apply).  Personal checks are NOT accepted. You can also pay online at https://www.townofestill.sc.gov/page/online_payments.

    Do I need to sign in for Court?
    You do not need to sign in when you appear for Court. You may take a seat in the courtroom. The Judge will call your name at the appropriate time.

    How do I request a Jury Trial?
    If you would like to request a Jury Trial, you do not need to wait in Court. See one of the clerks to request a jury trial anytime before the court date and time on your ticket.

    How do I request a continuance?
    To continue your court date, submit a letter to the court stating the reason for the continuance. The letter must include your name, address and ticket/warrant number. You must follow up to check the status of the continuance request.

    If I want to pay the ticket do I need to stay for court?
    If your ticket does not say "mandatory court appearance", you may pay your ticket at the Cashier’s desk and leave.

    Do I have to come to court?
    If you look at your ticket, above the offense listed there is a field that reads  "Court Appearance Required – YES or NO". If yes is circled, you are required to appear.

    If I am required to appear and don’t appear, what will happen?
    In most cases a Bench Warrant will be issued for your arrest. 

    What is a Bench Warrant?
    A Bench Warrant is an Order from the Judge to any law enforcement officer to make every effort to find you, arrest you, and bring you before the Judge.  This information is entered in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) data system. If you are picked up, your only choices are to pay the fine or go to jail for whatever period of time your warrant states.

    May I talk to the Judge before my case is heard?
    No, this is considered "ex-parte communication" and is inappropriate unless all parties are attending. Your court appearance is the time to discuss your case in front of the Judge.

    If I appear in court will my ticket automatically be reduced?
    No.

    Rules - NOT allowed in Courtroom:

    • Unruly Children
    • Food or Drinks
    • Smoking
    • Weapons (including pocket knives and pepper spray)
    • Activated Pagers or Cell Phones
    • Hats or Improper Attire
    • Talking During the Proceedings

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Overview

Estill Municipal Court has jurisdiction over violations regarding traffic citations, minor criminal acts and municipal ordinances.

Estill Municipal Court is a summary court under the authority of the United Court System of the State of South Carolina.

The Judges and the staff of the court will ensure everyone receives professional, efficient and impartial justice.  Court sessions are held during the first and third Wednesdays of each month, beginning promptly at 3:00 pm. 

The Municipal Courtroom is located at the rear of Town Hall.   These trials are known as Bench Trials and are heard before the judge alone.  All court sessions are open to the public.  A Spanish translator is available upon prior request.

Payments
If you have to make a payment you may send in a money order or cashier's check to our mailing address P.O. Box 37, Estill SC 29918.  You may also make a payment online at https://www.townofestill.sc.gov/page/online_payments. If you do not know your citation number or have any questions regarding court proceedings please feel free to give our office a call at (803) 625-3243 ext. 224

Upon receiving a traffic citation:

  • You may post bond amount quoted by the arresting police officer.
  • You must appear for trial if your citation indicates mandatory appearance.  You cannot post bond if the citation indicates mandatory appearance in municipal court.
  • You may appear for a bench trial (trial before a judge).
  • You may request a jury trial (trial by a jury of your peers).
  • A request for a jury trial must be submitted in writing and received in this office within ten (10) days prior of the trial date and time.
  • The court must be notified of any changes in your address otherwise your mail may not be forwarded.

License Suspensions

If the ticket you have received was issued by the Estill Police Department, you must pay the fine at Municipal Court.  The court will provide you a copy of Form DL-53. 

South Carolina Drivers:
You must present in person at a local DMV Office or mail the blue copy of Form DL-53 to:

Driver Records
Drawer 100178
Columbia, South Carolina 29202-3178
Telephone: 803-737-4000

If the compliance is not received in the Driver Records Office before the beginning date of the suspension, a $100.00 reinstatement fee will be required by the State in order for the suspension to be withdrawn.

Out of State Drivers:
You must present or mail the blue copy of the Form DL-53 along with any applicable reinstatement fees to the state in which you are a licensed driver.  Any questions you may have concerning reinstatement fees or driver license suspension must be directed to your home state.

Appeals

NOTICE OF APPEAL must be delivered to the Municipal Court Clerk within ten (10) days after your court date.

To appeal, you should obtain a notice of appeal form from the Clerk’s Office. You should complete the form. Our office should retain one copy and one copy should be retained for your records. You will be notified by the Municipal Court Clerk as to your hearing for your Appeal.

Payment Of Fines/Bonds

Payment for court fines is due on the day of Municipal Court.  Failure to pay fines will result in suspension of driving privileges and a Bench Warrant will be issued for your arrest.  If your license was suspended, please refer to “License Suspensions.”  You may want to check with the SC Department of Motor Vehicles for the current status of your driving privileges.  To inquire about a reduction of your fine prior to your court date, please call (803)625-3699 and have your ticket ready.  Our staff will be happy to assist you with any questions.

Pay in Person:
Estill Municipal Court
323 Martin L. King Jr. Boulevard S
(Formerly 205 E. Railroad Avenue)
Estill, South Carolina 29918

The Clerk of Court's office is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We accept cash, money order, and credit/debit card.

Mailing Payment:
Estill Municipal Court
Post Office Box 37
Estill, South Carolina 29918

Do not mail cash.  Be sure to write the citation number on your payment instrument.  Please call 
(803) 625-3243 extension 224 to ensure that your payment has been received.

Pay Online:
https://www.townofestill.sc.gov/page/online_payments

Have your citation reference number and payment information ready!   All major credit/debit cards are accepted.  Service fee charges apply and will be presented before payment. 

Please Note:   You will be directed to a secure website for payment processing.  For help please call (803) 625-3243 during operation hours.

This option is only available for Estill Police Department issued citations/fines.