Court Facts

I was notified that there is a warrant for my arrest.  What do I need to do to take care of this?

In order to take care of an outstanding warrant, you must turn yourself in to the City of Florence Police Department.  After a bond hearing, you will be given the opportunity to post a bond, and you will be given a court date.  You may contact Florence Municipal Court at 843-665-3148 to receive specific information pertaining to your case.

The court date I was given when I was arrested and posted my bond is inconvenient; can I reschedule?

You must appear before the judge on your original court date to obtain a continuance.  If you have an attorney, your attorney can file a motion requesting a continuance on your case.  If you have any questions or wish to receive more specific information pertaining to your case, please contact Florence Municipal Court at 843-665-3148.

I need to find out the exact amount of my fine.  How can I find this out?

The judge is the person who decides the amount of fine for each individual case. You can get your bond amount by calling 843-665-3148 on a pre-set cash bond.

After I go to court, will the judge give me time to pay?

Payment for fines and court costs are expected at the time of court.  However, you may ask the judge for time to pay at the time of court.

How many years will my charge stay on my record?

If you are charged and convicted of a criminal offense, it will always stay on your record.  You may get your record expunged for certain Municipal Court cases if there is no criminal activity on your record within three years of a first conviction in Municipal Court.

How do I get a court appointed attorney?

You can apply for a court appointed attorney when you appear in Municipal Court.  The judge will review your application to determine if you are eligible.  Eligibility is based on financial need.  If your case is to be tried in General Sessions Court, you will be advised at the bond hearing.

Traffic Facts

I was given a ticket for Expired/Improper Tag.  I have since gotten my tag renewed; can I just bring in verification and have my ticket dismissed?

No.  By law, your tag must be properly displayed at all times.  If you would like to talk to the judge about it, you must appear in court on your court date.

I do not wish to enter a plea on my ticket.  Can't I just pay it?

Yes.  By law, you may enter a plea of guilty or not guilty on your ticket.  I you wish to enter a not guilty plea, you MUST appear in court.  You may forfeit a CASH bond if posted prior to the appearance date on your citation, and the court does not require court appearance.

Why don't you accept personal or company checks?

By judge's order, we are not allowed to accept a personal or company check.  When making payment, it must be by money order, cashier's check, or by cash.  Any other form of payment will not be accepted.

Can my spouse/parent/friend pay my ticket for me?

If your spouse/parent/friend has your copy of the ticket and it is a non-court required ticket, we will accept payment.  However, if any court action has been taken on your case (i.e., a FTA warrant), then you will have to take care of it yourself.

I plan on mailing my ticket in along with a payment, does it need to be received in your office by the court date?

Yes.  Our office does not go by post marked dates.  If you are unsure as to whether or not your payment will get to our office by your court date, your best bet would be to pay it in person.

I don't see my charge listed on the fine schedule.  Does that mean I need to appear in court?

Yes.  You may call the court office for details, 843-665-3148.

I took care of an old ticket, but the Department of Public Safety says that my license is still suspended.  What do I need to do to take care of this?

If you license is suspended because of non-payment of a traffic citation, you must first take care of the ticket.  After the ticket has been paid, our office will give you a form to take to the Department of Public Safety.  At this point, you may request that your license be reinstated.  The Department of Public Safety will then tell you the requirements you must fulfill in order to get your license reinstated.