FAQs

If someone is proven guilty, who decides the sentence?: The judge imposes sentences. Court staff cannot suggest possible sentences, as different facts and laws may apply to each case. However, certain offenses have mandatory sentences, meaning a judge cannot order a lesser sentence than is required. Other offenses allow a judge to use discretion. If a charge has a mandatory sentence, the judge will inform you at time of sentencing.

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Municipal Court

1. Do I have to appear in court?: You must appear on your designated court date and time for all criminal cases and applicable traffic cases. On your designated court date, you will need to either:
- Appear and plea, or
- Appear and ask for a continuance/jury trial, or
- Pay the fine prior to court (ONLY fines of non-mandatory court appearance traffic violations may be made prior to court).

Traffic violations - Most traffic violations do not require a mandatory court appearance. Please contact the court if you are unsure whether you are required to appear. If you do not appear for court on your designated court date and your fine is unpaid, you may be subject to having your driver's license suspended.

Criminal offenses - ALL CRIMINAL OFFENSES REQUIRE A MANDATORY COURT APPEARANCE. If you do not appear for court on your designated court date, you may be subject to having a bench warrant issued for your arrest.

2. What happens if I fail to appear for my court date?: Traffic violations - If you fail to appear for court or pay the traffic fine by the court date, you will be tried in your absence, found guilty of the offense, and sentenced according to the law. You will be mailed a Non-Resident Violator's Compact Notice. If you choose not to pay the fine amount, we will notify the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) to suspend your driver's license until the fine is paid. You may be required to pay reinstatement fees with the SCDMV.

Criminal offenses - If you fail to appear for court, you will be tried in your absence, found guilty of the offense, and sentenced according to the law. You may be subject to having a bench warrant issued for your arrest.

3. If someone is proven guilty, who decides the sentence?: The judge imposes sentences. Court staff cannot suggest possible sentences, as different facts and laws may apply to each case. However, certain offenses have mandatory sentences, meaning a judge cannot order a lesser sentence than is required. Other offenses allow a judge to use discretion. If a charge has a mandatory sentence, the judge will inform you at time of sentencing.

4. I was told I could speak to the officer before court. Do I need to make an appointment?: This statement refers to speaking with the officer prior to the judge entering the courtroom on your court date. If you wish to discuss your case with the officer, you will need to check in at 5:00 PM with the clerk in the courtroom on your designated court date. The officer will be notified that you are present in the courtroom. You will be asked to stay seated in the courtroom and must wait for the officer to call your name.

5. Can I speak to the judge, regarding my case?: The judge does not discuss or address any pending cases outside of open court and without all case parties present.

6. What if I don't have an attorney?: You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, you may request a court-appointed attorney if you are financially unable to employ counsel (you must meet federal poverty guidelines). Requests can be made with the Chapin Municipal Clerk of Court on your assigned court date.

7. How can I get referrals for an attorney?: Court staff are not permitted nor will they recommend specific attorneys or law firms. You should contact the South Carolina Bar Association's free attorney referral service at 800-868-2284. You may also check phone listings or ask friends and family for recommendations.

8. How do I know if my license is suspended?: You will need to call the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) at (803) 896-5000 with any questions regarding your license.

9. If my driver's license is suspended for failing to pay a traffic ticket, how do I get it back?: If your driver's license is suspended for failing to pay a traffic ticket fine, you will need to pay the outstanding fine with the particular court you were scheduled to appear before. Once the fine is paid, you will be given a Suspension Withdrawal notice, which you MUST take to the SCDMV as proof the fine has been paid. The court does not fax or e-mail this notice to the defendant or to the SCDMV.

10. Can I pay a higher fine to have my points reduced or taken off?: Points are written into the state statute by the Legislature and cannot be reduced/removed in exchange for a higher paid fine.

11. How can I pay my fine?: Fines may be paid in person, by mail, or online.

Payments made in person - Chapin Municipal Court is located inside of the Chapin Town Hall. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, money orders, cashier's checks, debit cards, or credit cards. If you pay using a debit or credit card, you will be charged an additional small fee to use this service. No personal or business checks will be accepted.

Payments made by mail - Include a copy of your ticket along with a money order or cashier's check for the total fine amount and made payable to "Chapin Municipal Court". DO NOT SEND CASH IN THE MAIL, as it will not be accepted. No personal or business checks will be accepted.

Payments made online - Click the link below. You will be redirected to the Lexington County homepage. Select "Online Services", select "Traffic Ticket Payment" from the drop-down box, and follow the instructions. Your case number is your ticket number, which can be located in the lower right-hand corner of your ticket.
Pay Fines Online