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1. What are my legal rights?

You have 1) the right to be represented by an attorney, 2) the right to a jury trial , 3) the right to a continuance of your case in order to obtain an attorney or to have witnesses subpoenaed by the court.

2. When is it necessary to utilize the services of a Public Defender?

A Public Defender may be appointed for offenses that you may be sentenced to jail time. The defendant must meet the eligibility requirements as determined by the judge.  After the Public Defender Application has been completed judges will approve or deny. 

3. I am scheduled for Traffic Court but cannot make my appearance. What are my options?

You have the option of writing a request to the court requesting a continuance. Continuance requests are not guaranteed approval.

All continuance requests must be submitted PRIOR to the court date.

4. I am scheduled to appear at my criminal case but cannot attend. What, if anything, are my options?

You have the option of writing a request to the court requesting a continuance. Continuance requests are not guaranteed approval. All continuance requests must be submitted PRIOR to the court date.

5. How do I submit a request for a continuance?

Continuance requests may be submitted in person or by mail to:

180 Lockwood Blvd., Charleston, SC 29403

They can also be submitted by:

Fax: 843-724-7171
OR
Email: Municipal-Court-Continuance-Requests@charleston-sc.gov