By Vicki Brown
New magistrates for Colleton County have been sworn into office.
Last week, Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill stood in the CÔolleton County Courthouse and led the new magistrates in their oath of office.
Newly-sworn magistrates are Harriet Bonds, Kenneth “KC” Campbell, Bert Duffie, Sophia T. Henderson, and Central Williams.
Magistrates are appointed to four-year terms by the governor with the consent of the Senate. They must also pass a certification examination within one year of their appointment.
According to the South Carolina Code of Laws, 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 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both. In addition, they are responsible for setting bail, conducting preliminary hearings, and issuing arrest and search warrants. Magistrates have civil jurisdiction when the amount in controversy does not exceed $7,500.
