Courts

Chester County Circuit Judges + Solicitor

In Chester County, the 6th Judicial Circuit's Circuit Court Judges preside over a range of criminal and civil cases, ensuring fair trials and legal decisions. The Solicitor is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the state.

These roles are essential to the administration of justice within the county. Judges rotate across the three counties in the 6th circuit, while the Solicitor's office handles prosecutions for all three.

Victim Advocacy

While not their primary role, the Solicitor's Office often interacts with and supports victims of crimes, keeping them informed about the progress of the case, including court dates and outcomes. They can also help connect victims with resources like victim advocates, counseling services, and financial assistance programs.
On This Page

  • Hours

    8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
    Monday - Friday

  • Locations

    Chester, Lancaster and Fairfield, SC

  • Mailing Address

    PO Box 607
    Lancaster, SC 29721

  • Phone

    Chester Office
    (803) 377-1141
    Lancaster Office
    (803) 416-9367

  • Resident Circuit Court Judge

    The Honorable Brian M. Gibbons

  • Sixth Circuit Solicitor

    Randy E. Newman, Jr.

CIRCUIT JUDGES + SOLICITOR Responsibilities + Services

CIRCUIT COURT
Presiding over trials
Ruling on motions
SOLICITOR
Prosecuting crimes
Working with law enforcement

Circuit Court: The State's Court of General Jurisdiction

The Circuit Court is the state's court of general jurisdiction, which has the following two courts:

  1. Civil Court: Court of Common Pleas
  2. Criminal Court: Court of General Sessions

In addition to its general trial jurisdiction, the Circuit Court has limited appellate jurisdiction over appeals from the following courts:

  • Probate Court
  • Magistrate's Court
  • Municipal Court
  • Administrative Law Judge Division

Sixteen (16) Judicial Circuits in South Carolina

South Carolina is divided into sixteen (16) judicial circuits. Each circuit has at least one resident circuit judge who maintains an office in the judge's home county within the circuit.

46 Circuit Judges Statewide Appointed 6-Year Terms

Forty-six (46) circuit judges serve the state's sixteen circuits on a rotating basis. The Chief Justice, based on recommendations from Court Administration, determines court terms and assignments. These judges are elected by the South Carolina General Assembly to staggered six-year terms.

6th Circuit Solicitor's Office

The 6th Circuit Solicitor's Office prosecutes criminal cases brought by law enforcement in Chester, Lancaster, and Fairfield counties, representing the state of South Carolina.

The Solicitor and his team determine which cases brought by law enforcement to pursue, representing the state in court to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This includes presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and negotiating plea deals.

Ultimately, the Solicitor's office is responsible for holding individuals accountable for crimes within the circuit.

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