FAQs • Greer, SC • CivicEngage

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Something unexpected has come up (e.g. illness, injury) and I cannot make my court date today. What do I do?: Your case will be heard as scheduled unless you can provide written documentation as to why you could not make your court date as scheduled. This documentation will need to be provided prior to the time of your trial. Documentation may be faxed to 864-848-5377. You must also call the Court prior to your trial time.

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Municipal Court - Court Appearances

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1. What happens if I missed my court date for a criminal charge?: You must report to the Court immediately to find out what happened in court.

2. What happens if I missed my court date for a traffic ticket?: You must report to the Court immediately to find out what happened in court.

3. Do I have to be in court today?: If you were given a court date and time, you will need to appear in Court unless it is a ticket that may be paid prior to Court and you have paid it.

4. Something unexpected has come up (e.g. illness, injury) and I cannot make my court date today. What do I do?: Your case will be heard as scheduled unless you can provide written documentation as to why you could not make your court date as scheduled. This documentation will need to be provided prior to the time of your trial. Documentation may be faxed to 864-848-5377. You must also call the Court prior to your trial time.

5. Why didn't the judge dismiss my case since the officer was not there?: All cases in Greer Municipal Court are heard and evaluated on their individual merits. Each element is considered when a judge makes a decision. Other than the judge, no one can say what she/he would do in your particular case.

6. Can I represent myself?: According to state statute, you may represent yourself. You have the right to introduce evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses, make closing arguments and otherwise present a defense to the charges. You will be held to the same standards as an attorney.

7. My child (age 17 or older) received a ticket for possession of tobacco, underage drinking, etc. Does he or she need to go to court?: Yes, your child will need to go to court.

8. My child (age 16 or older) received a traffic ticket. Does he or she need to appear in court?

In most cases, the ticket may be paid without an appearance. However, there are traffic charges that do require an appearance, regardless of age.

If you have any questions regarding required appearances for traffic charges, call 864-848-5374.

9. What is the procedure for entering a plea to a traffic or criminal charge?

There are three possible pleas to a criminal charge:

Not Guilty: You deny guilt and the City must prove the charge against you
Guilty: You admit you committed the act(s) charged, that the acts are prohibited by law and that you have no legal defense for such acts
No Contest (or nolo contendere): You neither admit guilt nor deny it.

10. Can I plead by phone?: No. You either need to appear or pay the fine prior to your court date.

11. Can I get a "prayer for judgment"?: While a prayer for judgment is used in North Carolina, it is not available in South Carolina.

12. Can I appear earlier than my trial date and time and speak with the judge?: You must appear on your designated court date and time. Judges do not talk about pending cases without all parties present.

13. Can I pay my ticket and still appear to plead "not guilty"?: Payment indicates a guilty plea and forfeiture of fine monies. Appearing on your court date gives you a chance to ask for a reduction in fines or plead "not guilty."