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Lieutenant Michael Holt
Phone: (843)958-2106
mholt@charlestoncounty.org
Hours of Operation: 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday except county observed holidays
The Charleston County Judicial Center is part of the historically famous "Four Corners of Law" located at 100 Broad Street. This is near the corner of Broad and Meeting Streets, directly adjacent to the Historic Courthouse. The Family Court function consists of five courtrooms located on the second floor of the Judicial Center.
Many types of cases are heard in the five Family Courtrooms. The Charleston County Sheriff's Office Family Court Unit provides courtroom security for the following types of cases: Rules to Show Cause, Emergency Protective Hearings, Domestic Abuse Hearings, Bench Warrants, Abuse and Neglect, Final Hearings, Orders of Protection, Adoptions, Juvenile Criminal and Drug Court as well as Diversion Court and Parental Rights cases.
Deputies assigned to the Family Court Security Unit are responsible for providing security for all persons who enter the Judicial Center and Historic Courthouse as well as the security for judges and all assigned court personnel and employees. The Family Court Security Deputies work closely with all court personnel to ensure the safety and integrity of the judicial process. Security screening is performed on all persons entering the Judicial Center to include attorneys, private citizens, visitors, jurors, witnesses, petitioners, victims, media and others who may have business within the facilities.
To ensure the safety and integrity of the courthouse certain items are not allowed in the building. These items include but are not limited to: any and all firearms or ammunition including plastic or toy guns, explosive devices, any and all sharp instruments or weapons. Also included are any items that can be used as a weapon. Signage outlining contraband is posted in the Cumberland Street Parking Garage as well as the King and Queen Street Parking Garage and in the lobby of the Judicial Center. Persons visiting the Judicial Center are asked to familiarize themselves with the list of items that are not allowed in the facility. This will speed up your screening process at the security checkpoints and allow you to continue your business within the facility in a timely manner. During the screening process any legal item that is discovered, but considered to be contraband will be surrendered to the Charleston County Sheriff's Office as abandoned property. These items will not be returned to the individual unless the individual chooses to return the item to their vehicle. Cell phones are allowed in the Judicial Center and the Historic Courthouse; however they have to be placed in silent mode when in a courtroom. Although most cell phones have the ability to record and take photos, photography or videography is strictly prohibited without the written approval of the presiding Judge.
Anyone having questions concerning the security of the Judicial Center Family Court, please contact the above listed personnel during regular business hours. If you have any other questions regarding Family Court matters, you may contact your Clerk of Court at (843)958-5000 during regular business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I find out if a Juvenile pick-up order has been issued for my child?
A: You may contact the Department of Juvenile Justice, Family Clerk of Court, or the Charleston County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division at (843)-529-7391 during regular business hours.
Q: What steps do I take in order to have an emergency hearing for an order of protection if courts are not in session?
A: In the event the courts are not in operation during an administrative week, there will be a Family Court Judge assigned to hear emergency type cases.
Q: How do I go about petitioning the courts for a divorce hearing?
A: You should contact the Family Clerk of Court at (843)958-5000 during normal business hours, or come into the Judicial Center to file the necessary paperwork.