General Sessions Court

The Solicitor’s Office is the prosecuting agency for criminal matters in Circuit Court, Family Court, and, in some cases, Magistrate’s Court. Circuit courts are divided into two sections: Court of Common Pleas, which pertains to civil matters; and Court of General Sessions, which involves matters that are criminal in nature.

The Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office handles all General Sessions or criminal cases for Richland and Kershaw Counties.

General Sessions Court Schedule for Richland and Kershaw Counties.

Richland County

Appearance Dockets

First Appearance
December 13, 2024

Second Appearance

First Appearance Attendance Waiver Procedure

Starting with March First Appearances scheduled for March 23, 2020, the Richland County Solicitor’s Office will be implementing a procedure to waive a defendant’s appearance on that date.  If a defendant has representation, he/she may come sign with their attorney, an appearance waiver form that is located at our 3rd Floor reception desk or coordinate signing of the appearance waiver with the assigned Assistant Solicitor.  The form must be signed by the close of business the Thursday before the appearance date.  This form will include the date of their Second Appearance.  Our office will schedule tracks depending on the type of case and publish that information to our website on the First Appearance docket.  If there are any issues with the pre-assigned track, please contact that individual’s Assistant Solicitor.

If there is not a signed waiver of appearance, then those individuals shall attend the First Appearance date given on their bond form.  Bench warrant procedure will continue as usual for failing to appear.

Kershaw County

Appearance Dockets

First Appearance
Second Appearance