County Attorney
Heath Ruffner
P.O. Box 1449
Cheraw, SC 29520
Phone: 843-537-5204
Fax: 843-537-9352
Email:
Department Functions:
The Chesterfield County Attorney provides legal advice and counsel to the County Council, the County Administrator, County departments, boards, and commissions as needed. The responsibilities of the attorney are diverse and include matters such as drafting ordinances and amendments, negotiating, drafting and reviewing contracts, and handling various litigation. The County Attorney also oversees cases handled by outside attorneys and is called upon to advise staff and elected officials on both legal and policy matters and issues, as well as advise county officials on the application of various county ordinances, state and federal laws.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do you provide legal services to citizens of Chesterfield County?
No, the County Attorney only provides legal advice to the entities and individuals set forth above. The South Carolina Bar offers a Lawyer Referral Service by telephone and online. The telephone service operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. To reach the telephone service, both in state and out of state, call (800) 868-2284. The online public service is available 24/7. You may also call the Public Defender's Office at (843) 623-2268 or the Center for Equal Justice at (843) 381-8182.
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Is the County Attorney also the District Attorney?
No, the person performing the duties normally associated with the District Attorney is known as the Solicitor in South Carolina. The Solicitor for the Fourth Judicial Circuit which includes Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon and Marlboro Counties may be reached at (843) 479-6516.