Dillon County

William B. Rogers, Jr., Solicitor
South Carolina 4th Circuit
1033 Old Latta Hwy, Suite C
PO Box 868
Dillon, SC 29536

Phone: (843) 774-1448
Fax: (843) 774-4448

Hours of Operation:  8:30 am – 5:00 pm (Monday-Friday)

4th Judicial District Solicitor
William B. Rogers, Jr.

Will Rogers was first elected Solicitor for the Fourth Judicial Circuit in November 2008.  He took the oath of office in January 2009 and is now serving his third term as Solicitor.  He was born and raised in Marlboro County and graduated from Bennettsville High School in 1985.  He attended the University of South Carolina where he earned an undergraduate degree in Business Finance in 1989.   He then attended the University of South Carolina School of Law where he earned a Juris Doctor degree in 1992.  Will is married to Debora “Mickey” Rogers.  Will and Mickey were blessed with two wonderful children, Kasey and William.  They attend the First Presbyterian Church in Bennettsville, S.C.  Will is a member of the Bennettsville Kiwanis Club and is a Community Volunteer with the Red Cross.

Solicitor’s Office Roles & Responsibilities
Office of Solicitor is a constitutional office elected by voters within the circuit for a term of four years.  In many states, this position is referred to as the District Attorney.  The Solicitor ensures prosecutions are processed orderly and efficiently, assigning cases and advising attorneys as the Chief Prosecuting Attorney.  Will Rogers is the elected Solicitor for the Fourth Judicial Circuit of South Carolina.

South Carolina Solicitors administer administrative and diversion programs as alternatives to traditional court processes such as Pre-Trial Intervention, the Worthless Check program and Alcohol Education.  These programs, along with several others, are very effective in helping individuals get on the right track.

Helpful Links

• 4th Judicial District Solicitor’s Office Website
• Online Applications
• Victim’s Services
• Online Payment Portal
• Court Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Solicitor?
A: The Solicitor is an elected official responsible for overseeing the prosecution of all General Sessions and Family Court criminal cases. The state is divided into 16 judicial circuits, each consisting of two or three counties. Solicitor Will Rogers is responsible for the 4th Judicial Circuit, an area that includes Dillon and surrounding counties. Solicitor Rogers and his counterparts across the state run for re-election every four years.

Q: What is a bond hearing?
A: A court proceeding where the judge decides an amount of money or property that the defendant or their family must pay or put up to leave jail while they wait for the case to be called for trial. The bond serves as a guarantee the defendant will show up for trial. When setting a bond, the judge looks at the defendant’s past criminal history, their ties to the community and the facts of the case and the defendant’s prior criminal history. The judge must also consider the question of whether the defendant is a flight risk or a danger to the community.

Q: What can I do to help with my case?
A: Be patient. Keep us informed of any new mailing addresses or telephone numbers that you obtain. Make sure the information you give us about your case is accurate. You also need to make sure you save any expenses related to your case. This will help us prove your case in court.

Q: Why does it take so long for cases to come to court?
A: The Solicitor’s Office strives to move cases through the system in a timely fashion but there are factors that influence the pace of movement. There is a limited amount of court time every year. A large number of criminal defendants request jury trials. Complicated cases take more time to prepare. Cases are often delayed while important pieces of evidence are tested by State Law Enforcement Division. SLED lab technicians serve police departments all over the state. They often have a huge backlog of items to be tested.

Q: What kinds of cases are heard in Family Court?
A: Generally, criminal cases where the defendants are 16-years-old or younger. Juveniles who commit felonies that carry 15 years or more are tried in General Sessions Court.

Q: What are my rights as a victim?
A: The right to be treated with respect and understanding, no matter what my criminal history or my lifestyle is. The right to be informed of when the defendant is arrested, released from custody, or has escaped. The right to be notified about court proceedings – bond hearings, preliminary hearings, arraignments, guilty pleas, jury trials, restitution hearings, etc. and given the opportunity to speak to the judge at the appropriate times. The right to meet with the investigating police officer and the prosecutor before the trial. The right to have restitution ordered for losses incurred by the crime. The right to have assistance understanding the criminal justice system and support from victim advocates through meetings, conversations, and accompaniment to court proceedings. The right to apply for funds to help with medical bills, funeral bills, counseling and lost wages through the Victim’s Compensation Fund.

Q: What is a preliminary hearing?
A: This court procedure is the first step in a criminal case. A preliminary hearing is the right of the person charged with the crime. It is their chance to hear the evidence that the state has against them. A judge also decides if there is enough probable cause to charge defendant with the crime they are accused of committing.

Q: What is the purpose of a grand jury?
A: A grand jury is a panel of 18 citizens, selected each year, whose duty is to determine whether enough evidence exist to believe a crime has been committed. At least 12 of the 18 jurors must agree that the arresting agency or the victim in a self-signed warrant has enough evidence for them to grant an indictment or a true bill. An indictment serves as a charging document that prosecutors must prove
in General Sessions Court. In a case where the Grand Jury is not convinced a crime has been committed, a “no bill,” is returned. The case is dismissed.

Q: What is Pre-Trial Diversion?
A: A rehabilitation program for non-violent, first-time offenders. Participants individually meet with counselors to discuss their progress in a demanding program. Participants also have to make restitution to their victims.

Q: What is transfer court?
A: Transfer court is available for defendants who have been charged with any crime that incurs up to one year in prison or a fine of up to $5,000. Defendants who are eligible have their cases presented to a Magistrate Judge. One of the benefits of transfer court is that it takes place twice a month with set court dates. This schedule leads to speedy dispositions for less serious cases.

Q: How long do I have to wait for a fraudulent check conviction to be dropped from my record?
A: You can have a fraudulent check conviction removed from your record one year from the date of your conviction, but only if there has been no further criminal activity.

Q: What is a VIS form?
A: A VIS form is an abbreviation that stands for Victim Impact Statement. This form was designed to protect the rights of crime victims in South Carolina’s criminal justice system. Victims use this form to show how crime has affected their lives. The form will become part of the court record and it will follow the defendant through the criminal justice system. The judge will use the form to gain a better understanding about the details of the case and the losses, both financial and emotional. The victim can also indicate on the VIS form whether or not they want to be present for all court proceedings pertaining to their case. VIS forms need to be returned to the office in a timely manner.

Q: How will I get restitution?
A: A person that is ordered to pay restitution to a victim is put on probation. During this probation, they will have to comply with a strict payment plan that is set up by their probation officer. The state Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services manages in a manner to insure there is no contact between the victim and the defendant. If you fail to receive a payment, you need to contact
Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.

Q: How do I get a charge expunged from my criminal record?
A: Following a first offense conviction in Magistrate’s Court or Municipal Court, a defendant may apply three years after the date of conviction to the Circuit court for an order expunging the records of arrest and conviction. This law doesn’t apply to traffic offenses or criminal domestic violence. No person may have criminal record expunged more than once. After the expungement, the State Law
Enforcement Division is required to keep a non-public record of the offense and to ensure that nobody takes advantage of this law more than once. Contact the Solicitor’s Office to apply.

Q: Can I report a crime to the Solicitor’s Office?
A: In most cases, crimes must be reported to the police department that has jurisdiction over the area where the crime occurred. Solicitors prosecute crimes rather than investigate them.

Additional Links:

• Fourth Cicuit Solicitor’s Office

  Druscilla Blakely, Clerk To Council
Dillon County Administration
109 S 3rd Avenue
P.O Box 449
Dillon, SC 29536

Phone: (843) 774-1401
Fax: (843) 774-1443
Email: dblakely@dilloncountysc.org

County Council Meetings
Dillon County Council meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month beginning at 5 p.m. unless otherwise changed due to holidays. From time to time, Council approves a special called meeting. All special called meetings will be advertised in the local press and will also be posted on the County website and at the County Administration Building and Council Chambers.

2024 Dillon County Council Regular Called Meeting Schedule
Council Meets 4th Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Wednesday, December 18, 2024

County Council Meeting Place
County Council holds all meetings unless specified otherwise at the Dillon County Administration Building, Council Chambers, 109 S 3rd Avenue, Dillon, SC 29536

Requests To Address County Council
Should any person, group or organization request to be heard upon any matter at a regular or special meeting of Council, such person, group or organization shall submit a written request to the Chairman of County Council to place such matter on the agenda for the meeting at least seven (7) days prior to the date set for such meeting. The request shall specifically state the reason for the appearance.

The written request should be sent by USPS mail, hand delivered, or faxed to the Clerk to County Council. To make a request or for more information contact:

Druscilla Blakely, Clerk to Council
109 S 3rd Avenue
P.O Box 449
Dillon, SC 29536

Phone: (843) 774-1401
Fax: (843) 774-1443
Email: dblakely@dilloncountysc.org

2024 Council Agendas & Minutes

     February 6, 2024      Agenda  Minutes

2023 Council Agendas & Minutes

2022 Council Agendas & Minutes

 For agendas and minutes prior to 2022 you can click on the link below and go to the Dillon County Council Agendas & Minutes Archive Page.

• Agendas and Minutes Archive

The Dillon County Council has the power to create Boards and Commissions that assist the Council and staff with work important to the citizens of Dillon County.  Dillon County Council appoints members of each Board or Commission. Many Boards, Commissions, or Committees are created so that each of the 7 Council members appoint a member so that each of the 7 Districts of the County are represented.  Each Board, Commission, or Committee has its own mission, rules, and regulations as set and approved by County Council.  

The current Boards & Commission are:

• Dillon County Airport Commission
• Dillon County Library Board of Trustees
• Dillon County Planning Commission
• Dillon County Zoning Board of Appeals
• Dillon County Public-Private Economic Development Partnership Board
• Dillon County Transportation Committee
• Dillon County Conversation District

Interested In Serving On A County Board, Commission or Committee?
Any citizen of Dillon County can request and apply to serve on any of the Boards, Commissions, or Committees.  County Council has final say on those selected for each vacancy, but all applications will be reviewed and considered. If interested in serving on one of the Dillon County Boards, Commissions, or Committees contact your Council member or the Clerk To Council at:

Druscilla Blakely, Clerk To Council
Dillon County Administration
109 S 3rd Avenue
P.O Box 449
Dillon, SC 29536

Phone: (843) 774-1401
Fax: (843) 774-1443
Email: dblakely@dilloncountysc.org

County Council Member Contact Information