--- title: "Dennis E. O'Neill | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/dennis-e-o-and-x27-neill-municipal-judge-charleston-county-municipal-court-sc" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-07-27" --- # Dennis E. O'Neill Charleston County Municipal Court · Municipal Judge ## Profile - Court: Charleston County Municipal Court - State: South Carolina - Role: Municipal Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-07-27 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Before you appear - Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed. - Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance. - Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding. ## Courtroom Rules ### recording broadcasting photography Scope: statewide South Carolina Rule 605 generally prohibits courtroom broadcasting, televising, recording, and photography unless an exception or presiding-judge authorization applies. Evidence excerpt: the broadcasting, televising, recording, or taking photographs in the courtroom and areas immediately adjacent thereto during sessions of court or recesses between sessions is prohibited [South Carolina Appellate Court Rule 605: Broadcasting, Televising, Recording or Photographing Court Proceedings](https://www.sccourts.org/resources/judicial-community/court-rules/appellate/rule-605/) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### electronic evidence presentation Scope: statewide South Carolina Rule 605 permits the presiding judge to authorize electronic or photographic means for evidence presentation, record preservation, or judicial administration. Evidence excerpt: A presiding judge may authorize the use of electronic or photographic means for the presentation of evidence [South Carolina Appellate Court Rule 605: Broadcasting, Televising, Recording or Photographing Court Proceedings](https://www.sccourts.org/resources/judicial-community/court-rules/appellate/rule-605/) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### media coverage notice Scope: statewide South Carolina Rule 605 requires media representatives to give reasonable notice to the presiding judge when requesting courtroom coverage. Evidence excerpt: Media representatives must give reasonable notice to the presiding judge of a request to cover a proceeding. [South Carolina Appellate Court Rule 605: Broadcasting, Televising, Recording or Photographing Court Proceedings](https://www.sccourts.org/resources/judicial-community/court-rules/appellate/rule-605/) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### remote communication technology Scope: statewide South Carolina Rule 612 authorizes the Supreme Court to provide by order for courts to use remote communication technology for proceedings. Evidence excerpt: the Supreme Court of South Carolina may provide for the use of remote communication technology by the courts of this State to conduct proceedings [South Carolina Appellate Court Rule 612: Use of Remote Communication Technology](https://www.sccourts.org/resources/judicial-community/court-rules/appellate/rule-612/) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### virtual and in person recording Scope: statewide South Carolina's statewide order prohibits photographing, recording, or streaming live, virtual, or broadcasted court proceedings unless the presiding judge specifically authorizes it under Rule 605. Evidence excerpt: taking still photographs, recording (visual or audio), or streaming of any live, virtual, or subsequently broadcasted court proceeding is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized by the presiding judge pursuant to Rule 605 [Supreme Court of South Carolina Order: Recording of In-Person or Virtual Court Proceedings](https://www.sccourts.org/courtOrders/displayOrder.cfm?orderNo=2020-09-28-01) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ## Sources - [Official profile](https://www.sccourts.org/courts/trial-courts/municipal-court/judges/) - [Official roster](https://www.sccourts.org/courts/trial-courts/municipal-court/judges/) - [South Carolina Judicial Branch official judicial roster](https://www.sccourts.org/courts/trial-courts/municipal-court/judges/) - [South Carolina Appellate Court Rule 605: Broadcasting, Televising, Recording or Photographing Court Proceedings](https://www.sccourts.org/resources/judicial-community/court-rules/appellate/rule-605/) - [South Carolina Appellate Court Rule 612: Use of Remote Communication Technology](https://www.sccourts.org/resources/judicial-community/court-rules/appellate/rule-612/) - [Supreme Court of South Carolina Order: Recording of In-Person or Virtual Court Proceedings](https://www.sccourts.org/courtOrders/displayOrder.cfm?orderNo=2020-09-28-01) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/dennis-e-o-and-x27-neill-municipal-judge-charleston-county-municipal-court-sc", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/dennis-e-o-and-x27-neill-municipal-judge-charleston-county-municipal-court-sc", "name": "Dennis E. 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O’Neill is a long‐time South Carolina attorney and judge, best known for his service as Chief Municipal Court Judge of Seabrook Island since 2000, with continuous tenure for over 16 years - O’Neill began his municipal court service in May 2000 as judge for Seabrook Island, later becoming its chief judge - Special Circuit Court Judge for the Ninth Judicial Circuit ### Education ### Additional information - He was elected in 2005 to the American Board of Trial Advocates, a professional association with strict ethical standards - Born February 13, 1953 in Charleston, SC, O’Neill obtained a B.A. from the University of South Carolina (1975) and a J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law (1978) He was admitted to the South Carolina Bar in 1978 and has practiced in personal injury, criminal law, real estate, arbitration, and mediation - He has been recognized for ensuring courteous and fair treatment of all parties in court, crediting the efficiency of the Seabrook Island court staff in his leadership - O’Neill is board‐certified in mediation and arbitration, a licensed real estate broker, and a licensed title insurance agent - He is also a member of the Charleston County Bar Association, South Carolina Bar, and South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association