---
title: "Lynne H. Benfield | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/lynne-h-benfield-municipal-judge-york-county-municipal-court-sc"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-27"
---

# Lynne H. Benfield

York County Municipal Court · Municipal Judge

## Profile

- Court: York 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)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- As of September 30, 2024, Judge Benfield was appointed Municipal Court Judge for the City of York
- Began her career in 1973 at the age of 22 in the York County Clerk of Court’s office, later being appointed to the magistrate bench in 1994 to fill the unexpired term of Judge Marvin Smith
- Retired South Carolina magistrate judge and current municipal court judge for the City of York, recognized for nearly 50 years of public service in York County
- She was celebrated at the Moss Justice Center for her fairness, mentorship, and dedication to public service

### Education


### Additional information

- In 2023, she retired from the magistrate bench at the mandatory age of 72, after the longest continuous service in York County — 50 years
- In 2023, Judge Benfield was honored with the Order of the Palmetto and an award from U.S. Congressman Ralph Norman for her exceptional service.
- Her judicial responsibilities included handling civil cases such as evictions, small claims under $7,500, restraining orders, and claim/delivery actions, as well as criminal and traffic matters, issuing warrants, setting bonds, and conducting preliminary hearings.
- She also held an assignment in the Centralized Fraudulent Check Court
- Judge Benfield held the role of Magistrate for the York/Bethesda Magistrate Court in York County, South Carolina, for 281⁄2 years, including 131⁄2 years as Chief Magistrate.
- Born and raised in York, SC, Judge Benfield has been deeply involved in her community for decades.

