Can a Traffic Court Judge Deny Me a Trial by Jury

[chaz2000]

My question involves traffic court in the State of: South Carolina

I have a friend that says his judge denied him a trial by jury on a charge of driving without a license.
Don't we have a RIGHT to a trial by jury when the fine/bond is over $20?

Thanks!

[antrc170]

what court jurisdiction? municipal? county? and when did he ask for the trial by jury?

SECTION 14-25-125 of the SC deals with municpal courts and unless the request is made prior to trial then the right is deemed to have been waived. SECTION 14-9-180 of the SC code deals with county courts where unless the fine is greater than $100 or 30 days in jail it shall be tried in front of the judge, unless a jury is demanded which is to be done before the trial. If it is not done so, it is deemed waived and will go before the judge.

[chaz2000]

Thanks for the great answer and unfortunately I can't get the answers to your questions until he gets out of jail.

Thanks again.