Charleston County Court Records
What Is Charleston County Court Records
Charleston County court records are official documents created and maintained by the courts operating within Charleston County, South Carolina. These records document judicial proceedings and serve as the official account of actions taken by the courts. Pursuant to South Carolina Code of Laws § 30-4-30, court records generally constitute public records that document the activities of a public body.
Court records in Charleston County typically include:
- Case filings and pleadings
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing transcripts
- Evidence presented in court
- Docket information
- Case dispositions
The Charleston County Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of these records. This office is responsible for processing, maintaining, and providing public access to court records in accordance with state law and court rules.
Charleston County Clerk of Court 101 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401 Phone: (843) 958-5000 Charleston County Clerk of Court Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Are Court Records Public In Charleston County
Court records in Charleston County are generally available to the public in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq.) and the common law right of access to judicial records. The South Carolina Constitution and state statutes establish a presumption of openness for court proceedings and records.
However, certain limitations and exceptions to public access exist:
- Records that have been sealed by court order
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Records containing sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers
- Cases involving minors or sexual assault victims
- Grand jury proceedings
The South Carolina Judicial Branch maintains policies regarding public access to court records that balance transparency with privacy concerns. Court administrators may redact certain information from public records to protect privacy interests while still providing access to the substantive content of court documents.
Members of the public seeking access to court records should be aware that while most records are public, specific documents or information within those records may be restricted based on statutory provisions or court rules.
How To Find Court Records in Charleston County in 2025
Individuals seeking court records in Charleston County have several methods available to locate and access these documents. The Charleston County Clerk of Court maintains records for Circuit Court and Family Court cases within the county.
In-person requests can be submitted at:
Charleston County Judicial Center 101 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401 Phone: (843) 958-5000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
For in-person requests, visitors should:
- Bring identification
- Know specific case information (names, case numbers, filing dates)
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees for copies
- Allow sufficient time for staff to locate requested records
Written requests may be submitted by mail to the above address. Requests should include:
- Requestor's contact information
- Specific case information
- Description of records sought
- Payment for applicable fees
The Charleston County Government also provides online access to certain court records through its website. Electronic access has expanded significantly in 2025, with more records available digitally than in previous years.
For records from federal cases heard in Charleston County, individuals should contact:
United States District Court for the District of South Carolina Charleston Division 85 Broad Street Charleston, SC 29401 Phone: (843) 579-1401 U.S. District Court - South Carolina Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
How To Look Up Court Records in Charleston County Online?
Charleston County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records online. The primary resource for online court record searches is the Charleston County Clerk of Court's Online Services portal. This system allows users to search for records by case number, party name, filing date, or case type.
To access records online, users should:
- Visit the Charleston County Clerk of Court's website
- Navigate to the "Online Services" section
- Select the appropriate search option based on the information available
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- Review search results and select specific cases for more detailed information
For Circuit Court records, the Public Index Search provides case information including:
- Party names
- Case types
- Filing dates
- Scheduled hearings
- Case status
- Document listings
Family Court records have more restricted online access due to privacy concerns, though basic case information may be available.
Criminal records can be searched through the Charleston County Inmate Search portal, which provides information on current inmates and recent arrests.
For traffic citations and related court information, the South Carolina Traffic Tickets and Court Payments system allows users to locate and pay traffic tickets online.
Federal court records for cases heard in Charleston County are accessible through the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system, which requires registration and charges nominal fees for document access.
Can You Search Charleston County Court Records for Free?
Charleston County provides limited free access to court records through several channels. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(B), public bodies may establish and collect reasonable fees for the search and duplication of records.
Free access options include:
- Basic case information searches through the Public Index on the Charleston County Clerk of Court website
- In-person viewing of non-confidential records at the Clerk's office (copying fees apply)
- Limited information through the Charleston County Inmate Search portal
Fee-based services include:
- Certified copies of court documents ($5 per document plus copying fees)
- Extensive record searches requiring staff assistance ($25 per hour research fee may apply)
- Copies of documents ($0.25 per page for standard copies)
- Access to certain detailed case information online
The Clerk of Court may waive fees in cases of demonstrated financial hardship or when the request serves a public interest. Government agencies and certain non-profit organizations may qualify for fee waivers when requesting records for official purposes.
For federal court records, PACER charges $0.10 per page viewed, with a maximum of $3.00 per document. PACER fee waivers are available for certain users, including indigent individuals and academic researchers.
What's Included in a Charleston County Court Record?
Charleston County court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type, but generally include:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Complaints or petitions
- Summonses
- Service of process documentation
- Initial appearances
Procedural Documents:
- Motions and responses
- Court orders and rulings
- Hearing notices
- Continuances
- Discovery materials (when filed with the court)
Evidentiary Materials:
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Witness lists
- Expert reports
- Affidavits
Disposition Documents:
- Judgments
- Verdicts
- Sentencing information (in criminal cases)
- Settlement agreements (when filed)
- Dismissal orders
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Appeals
- Satisfaction of judgment notices
- Enforcement proceedings
- Probation reports (in criminal cases)
The South Carolina Judicial Branch maintains standards for court record content and format. Pursuant to S.C. Court Administration guidelines, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of court records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and names of minor children.
How Long Does Charleston County Keep Court Records?
Charleston County retains court records according to schedules established by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History and the South Carolina Supreme Court. Retention periods vary based on case type and significance.
General retention guidelines include:
- Circuit Court Civil Cases: 12 years after case closure
- Circuit Court Criminal Cases:
- Capital cases: Permanent retention
- Non-capital felonies: 15 years after case closure
- Misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure
- Family Court Cases:
- Adoption: Permanent retention (sealed)
- Divorce: Permanent retention
- Child support: Until youngest child reaches age 21 plus 3 years
- Juvenile delinquency: Until subject reaches age 21, then destroyed
Records with historical significance may be transferred to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History for permanent preservation after their active retention period. Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.
The Charleston County Government maintains an archival facility for older court records that have not yet reached their disposition date. Researchers seeking historical court records should contact:
Charleston County Records Management 4045 Bridge View Drive North Charleston, SC 29405 Phone: (843) 202-7200 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Types of Courts In Charleston County
Charleston County's judicial system encompasses several courts with varying jurisdictions and authority. These courts operate within the framework established by the South Carolina Constitution and state statutes.
Circuit Court: The Circuit Court is Charleston County's court of general jurisdiction, handling major civil cases and criminal matters. The Ninth Judicial Circuit serves Charleston and Berkeley counties.
Family Court: Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction over domestic matters including divorce, child custody, adoption, and juvenile cases.
Probate Court: The Probate Court handles wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitments.
Magistrate Courts: These limited jurisdiction courts handle minor civil cases (claims up to $7,500), landlord-tenant matters, traffic violations, and criminal cases carrying penalties of up to 30 days imprisonment or $500 in fines.
Municipal Courts: Cities within Charleston County, including Charleston, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant, operate municipal courts handling local ordinance violations, traffic cases, and minor criminal matters.
Federal Court: The United States District Court for the District of South Carolina maintains a division in Charleston handling federal cases.
Each court maintains its own records, though the Clerk of Court serves as the central repository for Circuit and Family Court records. Other courts maintain separate record-keeping systems.
What Types of Cases Do Charleston County Courts Hear?
Charleston County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by South Carolina law.
Circuit Court - Civil Division:
- Personal injury claims
- Contract disputes
- Property litigation
- Civil rights cases
- Appeals from lower courts
- Complex commercial litigation
Circuit Court - Criminal Division:
- Felony prosecutions
- Serious misdemeanors
- Criminal appeals from lower courts
- Post-conviction relief proceedings
Family Court:
- Divorce and separation
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support and alimony
- Adoption proceedings
- Juvenile delinquency
- Abuse and neglect cases
- Name changes
Probate Court:
- Estate administration
- Will probate
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Mental health commitments
- Marriage licenses
Magistrate Courts:
- Small claims (up to $7,500)
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Traffic violations
- Minor criminal offenses
- Preliminary hearings for felony cases
Municipal Courts:
- City ordinance violations
- Traffic infractions within city limits
- Public intoxication
- Disorderly conduct
- Other minor offenses
The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides oversight and administrative support to these courts, while the Charleston County Government provides facilities and certain operational resources.
How To Find a Court Docket In Charleston County
Court dockets in Charleston County provide schedules of upcoming court proceedings and list cases set for hearing or trial. These dockets are essential tools for attorneys, litigants, and members of the public seeking to monitor court activities.
Current court dockets can be accessed through several methods:
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Online Access: The Charleston County Clerk of Court's Online Services portal provides access to current docket information for Circuit Court. Users can search by date, judge, or case type.
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In-Person Viewing: Dockets are posted daily in the Charleston County Judicial Center at: 101 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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Telephone Inquiry: Limited docket information may be obtained by calling the appropriate court:
- Circuit Court: (843) 958-5000
- Family Court: (843) 958-4400
- Probate Court: (843) 958-5030
- Magistrate Court: (843) 202-6600 (Central office)
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Written Request: Written requests for docket information can be submitted to the Clerk of Court's office with specific date ranges and case types indicated.
For federal court dockets, the U.S. District Court for South Carolina provides online access through PACER or at the courthouse:
U.S. District Court - Charleston Division 85 Broad Street Charleston, SC 29401 Phone: (843) 579-1401 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 14-17-540, the Clerk of Court is required to maintain accurate dockets of all cases and proceedings.
Which Courts in Charleston County Are Not Courts of Record?
Not all courts in Charleston County maintain official verbatim records of their proceedings. Courts not designated as "courts of record" typically do not create or preserve transcripts of hearings unless specifically requested by a party.
In Charleston County, the following are not courts of record:
Magistrate Courts: Magistrate Courts handle small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and minor criminal matters. While these courts maintain case files with pleadings and orders, they do not automatically create verbatim transcripts of proceedings. Parties seeking a record of Magistrate Court proceedings must arrange for a court reporter at their own expense.
Municipal Courts: Municipal Courts in Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and other municipalities within the county are not courts of record. These courts handle local ordinance violations and minor criminal matters. As with Magistrate Courts, no automatic verbatim record is created.
For cases in these non-record courts, appeals to higher courts proceed as trials de novo (new trials), rather than reviews of the lower court record. This practice is established by S.C. Code Ann. § 18-3-70 for appeals from Magistrate Courts and § 14-25-95 for appeals from Municipal Courts.
Parties appearing in these courts should be aware that if they wish to preserve a verbatim record of proceedings, they must make independent arrangements for a court reporter, subject to the approval of the presiding judge.
Lookup Court Records in Charleston County
Search Charleston County court records online
Access the Charleston County Clerk of Court portal
Visit the Charleston County Government website
Check the South Carolina Judicial Branch
Search federal court records for Charleston
Pay traffic tickets and court fees online