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Charleston County Court Records

What Is Charleston County Court Records

Charleston County court records are official documents created and maintained by the county's court system. These records document legal proceedings, including criminal cases, civil disputes, family court matters, and probate cases. The Charleston County Clerk of Court is responsible for maintaining these records.

Charleston County Clerk of Court: 100 Broad Street, Suite 106, Charleston, SC 29401

Are Court Records Public In Charleston County

Yes, most court records in Charleston County are public information according to South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act and the Public Records Act. However, certain records may be sealed or redacted to protect sensitive information, including:

  • Juvenile records
  • Adoption proceedings
  • Mental health evaluations
  • Cases involving minors
  • Records sealed by court order
  • Certain domestic violence cases

How To Find Court Records in Charleston County in 2025

To access court records in Charleston County in 2025, you have several options:

  1. Visit the Charleston County Clerk of Court's office in person Charleston County Judicial Center: 100 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401

  2. Use the online Public Index Search system

  3. Submit a written request for copies of specific documents

  4. Contact the specific court division that handled the case

  5. Use third-party record search services (fees may apply)

How To Look Up Court Records in Charleston County Online?

Charleston County offers several online resources for accessing court records:

  1. Public Index Search - Access case information for Circuit Court and Family Court cases Website: https://jcmsweb.charlestoncounty.org/publicindex/

  2. Charleston County Clerk of Court Online Services Website: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/clerk-of-court/online-services.php

  3. South Carolina Judicial Branch website Website: https://www.sccourts.org/courts/courthouse-search/charleston/

These online systems allow you to search by name, case number, or filing date.

Can You Search Charleston County Court Records for Free?

Yes, you can search basic court record information for free through the Charleston County Public Index. However, there may be fees for:

  • Printed copies of documents (typically $0.25-$1.00 per page)
  • Certified copies of court documents ($5-$10 per document)
  • Research assistance from court staff (varies)
  • Complete case files or extensive records

Charleston County Public Index: 101 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401

What's Included in a Charleston County Court Record?

A typical Charleston County court record may include:

  • Case number and filing date
  • Names of all parties involved
  • Court documents (complaints, motions, orders)
  • Hearing and trial dates
  • Judge's rulings and final disposition
  • Sentencing information (for criminal cases)
  • Financial judgments (for civil cases)
  • Court transcripts (if requested)
  • Evidence presented in court (in some cases)

How Long Does Charleston County Keep Court Records?

Charleston County retains court records according to South Carolina's record retention schedules:

  • Criminal felony cases: Permanently
  • Criminal misdemeanor cases: 10-15 years after case closure
  • Civil cases: 10-20 years depending on case type
  • Family court cases: Varies by case type (many are permanent)
  • Probate records: Permanently
  • Traffic violations: 3-10 years depending on severity

South Carolina Department of Archives and History: 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC 29223

Types of Courts In Charleston County

Charleston County has several courts within its judicial system:

  1. Circuit Court (General Sessions and Common Pleas) Charleston County Circuit Court: 100 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401

  2. Family Court Charleston County Family Court: 100 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401

  3. Probate Court Charleston County Probate Court: 84 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401

  4. Magistrate Courts (multiple locations) Charleston County Magistrate Court: 3831 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405

  5. Municipal Courts (for cities within the county) Charleston Municipal Court: 180 Lockwood Boulevard, Charleston, SC 29403

What Types of Cases Do Charleston County Courts Hear?

Different courts in Charleston County handle specific types of cases:

  • Circuit Court (General Sessions): Criminal cases, including felonies and serious misdemeanors
  • Circuit Court (Common Pleas): Civil cases involving disputes over $7,500
  • Family Court: Divorce, child custody, juvenile cases, domestic matters
  • Probate Court: Wills, estates, guardianships, mental health commitments
  • Magistrate Courts: Minor criminal offenses, civil cases under $7,500, traffic violations
  • Municipal Courts: City ordinance violations, minor criminal offenses within city limits

How To Find a Court Docket In Charleston County

Court dockets list scheduled court appearances and can be accessed through:

  1. The Charleston County Clerk of Court's website Website: https://clerkofcourt.charlestoncounty.org/

  2. The Public Index Search system Website: https://jcmsweb.charlestoncounty.org/publicindex/

  3. In-person at the specific court where the case is being heard

  4. By contacting the court clerk's office by phone Charleston County Court Administration: 100 Broad Street, Suite 262, Charleston, SC 29401

Which Courts in Charleston County Are Not Courts of Record?

Not all courts in Charleston County maintain official verbatim records of proceedings. Courts that are not courts of record include:

  • Magistrate Courts
  • Municipal Courts

These courts handle minor offenses and smaller civil matters. While they maintain case files and disposition records, they typically don't create verbatim transcripts of proceedings unless specifically requested.

Lookup Court Records in Charleston County

For comprehensive access to Charleston County court records, utilize these official resources:

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