Charleston County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Charleston County?
A search warrant in Charleston County is a legal document issued by a judge that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a specific location for evidence related to a crime. These warrants are based on probable cause and must describe in detail the place to be searched and the items to be seized. In Charleston County, search warrants are typically executed by deputies from the Charleston County Sheriff's Office.
Charleston County Sheriff's Office: 3691 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405
Are Warrants Public Records In Charleston County?
Yes, warrants in Charleston County are generally considered public records once they have been executed. However, access may be restricted for warrants that are part of ongoing investigations. The public can access information about executed warrants through the Charleston County Sheriff's Office website or by visiting the Clerk of Court's office in person.
Charleston County Clerk of Court: 100 Broad Street, Suite 106, Charleston, SC 29401
How Do I Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Charleston County?
To find out if you have a warrant in Charleston County, you can:
- Use the online warrant search tool on the Charleston County Sheriff's Office website
- Call the Sheriff's Office warrant division directly
- Visit the Sheriff's Office in person
- Contact the Clerk of Court's office
- Consult with an attorney who can check on your behalf
Charleston County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division: 3691 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405
How To Check for Warrants in Charleston County for Free in 2025
In 2025, Charleston County offers several free methods to check for warrants:
- Visit the Charleston County Sheriff's Office website and use their warrant search tool
- Use the South Carolina Judicial Department's public index
- Call the Sheriff's Office warrant division during business hours
- Visit the Sheriff's Office or Courthouse in person
These services are provided at no cost to the public.
South Carolina Judicial Department: 1220 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29201
What Types of Warrants In Charleston County
Charleston County issues several types of warrants:
- Arrest warrants - for criminal offenses
- Bench warrants - issued when someone fails to appear in court
- Search warrants - authorizing searches of specific locations
- Civil warrants - for non-criminal matters
- Child support warrants - for failure to pay court-ordered child support
- Probation violation warrants - for those who violate terms of probation
Each type serves a specific legal purpose within the county's justice system.
What Warrants in Charleston County Contain
Warrants in Charleston County typically contain:
- The name and description of the person to be arrested (for arrest warrants)
- The specific address or location to be searched (for search warrants)
- The alleged offense or reason for the warrant
- The date of issuance
- The signature of the issuing judge
- Any specific conditions or limitations
- The law enforcement agency responsible for execution
This information ensures proper identification and legal execution of the warrant.
Who Issues Warrants In Charleston County
In Charleston County, warrants are issued by:
- Circuit Court Judges
- Magistrate Judges
- Municipal Court Judges (for violations within city limits)
These judicial officers review evidence presented by law enforcement or prosecutors to determine if probable cause exists before issuing a warrant.
Charleston County Magistrate Court: 4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, SC 29405
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Charleston County
To find outstanding warrants in Charleston County:
- Use the Sheriff's Office online warrant search tool
- Contact the Sheriff's Office warrant division by phone
- Visit the Sheriff's Office in person
- Check with the Clerk of Court's office
- Use the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) website for statewide warrant information
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division: 4400 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
How To Check Federal Warrants In Charleston County
Federal warrants are handled differently than county warrants. To check for federal warrants in Charleston County:
- Contact the U.S. Marshals Service for the District of South Carolina
- Consult with a federal defense attorney
- Check with the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina
Federal warrants are not typically searchable through county databases.
U.S. Marshals Service, District of South Carolina: 1835 Assembly Street, Suite 1469, Columbia, SC 29201
U.S. District Court, Charleston Division: 85 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401
How Long Do Warrants Last In Charleston County?
In Charleston County, most warrants remain active until they are served or recalled by the court. There is generally no expiration date for arrest warrants. However, search warrants typically must be executed within a specific timeframe, usually within 10 days of issuance. Bench warrants remain active until the person appears in court or the judge recalls the warrant.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Charleston County?
The time to obtain a search warrant in Charleston County varies depending on circumstances:
- In emergency situations, warrants can be issued within hours
- For routine investigations, the process may take 1-3 days
- Electronic warrants can expedite the process
- Judges must review the evidence and probable cause statement before approval
Law enforcement must demonstrate probable cause to a judge, who then decides whether to issue the warrant.
Search Warrant Records in Charleston County
For more information about warrants in Charleston County, you can visit these resources:
- Charleston County Sheriff's Office - Warrants Search
- Charleston County Detention Center - Annual Statistics
- Charleston County Detention Center - Organizational Chart
These resources provide valuable information about the warrant process, detention statistics, and organizational structure of the agencies handling warrants in Charleston County.