Court records in Charleston County, South Carolina, can be searched through several channels. CharlestonCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through the Charleston County Clerk of Court, the Public Index Search portal, the Clerk's office in person, or public terminals at the courthouse. The South Carolina Judicial Branch website offers additional statewide court resources.
Charleston Court System & Jurisdictions
Charleston County is part of South Carolina's Ninth Judicial Circuit. Several courts operate within the county, each handling distinct case types. Knowing which court holds a case is essential before searching any docket.
- Circuit Court — The court of general jurisdiction in South Carolina. In Charleston County, Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $7,500, and appeals from lower courts. The Clerk of Court's Office maintains all Circuit Court records.
- Family Court — Handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, juvenile delinquency, and domestic violence cases. Family Court records involving minors are generally restricted from public access.
- Probate Court — Manages estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and involuntary commitments. The Charleston County Probate Court operates independently from the Clerk of Court.
- Magistrate Court — Handles minor criminal offenses (penalties up to 30 days or a $500 fine), civil claims up to $7,500, preliminary hearings, and restraining orders. Charleston County has multiple magistrate court locations.
- Municipal Courts — The City of Charleston and other municipalities within the county operate their own municipal courts for city ordinance violations and traffic offenses occurring within city limits.
For federal cases filed in the Charleston Division of the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, search through PACER or the District Court's website.
Charleston Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Charleston County publishes court scheduling information through several systems maintained by the Clerk of Court.
- Check the Clerk of Court's Day Book — The Charleston County Day Book provides daily court roster information, including scheduled hearings for Circuit Court cases. You can view today's, tomorrow's, and upcoming hearing schedules by date or courtroom.
- Use the Public Index — The Public Index Search allows you to look up individual cases and see scheduled hearing dates associated with a specific case number or party name.
- Contact the Clerk's Office — For Family Court or Probate Court calendar information not available online, call or visit the appropriate office directly. The Clerk of Court's department page lists contact details.
- State-level resources — The South Carolina Judicial Branch website may list certain appellate or statewide scheduling information.
Magistrate and municipal court calendars are typically managed by each individual court location. Contact the specific magistrate court or municipal court for its hearing schedule.
How to Get a Copy of a Charleston Court Document
The Charleston County Clerk of Court issues both certified and uncertified copies of court documents for Circuit Court and Family Court cases. There are three main ways to request copies:
Online
Visit the Clerk of Court's Online Services page to search records and, where available, request copies electronically. Not all document types can be ordered online — some require an in-person visit.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Court's office at the Charleston County Courthouse. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can retrieve documents and produce copies while you wait for most standard requests.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk of Court at the address above. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of all parties
- Description of the document needed
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fee
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Certified vs. uncertified: Certified copies bear the Clerk's official seal and signature, making them acceptable for legal proceedings, government filings, and other official purposes. Uncertified copies are suitable for personal reference. Ask the clerk whether certification is required for your specific need.
Restricted records: Juvenile cases, certain Family Court matters, sealed records, and expunged cases are not available to the general public. Under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (Title 30), most other court records are generally accessible.
Charleston Court Records Fees & Payment
The Clerk of Court charges fees for searches, copies, and certifications. The schedule below reflects standard fees established under South Carolina law. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk's office, as fees may be updated by statute or administrative order.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Search fee (per name or case) | $5.00 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 per page plus certification fee |
| Certification / seal | $1.00 per certification |
| Exemplified copy | $2.00 per page |
Payment methods: The Clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person and mail requests. Online services may accept credit or debit cards. Contact the Clerk of Court's Office to verify accepted payment methods for your specific request.
Traffic ticket payments for Charleston County can also be handled through the South Carolina traffic tickets and court payments portal. For additional self-help resources on navigating South Carolina courts, visit the SC Courts Self-Help Center.