South Carolina Court Records

South Carolina Court Records Search

Are you in need of information about a legal case in South Carolina? Look no further than the state’s court records. These records are a valuable resource for anyone looking to research a case, find information about a specific case, or obtain public records. In this article, you can find out how to run a South Carolina court records search online, the different judicial branches in the state and their functions, and what public records can be obtained online.

How to Run a SC Court Records Search Online

Thanks to modern technology, it is now easier than ever to run a SC court records search. The state’s Judicial Branch has an online portal where you can search for court records by case number, party name, or attorney name. You can also search for records by county, which is helpful if you know where the case was filed. The online portal is user-friendly and provides access to both civil and criminal court records.

Another option that has become popular in recent years is the use of public record websites. With these online resources you can not only find SC court case records but you can run a complete background check on anyone. The records you can find using this type of resource are; criminal records, civil records, convictions, judgments, traffic violations, arrest records, arrest warrants, bench warrants, bankruptcies and more. This is useful resource for those that want to know more about a person’s past.

A third option, if you have difficulty tracking down the records you need, is the SC Clerk of the Courts. You can contact them directly via phone or email and make a request. You can also make an appointment to see them in person to discuss your request. They offer access to records, dockets, calendars, or general questions about ongoing cases. Their direct phone number is 803-765-5816.

The Different SC Courts and Their Functions

South Carolina has a three pronged judicial branch. This consists of the SC Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Circuit Court. The Supreme Courthouse is the highest judicial division in SC and has the final say on all cases. The Court of Appeals hears appeals from lower divisions and has the power to review decisions made by administrative agencies. The Circuit Courthouse is generally referred to as the main trial courthouse and handles both civil and criminal cases.

In addition to these three courts, there are also Magistrate Courthouses, which handle small claims and minor criminal offenses, and Municipal Courthouses, which handle violations of city ordinances. Each county  also has a Probate Courthouse, which handles matters such as wills, estates, and guardianships.

SC public court records can be obtained through the respective courthouse websites, as well as public record sites. You can access records by name, attorney name, case number, and the SC clerk of the courts. For example, you can access SC Berkeley County court records by visiting their website and making an online inquiry.

What Public Records Can Be Obtained from the Courts

South Carolina’s court case records are considered public records, which means they are available for anyone to access. These records can provide valuable information about a case, including the names of parties involved, the charges or claims made, and the outcome of the case. In addition to case records, other public records that can be obtained from the courts include marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and property records.

It is important to note that some records may be restricted or sealed, especially in cases involving minors or sensitive information. In these cases, you may need to provide a valid reason for requesting the records and may be required to pay a fee. While there are free online resources that you can access some of these public records from, physical copies will always incur a small fee. Certified or official documentation of any case files or documents will also carry an additional fee.

Conclusion

SC court records are a valuable resource for anyone looking to research a legal case or obtain public records. With the convenience of online access and the variety of resources online, it is easier than ever to obtain the information you need. Just remember to respect any restrictions or privacy concerns when requesting records, files, or documents. You can access most of these records online, which are made publicly available by the SC Public Records Laws.