Charleston County Court Records Lookup

The following is for information purposes only

Situated along the Atlantic coast, Charleston County has a population of over 409,800 and is the third-most populous county in South Carolina. Charleston, its largest city and namesake, serves as the county seat. The Circuit Court, Family Court, Probate Courts, Magistrates Courts, and Municipal Courts make up the trial court system in Charleston County. All civil and criminal proceedings fall within the overall jurisdiction of the county's Circuit Court, while certain types of proceedings fall under the limited jurisdiction of its inferior courts.

The Charleston County Circuit Court tackles both civil and criminal matters. The Civil Division (Court of Common Pleas) handles most general claims exceeding $7,500. It also handles complex business cases and domestic relations issues like divorce and child custody. The Circuit Court has exclusive authority to approve settlements exceeding $10,000 for minors or incapacitated individuals. The Charleston County Family Court focuses on matters related to families. This includes divorce, child custody, and adoption. Additionally, they handle child neglect, delinquency cases, and mental health commitments for children. The Charleston County Probate Court shares some jurisdiction with the Family Court on issues like paternity and marital agreements related to estates. Charleston County Magistrates Courts primarily deal with minor criminal cases like traffic violations and shoplifting, typically resulting in limited fines or short jail terms. They hold exclusive jurisdiction over some domestic violence cases and most civil claims under $7,500. Municipal Courts address traffic violations, other violations of municipal codes, and certain criminal offenses. Their penalties are limited to fines or jail time within specific ranges. However, they can handle cases transferred from the Circuit Court with potentially increased penalties.

The fact that the legal system in Charleston County today handles approximately 14,024 cases annually is proof of how far it has progressed. With 3,427 offenses against every 100,000 residents, the county is an illustration of the importance of having a robust legal system. Charleston County maintains its court records electronically, which can be accessed by the public using its case search system.

In summary, the Charleston County court system is dedicated to maintaining justice across the legal system and is an essential component of the county government. The Circuit Court, Family Court, Probate Courts, Magistrates Courts, and Municipal Courts collectively provide a robust legal structure that can address a range of cases. The use of an electronic system that guarantees accessibility and transparency while safeguarding court data has enhanced public confidence in the Charleston County legal system.