Colleton County Court Records Lookup

The following is for information purposes only

With a population of over 38,500, Colleton County is situated in the Lowcountry region of the U.S. state of South Carolina and has its county seat in Walterboro. Circuit, Family, Probate, Magistrate, and Municipal courts make up the Colleton County court system. Circuit Courts typically handle cases that fall outside the purview of other courts and have broad jurisdiction over all civil and criminal issues. Certain types of proceedings fall under the limited jurisdiction of the county's Family, Probate, Magistrates, and Municipal Courts.

Colleton County Circuit Court handles a wide range of civil and criminal cases. Civil cases typically involve disputes over money or property valued at more than $7500. Criminal cases can include felonies, misdemeanors, and domestic violence offenses. Circuit Courts also handle specific family matters like divorce and child custody, and certain probate matters like wills and estates. The Colleton County Family Court handles divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody, child visitation, child support, and division of marital property. It also deals with domestic abuse protection orders, termination of parental rights, guardianship of a minor, and adoption. Wills, estates, and trusts are among the probate cases that are handled by the Colleton County Probate Court. Involuntary commitments, conservatorships, and guardianships are also handled by probate courts. Colleton County Magistrates Court deals with minor criminal offenses punishable by small fines or short jail time. These include shoplifting, traffic violations, and some cases of assault or domestic violence. The court also handles preliminary hearings for more serious crimes. Traffic infractions, various municipal code breaches, and some criminal charges are heard by the city's three municipal courts.

The Colleton County court system's handling of over 380 cases annually is proof of the county's evolving legal system. With 1064.03 crimes committed per 100,000 residents, the county is a shining example of the importance of having a functional judicial system. Court records in Colleton County are handled by the South Carolina Judicial Department and are accessible online. To find these records, use the Public Index platform.

In summary, the Colleton County court system is committed to administering justice in a range of legal cases and is a crucial component of the county government. The county's judicial system is made up of the Circuit, Family, Probate, Magistrate, and Municipal courts, which allow it to effectively handle the wide range of cases it hears. The availability of an electronic court record management system that ensures accessibility and transparency boosts public confidence in the Colleton County judicial system.