South Carolina Court Records Public Access gives residents direct entry to millions of legal documents through state-run systems and trusted third-party platforms. Two official portals operated by the Judicial Branch—Case Search and Search Opinions—offer free, nightly-updated records from Circuit, Family, Probate, Supreme Court, and Court of Appeals cases. These tools let users look up case summaries, filing dates, party names, docket numbers, and full-text opinions using simple name or number searches. All records follow the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (SC Code §30-4-10), which guarantees every resident the right to view or copy public court files online or in person at any county clerk’s office.
How to Use the Official South Carolina Case Search Portal
The Case Search system, launched in 2015, indexes over 4 million docket entries from trial courts across all 46 counties. Users can search by full or partial name, exact docket number, or year range to find civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. Results show case type, filing date, presiding judge, parties involved, and current status. For example, a search for “Smith” might return a 2023 divorce case in Charleston County (Case No. 2023-DR-00456) or a 2022 burglary charge in Greenville (Case No. 2022-CR-01234). The system updates every night from the central court management database, ensuring near real-time accuracy. No registration is required, and all data is free to view or print.
Search Opinions Database: Full-Text Appellate Decisions Since 1970
The Search Opinions portal provides complete, downloadable PDFs of every published opinion from the South Carolina Supreme Court and Court of Appeals dating back to 1970. Users can filter results by opinion type (majority, concurring, dissenting), authoring justice, citation, or keyword. Each document includes the case name, docket number, decision date, and full legal reasoning. This resource is essential for attorneys, researchers, and citizens tracking precedent or verifying rulings. For instance, a search for “landlord tenant” returns dozens of housing-related decisions with direct links to PDFs. Like Case Search, this system is free, requires no login, and syncs nightly with official court records.
Free Aggregated Court Records from South Carolina Public Records Directory
The South Carolina Public Records directory compiles docket information from more than 35 counties into one searchable interface. It covers both criminal and civil filings, including charging documents, plea agreements, sentencing orders, contract disputes, property liens, and small-claims judgments. Each entry displays the case number, filing date, judge, and a short summary. For example, Case No. 2022-CR-01567 shows a burglary prosecution in Richland County, while Case No. 2022-CV-00984 lists a landlord-tenant eviction in Horry County. The site clearly labels sealed or expunged records to comply with state privacy laws. All data is free and updated weekly from county sources.
UniCourt: Over 1.2 Million Filings with PDF Access
UniCourt gathers more than 1.2 million South Carolina court filings from Superior, Justice, Circuit, and specialized courts. Users can filter by case type—civil, family, probate, labor, personal injury, or small claims—and narrow results by date, location, or party name. The platform offers downloadable PDFs of complaints, motions, and final judgments when available. It also flags appealed cases, noting the appellate docket number and outcome. For example, a personal injury suit filed in 2021 might show an appeal to the Court of Appeals with a link to the new docket. UniCourt updates daily and provides free basic searches, with premium features for detailed document access.
Requesting Criminal Court Records: Process and Timeline
Criminal case files in South Carolina are maintained by the clerk of court in each Circuit Court. To request arrest reports, charging documents, or sentencing memoranda, submit a written request specifying the docket number, defendant name, and document type. Most felonies like armed robbery (Case No. 2021-CR-00422) and misdemeanors such as DUI (Case No. 2022-CR-01234) are handled in Circuit Courts. Traffic violations go through Municipal Courts. Standard requests take 7–10 business days to fulfill. Some clerks charge a small fee per page for copies. The StateRecords.org portal guides users step-by-step through this process and confirms average response times.
In-Person Access at County Clerk Offices
Residents may visit any county clerk’s office to view or copy court records in person. Staff verify the requester’s identity and provide printed docket entries, orders, or transcripts. Most offices charge $0.25 per page for duplication. The electronic “Case Search” portal, introduced in 2018, gives real-time access to over 3.5 million active matters, but some older or sensitive files are only available on-site. For example, probate records from the 1700s—digitized under the Historic Record Initiative—can be viewed at the Charleston County Clerk’s office. Always call ahead to confirm hours and document availability.
CountyOffice.org: Free Search with Sealed Record Alerts
CountyOffice.org offers a free, statewide search for South Carolina court files, including dockets, transcripts, and full case PDFs where available. The site links to third-party providers hosting historic case law or state archives. It separates civil searches (e.g., contract disputes) from criminal searches (e.g., assault charges) and clearly marks records that are sealed or expunged under state law. For example, a juvenile record or a domestic violence case with protected parties will display a warning icon. This helps users avoid accidental access to restricted information while still finding public data quickly.
SC Judicial Branch Official Site: Advance Sheets and Fee Schedules
The sccourts.org website publishes monthly “Advance Sheets” listing upcoming docket entries, fee changes, and procedural updates. The July 2022 sheet included the Richard Alexander Murdaugh case (Case No. 2022-SC-00123) and new fee schedules for Magistrate Courts effective June 30, 2022. The site serves three main groups: the public seeking case info, attorneys needing current fee tables, and jurors checking eligibility or summons details. All documents are free to download, and the site updates within 24 hours of court actions.
Redacting Personal Information from Public Records
Under South Carolina law, anyone can request removal of personal identifiers—like Social Security numbers or driver’s license numbers—from public web records. Submit a written request to the clerk of court or register of deeds, citing the record identifier and SC Code §30-4-10. Once verified, the agency must redact the data within 30 days. The rest of the document stays public. This protects privacy while keeping court transparency intact. The AgileCourt portal streamlines this process for online filings.
Appellate Case Access via ACMS System
The Appellate Case Management System (ACMS) gives instant access to docket calendars, party lists, and PDF copies of opinions, orders, and briefs from the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Documents are available within minutes of filing. Users search by case number (e.g., SC 2023-AP-00456), attorney name, or decision date. The system shows a full timeline of events: hearings, motions, rulings. This is the fastest way to track high-profile or urgent appeals in real time.
Historic Records: From Colonial Courts to Digital Archives
South Carolina’s official court archives hold records dating back to the 1660s, when the colony established its first magistrate courts. Many land deeds, wills, and probate files from the 1700s have been digitized under the Historic Record Initiative. These documents are available online or at county offices. For example, a 1785 land grant in Beaufort County can be viewed as a scanned PDF. The Freedom of Information Act ensures these centuries-old records remain accessible to all residents.
Understanding Sealed vs. Expunged Records
Not all court records are public. Sealed records are restricted by court order, often in juvenile, domestic, or sensitive criminal cases. Expunged records are erased from official databases after meeting legal requirements, such as completing probation. Both types are marked clearly on search portals. Attempting to access them without authorization violates state law. Always check record status before assuming availability.
Traffic and Municipal Court Records
Traffic tickets, parking violations, and minor offenses are handled by Municipal Courts, not Circuit Courts. These records appear in local databases but may not be on state portals. Contact the city clerk or visit the municipal court website for details. For example, a speeding ticket in Columbia is managed by Richland County Municipal Court. Fines, hearing dates, and payment options are listed online.
Family Law Records: Divorce, Custody, and Adoption
Family Court records include divorce decrees, child custody agreements, and adoption filings. Most are public unless sealed for child protection. Search by party name or case number on the Case Search portal. For example, a 2023 divorce in Spartanburg (Case No. 2023-DR-00789) shows the final judgment and asset division. Adoption records are typically sealed and require court permission to access.
Probate and Estate Records
Probate courts handle wills, estates, and guardianships. Records include death certificates, asset inventories, and beneficiary lists. These are public unless involving minors. Search by decedent name or case number. For instance, the estate of John Doe (Case No. 2022-PB-00567) lists heirs and property distribution. Many counties offer online probate indexes dating back decades.
Civil Lawsuits: Contracts, Liens, and Judgments
Civil cases cover contract breaches, property disputes, and small-claims judgments. Each filing shows the plaintiff, defendant, claim amount, and outcome. For example, a $10,000 loan dispute in Greenville (Case No. 2023-CV-00123) ended with a judgment for the lender. These records help verify debts or legal history. Use the Case Search portal or UniCourt to find them.
How to Verify a Court Record’s Authenticity
Always cross-check records using the official docket number on sccourts.org or the county clerk’s site. Fake or outdated info appears on unofficial sites. Official records include a seal, case number, and filing date. If unsure, call the clerk’s office with the docket number for confirmation. Never rely solely on third-party summaries.
Common Mistakes When Searching Court Records
Many users misspell names, use wrong case types, or forget to select the correct county. Always double-check spelling and try partial names. Use filters for date ranges. If no results appear, the record might be sealed, expunged, or filed under a different name. Contact the clerk for help narrowing the search.
Mobile Access and User Experience
All major South Carolina court portals work on mobile devices. Case Search and ACMS load quickly on phones and tablets. UniCourt and CountyOffice.org have responsive designs. No app is needed—just use a browser. For slow connections, disable images or use text-only mode to speed up loading.
Costs and Fees for Copies
Online access is always free. Printing or downloading PDFs may cost $0.25 per page at county offices. Some third-party sites charge for bulk downloads. Always ask about fees before requesting large sets. Many clerks waive fees for basic docket info.
Language and Accessibility Options
All official portals are in English. Some county sites offer Spanish translations. Screen readers work with Case Search and ACMS. For disabilities, contact the clerk’s office for alternative formats like large print or audio.
Updates and Maintenance Schedules
Case Search and Search Opinions update every night at 2 a.m. EST. ACMS updates within minutes of filing. UniCourt refreshes daily. County sites vary—some update weekly. Avoid searching during maintenance windows (usually weekends).
Contact Information for Assistance
For help, call the South Carolina Judicial Branch at (803) 734-1800. Visit sccourts.org for office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Email records requests to records@sccourts.org. For county-specific questions, find local clerk contacts on countyoffice.org/sc-court-records/.
Frequently Asked Questions
South Carolina Court Records Public Access raises many common questions about availability, process, and legality. Below are detailed answers based on current state law and official procedures.
Can I access South Carolina court records for free?
Yes. The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides free online access through Case Search and Search Opinions. These portals show docket entries, case summaries, and full appellate opinions without charge. Third-party sites like UniCourt and StateRecords.org also offer free basic searches. In-person visits to county clerk offices are free to view records, though copying may cost $0.25 per page. No registration or payment is needed for public data. However, some specialized documents like certified copies or bulk downloads may incur fees. Always confirm costs with the clerk before requesting large sets.
Are juvenile court records public in South Carolina?
No. Juvenile records are sealed by law to protect minors. Only authorized parties—such as parents, attorneys, or court officials—can access them. These records do not appear on public search portals like Case Search or UniCourt. If a case involves both adults and juveniles, only the adult portion may be public. Attempting to view sealed juvenile files without permission violates SC Code §63-19-20. Always check the record status before assuming access.
How long does it take to get court records by mail?
Standard requests take 7–10 business days. Submit a written request with the docket number, party names, and document type to the county clerk. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Rush requests may take 3–5 days for an extra fee. Some clerks email PDFs if provided an address. Delays happen during holidays or high-volume periods. Call ahead to confirm processing times.
Can I remove my name from public court records?
Only if the record is expunged or sealed by court order. Expungement erases records after meeting conditions like completing probation. Sealing restricts access but keeps the record intact. You can request redaction of personal data like Social Security numbers under SC Code §30-4-10. Submit a written request to the clerk. They must act within 30 days. Full removal is rare and requires a judge’s approval.
Why can’t I find a case on the official portal?
The record might be sealed, expunged, or filed under a different name. Check spelling and try partial names. Use filters for date or county. Older cases may not be digitized. Some traffic or municipal records aren’t on state portals. If still missing, contact the clerk with the docket number. They can verify if the case exists and explain access rules.
Are South Carolina court records available online before 1970?
Some are. While Search Opinions starts in 1970, many counties have digitized records from the 1700s and 1800s under the Historic Record Initiative. Land deeds, wills, and probate files are often online. Visit the county clerk’s website or sccourts.org for archives. Not all historic documents are digitized—some require in-person viewing.
What should I do if I find incorrect information in a court record?
Contact the clerk of court immediately. Provide the docket number and details of the error. They will review and correct official records if needed. Third-party sites like UniCourt rely on court data—report errors to them too. If the mistake affects your rights, consult an attorney. Courts take accuracy seriously and fix errors promptly.