Dorchester County, South Carolina State Court Records
On a regular basis, a wide range of judicial cases are handled by the Dorchester County court system, including financial disputes, business disagreements, and family and domestic relations matters. While a court resolves these issues, permanent documents are created that serve as the court's official record of the proceedings. Known as the Dorchester County court records, these records detail actions and decisions related to court proceedings. These records include civil, criminal, family, and probate records maintained by the clerk of the court where the case was heard.
Court records do not exist in isolation. They are closely linked with other public documents, such as vital records or arrest records, which are occasionally featured as supporting documents in a case file.
Are Dorchester County Court Records Public?
Yes. Just like other records maintained by public agencies, court records are presumed to be the property of the people. According to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, Title 30, Chapter 4 of the S.C. Code of Laws, court records are accessible to the public.
However, certain case types and information are often redacted, sealed, or entirely removed from public disclosure. These exemptions include
- Adoption files
- Mental health proceedings
- Sensitive personal information
- Juvenile records
Furthermore, phone numbers and home addresses are removed from online records published on the online case management websites/applications to protect personal privacy. Individuals seeking access to restricted records often need a court order.
What Information is Available in Dorchester County Court Records?
Regardless of case type or court of jurisdiction, the following types of information are typically found in Dorchester County court records:
- Case numbers
- Full names of parties
- Names of attorneys and presiding judges
- Charges or claims
- Court hearing dates
- Motions and pleadings
- Petitions
- Evidence & exhibits
- Judgments and court orders
- Bond details
- Warrants and other writs
Dorchester County Court Records Search
There is no single source for Dorchester County court records searches, as the county comprises multiple courts that maintain their own records, and certain case types do not have remote viewing access. For instance, family cases may be restricted from remote viewing due to privacy concerns. Broadly speaking, court records in Dorchester County can be obtained through three main methods: online, in person, or by mail.
Online Access
Online portals have proven to be one of the easiest ways of accessing records from county courts. The main online portal for accessing court records in Dorchester County is the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index. This is a free statewide platform that offers access to court information and case documents from the Circuit Court, which comprises the General Sessions and Common Pleas Court Division, as well as Family Court filings. Users can conduct searches by name or case number.
For remote access availability in other county-level courts, one can check their respective websites. Requesters should note that certain records, including older filings, may not be accessible through online portals.
In-Person Access
Individuals who prefer to search records in person or obtain certified copies of specific court documents may visit any courthouse where the record sought is filed. Staff at the clerk's office often assist record seekers in locating case files and producing copies of court records, but they are not allowed to provide legal advice.
In-person inspection of court records is mostly free of charge.
Mail and Phone Requests
Mail requests are another convenient way for the public to obtain the court record they seek. To facilitate a search, the request should include a case party's full name, filing date range, or the case number, as well as the requester's contact information and the type of document sought. Requesters should also attach a self-addressed, stamped envelope and payment of any applicable fees, which may be made by certified check or money order.
For specialized mailing guidelines, the particular clerk or court where the case was filed should be contacted.
Fees for Court Records in Dorchester County
Inspecting a court record in Dorchester County is generally free, as the fee one pays when requesting court records is usually only the cost of producing and searching the documents. According to Section 30-4-30(B) of the South Carolina Code, public agencies may charge reasonable fees, provided they do not surpass the actual cost of producing these documents. These fees may include the following:
- In-person inspection of public records: Free
- Standard copies: Approximately 50 cents to $1 per page (Family Court charges 50 cents per page)
- Certified copies: $5 per document
- Court record search fee: $5per search
Fee waivers may apply when the request is in the public interest or when the requester demonstrates financial hardship, as outlined in S.C. Code 30-4-30(B).
Dorchester County Courthouse Locations
Dorchester County has two primary courthouse facilities, which operate from different locations serving diverse court functions:
Dorchester County Courthouse (Circuit Court, Clerk of Court, Probate Court, Magistrate Court)
5200 East Jim Bilton Boulevard
St. George, SC 29477
Phone: (843) 563-0181
Troy Knight Judicial Complex (Family Court, Bond Court)
212 Deming Way
Summerville, SC 29483
Phone: (843) 832-0360
Municipal Courts in Dorchester County
122 West Main Street
Harleyville, SC 29448
Phone: (843) 462-7676
105 School Street
Ridgeville, SC 29472
Phone: (843) 871-7960
121 South Metts Street
St George, SC 29477
Phone: (843) 563-3240
Fax: (843) 563-7048
200 South Main Street
2nd Floor
Summerville, SC 29483
Phone: (843) 875-2010
Criminal Records Access in Dorchester County
Official statewide criminal history background checks are handled by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the state repository for criminal history information within the South Carolina Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. SLED offers both name-based and fingerprint-based criminal history checks authorized by court order or statute. The fee for a SLED criminal history check is $25.
Local criminal court records typically include charges filed, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentences of a specific case. These records can be obtained via the SC Judicial Department Public Index for Dorchester County or by visiting the Clerk's Office at the Dorchester County Courthouse. The specific municipal court where a criminal case was handled can also be contacted for its case records.
Expunged criminal cases and juvenile criminal records are confidential under S.C.Code Ann. 63-19-2030(8) and are not available for public inspection.
Dorchester County Probate Records
Probate records primarily document the administration of estates, guardianships, and conservatorships for incapacitated adults, minor settlements under $25,000, involuntary commitments for mental illness, and chemical dependency. The Dorchester County Probate Court also handles the issuance of marriage licenses.
While recent probate records (2004 onwards) are available online, many case files remain accessible only via email, in person at the county courthouse, or by mail (see the probate court's Public Records Requests page). It is important to note that public disclosure is not provided for all probate matters; specific proceedings, such as those involving involuntary commitments or chemical dependency, are shielded from public view by statutory protections.
Dorchester County Family Court Records
Dorchester County Family Court hears all domestic and family matters, including proceedings for divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, paternity, and juvenile cases. Due to the sensitive nature of these cases, access is strictly controlled. While basic docket information of divorce and child/spousal support can be found on the South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index, financial declarations and comprehensive filings are often restricted. Adoption and juvenile delinquency records are entirely confidential under Sections 63-7-1990 and 63-19-2020 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
To obtain certified copies of Family Court documents, such as custody orders or divorce decrees, parties involved in the case or their legal representatives should visit the Family Court with a valid means of identification to prove their connection to the case. Alternatively, they may submit a formal written submission to the court.
Federal Court Records in Dorchester County
Federal court records originate from cases heard in United States federal courts, which handle matters involving federal law, constitutional disputes, disputes between citizens of different states that exceed $75,000, bankruptcy, and cases involving the federal government. These cases are not filed under the jurisdiction of local county courts; instead, they fall to the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina.
Records of federal cases are generally public records and can be accessed through the federal judiciary's centralized online database, the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system. PACER provides access to federal district court, bankruptcy court, and appellate court documents. Users must register for an account to search for case information and download documents. A fee of 10 cents per page applies for PACER searches, though registered users who accrue less than $30 in fees per quarter are not charged.
