Charleston County Background Check
Charleston County is one of the busiest court jurisdictions in South Carolina, and it offers several tools for searching background check records. The county sits in the 9th Judicial Circuit and has more than 400,000 residents. You can search the Public Index for court cases, look up inmates at the county jail, or visit the Clerk of Court at 100 Broad Street in Charleston. This guide covers every resource you need to run a complete background check in Charleston County.
Charleston County Quick Facts
Charleston County Public Index
The Charleston County Public Index is the primary online tool for court record searches. Unlike most South Carolina counties that use the statewide system, Charleston County runs its own Public Index. You can search by party name or case number. The results cover criminal, civil, and family court cases filed in Charleston County.
Each record in the Charleston County Public Index shows the case number, type, parties, charges or claims, and current status. Criminal cases list the specific charges and dispositions. Civil cases show claims and any judgments. This is the fastest way to start a background check in Charleston County. The system is free to use and available around the clock.
The Clerk of Court also offers additional online services through the Charleston County website. These include Circuit Court Search, Day Book Search, and Family Court Search. Each tool targets a different type of record. Use them together for the most complete picture during your Charleston County background check.
Charleston County Inmate Records
The Charleston County Inmate Search lets you look up people in the county jail. It shows booking information, charges, bond amounts, and court dates. The system updates as people are booked in and out. This is one of the most popular background check tools in Charleston County.
Search by name, booking number, or other details. Each result shows the person's photo, charges, bond status, and next court date. The Charleston County jail also offers video visitation for inmates. Booking records from the jail are public under South Carolina law and commonly used in background checks.
The jail processes a high volume of bookings each year due to the size of Charleston County. If someone was recently arrested here, the inmate search will have their record. For older cases that have moved through the court system, use the Public Index instead.
Charleston County Clerk of Court
The Charleston County Clerk of Court is located at 100 Broad Street, Suite 106, Charleston, SC 29401. You can reach the office by phone at (843) 958-5000. The Clerk maintains all court records for criminal, civil, family, and probate cases filed in Charleston County. This is the central repository for case files and the place to go when you need certified copies.
Visit the Clerk's office to search records in person. Staff can look up cases by name or case number. You can get copies of court documents for a fee. Certified copies carry the court seal and are accepted as official records. The office is open Monday through Friday. Call ahead to confirm hours before your visit.
For a background check in Charleston County, the Clerk of Court has the most detailed records available. The online tools give summaries, but the Clerk has every motion, order, plea, and judgment in the case file. If you need to see the full history of a criminal case, this is where to go.
Note: The Clerk's office can be busy due to the high volume of cases in Charleston County, so plan extra time for your visit.
Charleston County Criminal Court
Criminal court sessions in Charleston County are held on Tuesday and Friday mornings at 8:30 AM. You can call (843) 724-7460 for schedule details. The Charleston Criminal Court handles trial proceedings. Cases on the docket are public, and you can attend hearings as an observer.
The Charleston Police Department is one of several law enforcement agencies that file cases in the county. Municipal police, the Sheriff's Office, and state agencies all contribute to the criminal case load in Charleston County. Each agency generates arrest records that feed into the broader background check system.
Criminal cases in Charleston County follow the process set by the South Carolina Criminal Code. After arrest, charges are filed with the court. The case moves through hearings and either goes to trial or is resolved by plea. Every step creates a record. The final outcome becomes part of the permanent court file at the Clerk of Court.
Charleston County Probate Records
The Charleston County Probate Court handles estates, guardianships, and related matters. While these are not standard background check records, they can be relevant in specific cases. Guardianship proceedings may show that a court placed limits on someone's legal capacity. Estate records can reveal debts or pending claims.
Probate records in Charleston County are kept separate from the Circuit Court files. Visit the Probate Court office or contact them by phone to search their records. Staff can help you find cases by name. These records are public unless sealed by the court.
Statewide Background Check
SLED's CATCH system offers a statewide criminal background check for $25. It covers all 46 counties, including Charleston County. This is the best way to find records outside Charleston County. If someone has lived in multiple parts of the state, a SLED search picks up records from every jurisdiction.
The sex offender registry is a free tool from SLED. Search for registered offenders in Charleston County by name or address. The Department of Corrections has inmate records, and the Probation, Parole and Pardon Services department tracks supervised releases.
South Carolina's FOIA law at S.C. Code Title 30, Chapter 4 gives you the right to request records from any Charleston County office. Put your request in writing, state what you need, and send it to the right office. The response deadline is 15 business days. Most background check records in Charleston County are available through this process.
Cities in Charleston County
Charleston County includes several cities and towns. All background check records are filed through the Charleston County court system.
Nearby Counties
Charleston County borders several other South Carolina counties. Check nearby areas if the person may have records beyond Charleston County.