Criminal records in Dorchester County, South Carolina, are accessible through several channels, including online databases, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. DorchesterCourt.us can help you find publicly available criminal case information. You can also search through state court portals, request records from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), or visit the Dorchester County Clerk of Court in person to review case files and obtain copies.
How to Search Criminal Records in Dorchester
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Dorchester County. The method you choose depends on what information you already have and whether you need official or informal results.
Online Search Options
- DorchesterCourt.us — Start here to search for publicly available court record information related to criminal cases in Dorchester County. You can search by name or case number.
- South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index — This statewide portal allows you to search court cases filed in Dorchester County's Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions. Select Dorchester County from the county dropdown to narrow results.
- SLED CATCH (Citizens Access to Criminal Histories) — A name-based search tool that lets you view and print South Carolina criminal history records. Results include arrests and dispositions reported to SLED by law enforcement and courts statewide.
- SC Department of Corrections Inmate Search — Search for individuals currently incarcerated in a South Carolina state prison. Results include photographs, sentence information, and projected release dates.
- Dorchester County Sex Offender Registry — Search for registered sex offenders residing in Dorchester County.
What You Need to Search
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth (helpful for narrowing results)
- Case number (if searching for a specific case)
- SSN or SID number (required for some SLED background check requests)
In-Person Search
Visit the Dorchester County Clerk of Court office to use public access terminals or request assistance from staff. Criminal case files for General Sessions Court are maintained at the courthouse. Bring a valid photo ID.
By Mail or Written Request
You can submit a written request for criminal records to the Dorchester County Clerk of Court at the address above. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), case number (if available), and a return address. For statewide criminal history reports, submit a request directly to SLED.
Search Dorchester Criminal Cases by Case Number
South Carolina court case numbers follow a structured format that identifies the year, county, court type, and sequential filing number. A typical General Sessions (criminal) case number in Dorchester County looks like this:
- Year — The two- or four-digit year the case was filed (e.g., 2024)
- County code — A two-digit code identifying Dorchester County (18)
- Court type indicator — "GS" for General Sessions (felonies and serious misdemeanors) or "MG" for Magistrate Court (lower-level criminal and traffic offenses)
- Sequential number — A unique number assigned in the order the case was filed
For example, a case number formatted as 2024-GS-18-00456 would indicate a General Sessions case filed in Dorchester County in 2024. When searching by case number through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index, enter the number exactly as it appears on court documents for the most accurate results.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Dorchester
Criminal case records in Dorchester County contain several key data points. Here is what each one means:
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The South Carolina Code of Laws section the defendant is charged under (e.g., S.C. Code § 16-13-30 for petit larceny) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction — felonies are heard in General Sessions Court; misdemeanors may be handled in Magistrate or Municipal Court |
| Amended charges | The original charge may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations; the amended charge replaces the original for disposition purposes |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and awaiting court action
- Active — Proceedings are underway (hearings scheduled, motions filed)
- Disposed — The case has reached a final resolution (conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
- Closed — All court obligations, including sentencing and post-trial motions, are complete
Hearing Types
- Bond hearing — Determines whether the defendant is released before trial and under what conditions
- Preliminary hearing — A judge evaluates whether probable cause exists to proceed
- Arraignment — The defendant enters a formal plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Pre-trial hearing — Addresses motions, discovery disputes, and scheduling before trial
- Trial — The case is heard by a judge or jury
- Sentencing — The court imposes penalties after a guilty verdict or plea
Court Results (Dispositions)
- Guilty — Convicted by plea or verdict
- Not guilty — Acquitted at trial
- Dismissed — The prosecution dropped the charges or the court dismissed the case
- Nolle prosequi — The solicitor elected not to prosecute
- Pre-trial intervention (PTI) — The defendant entered a diversion program; charges may be dismissed upon completion
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Dorchester
Certified copies of criminal case records are available from the Dorchester County Clerk of Court. These are official copies bearing the court seal and clerk's signature, suitable for legal proceedings, employment verification, or other formal purposes.
How to Submit a Request
- In person — Visit the Clerk of Court office with a valid photo ID. Staff can locate the case and prepare certified copies while you wait or within a few business days, depending on the record.
- By mail — Send a written request to the address below. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth, case number, a description of the documents needed, and a check or money order for applicable fees.
Statewide Criminal History Reports
For a complete South Carolina criminal history, submit a request through SLED CATCH online or contact SLED directly. Fingerprint-based background checks provide the most comprehensive results and are typically required for employment in sensitive fields.
Identification Required
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- For fingerprint-based checks: completed fingerprint card submitted to SLED
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Dorchester
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SLED CATCH online criminal history search | $25.00 | Name-based search; results available immediately online |
| SLED fingerprint-based background check | $25.00 | Requires submission of fingerprint card; processing may take several weeks |
| Certified copy of court document (Clerk of Court) | Varies | Contact the Clerk of Court at (843) 563-0100 for current per-page and certification fees |
| Uncertified copy of court document | Varies | Generally lower than certified copy fees; confirm with the clerk's office |
Processing times vary by method. SLED CATCH results are typically available within minutes for online searches. Fingerprint-based checks may take two to four weeks. Requests made by mail to the Dorchester County Clerk of Court generally take five to ten business days, though complex or older records may require additional time. Contact the clerk's office directly to confirm current fees and turnaround times, as these are subject to change.