Court records in Dorchester County, South Carolina can be searched through several channels. DorchesterCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through official state court portals, the Dorchester County Clerk of Court's office, and public terminals located at the courthouse. Online tools allow searches by party name or case number, while the clerk's office can assist with older or restricted filings.
Dorchester Court System & Jurisdictions
Dorchester County is part of South Carolina's First Judicial Circuit. Several courts operate within the county, each handling distinct case types:
- Circuit Court (Court of General Sessions): Handles felony criminal cases, including violent crimes, drug offenses, and burglary. General Sessions is the criminal division of the Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court (Court of Common Pleas): The civil division of Circuit Court. Hears civil cases involving amounts over $7,500, real property disputes, injunctions, and equity matters.
- Family Court: Manages divorce, custody, child support, adoption, abuse and neglect proceedings, and juvenile delinquency cases. Family Court records involving minors are generally restricted from public access.
- Probate Court: Oversees estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitments.
- Magistrate Court: Handles minor criminal offenses (penalties up to 30 days or $500 fine), civil claims up to $7,500, preliminary hearings, and restraining orders. Magistrate courts also process traffic violations.
- Municipal Courts: The Town of Summerville and other municipalities within Dorchester County operate municipal courts for local ordinance violations and minor traffic offenses.
If you are unsure which court handled a particular case, start with the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index, which covers Circuit Court, Family Court, and Common Pleas filings statewide.
Dorchester Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Dorchester County are published through The South Carolina Judicial Branch website. The Judicial Branch posts General Sessions, Common Pleas, and Family Court dockets organized by judicial circuit and term.
To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's hearings:
- Visit the South Carolina Judicial Branch website and navigate to the court calendars or docket section.
- Select the First Judicial Circuit (which includes Dorchester County).
- Choose the court type — General Sessions, Common Pleas, or Family Court.
- Review the published roster for scheduled hearing dates, courtroom assignments, and case numbers.
Magistrate Court and municipal court schedules are typically posted at the individual courthouses or available by calling the court directly. Probate Court calendars can be obtained by contacting the Dorchester County Probate Court office.
For criminal case status updates and information on incarcerated individuals, you can use the South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search or call the toll-free inmate information line at 1-866-727-2846.
How to Get a Copy of a Dorchester Court Document
The Dorchester County Clerk of Court maintains official records for Circuit Court (both General Sessions and Common Pleas) and Family Court cases. You can request copies in person, by mail, or through the clerk's office.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature, confirming authenticity. These are typically required for legal proceedings, background checks, and official filings.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without a seal. They work for personal reference but may not be accepted by courts or agencies.
How to Request Records
- In person: Visit the Clerk of Court office at the Dorchester County Courthouse. Bring the case number or full party names and approximate filing dates to help staff locate your records.
- By mail: Send a written request with the case details, the type of copy needed (certified or uncertified), and a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Online: Search case information through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index. Note that this portal provides case index data — for official document copies, you will still need to contact the clerk's office.
Special Record Types
- Criminal history records: Statewide criminal background checks can be run through SLED CATCH (Citizens Access to Criminal Histories), a name-based search maintained by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
- Sex offender information: The Dorchester County Public Sex Offender Registry provides local registry data.
- Divorce records: Certified copies of Reports of Divorce are available from the South Carolina Department of Public Health.
- Marriage records: Certified copies of marriage certificates can be requested through SC DPH Vital Records.
Family Court records involving minors, adoption files, and certain mental health proceedings are generally sealed or restricted under South Carolina law.
Dorchester Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Dorchester County are set by South Carolina statute and the Clerk of Court's office. The following table lists common fees. Contact the clerk's office to confirm current amounts before submitting a request.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Search fee (per name) | $5.00 |
| Copy fee (per page) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Certification fee (per document) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Certified copy of court order or judgment | Varies (copy fee + certification) |
| SLED criminal background check (CATCH) | $25.00 |
| Certified divorce report (SC DPH) | $12.00 |
| Certified marriage certificate (SC DPH) | $12.00 |
Payment methods: The Clerk of Court's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to the Dorchester County Clerk of Court. SLED CATCH and SC DPH vital records services accept online payment through their respective portals.
Fees listed above reflect commonly published amounts under South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 8-21-310 and related fee statutes). Some fees may vary based on document length or complexity. Always verify with the issuing office before sending payment.