Dorchester County Court Records
What Is Dorchester County Court Records
Court records in Dorchester County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and decisions pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-4-20(c), which defines public records as "all books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, or other documentary materials regardless of physical form or characteristics prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body."
Dorchester County court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Docket sheets chronicling case events and scheduling
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
- Settlement agreements in civil cases
These records are distinct from other public records such as vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), and tax records, which are maintained by different county departments.
The following courts maintain records within Dorchester County:
- Circuit Court (General Sessions and Common Pleas)
- Family Court
- Probate Court
- Magistrate Courts
- Municipal Courts
Each court maintains records according to its jurisdiction, which may include civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, domestic relations matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. The South Carolina Judicial Branch establishes uniform record-keeping standards for all courts within the state system.
Are Court Records Public In Dorchester County
Court records in Dorchester County are presumptively open to public inspection under both the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the common law right of access to judicial records. According to South Carolina Code § 30-4-30(a), "Any person has a right to inspect or copy any public record of a public body" subject to certain exceptions.
The following court records are generally accessible to the public:
- Civil case files (with limited exceptions for sealed documents)
- Criminal case files after formal charges have been filed
- Court dockets and calendars
- Final judgments and orders
- Hearing schedules and court calendars
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Records in juvenile delinquency proceedings (except as provided in S.C. Code § 63-19-2010)
- Family court records involving minors
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Certain mental health proceedings
- Adoption records
- Grand jury materials
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
It is important to note that federal courts in South Carolina operate under different access rules than state courts, as they are governed by federal statutes and the policies of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. The South Carolina Supreme Court has established specific rules regarding public access to court records through its Appellate Court Rules.
How To Find Court Records in Dorchester County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Dorchester County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county provides multiple pathways for record retrieval, depending on the type of record sought and its age.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit the appropriate courthouse:
Dorchester County Clerk of Court
5200 East Jim Bilton Boulevard
St. George, SC 29477
(843) 563-0181
Dorchester County Clerk of Court
Dorchester County Courthouse (Summerville)
101 Ridge Street
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 832-0100
Dorchester County Courthouse
To obtain court records in person:
- Determine which court holds the records of interest
- Complete a records request form, available at the clerk's office
- Provide case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
For written requests, submit a detailed letter including:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific case information (case number, party names, filing date)
- Description of records sought
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for response
- Payment for applicable fees
Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-4-30(C), the custodian of public records shall make a determination whether to disclose the requested records within 10 business days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays).
How To Look Up Court Records in Dorchester County Online?
Dorchester County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. The primary online resources include:
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South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index This statewide portal provides access to Circuit Court and Family Court records. Users may search by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Filing date range
- Case type
To conduct a search:
- Navigate to the Public Index
- Select Dorchester County from the dropdown menu
- Enter search criteria
- Review results and select specific cases for detailed information
-
Dorchester County Clerk of Court Records Search For certain local records, the county maintains a separate search system:
- Access the Dorchester County website
- Navigate to the Records Search section
- Register for an account if required
- Enter search parameters
- View available document summaries
-
South Carolina Court Administration E-Filing System Attorneys and registered users can access:
- Recently filed documents
- Case schedules
- Orders and judgments
- Service of process information
-
Magistrate Court Records Limited online access is available through:
- The South Carolina Judicial Department
- Search functionality for traffic and criminal cases
- Payment portal for fines and fees
When using these systems, users should note that not all court records are available online. Certain documents may only be accessible through in-person requests, particularly older records or those with access restrictions.
How To Search Dorchester County Court Records for Free?
South Carolina law guarantees the right to inspect public records without charge. According to South Carolina Code § 30-4-30(A), "The public body may establish and collect fees not to exceed the actual cost of searching for or making copies of records." However, "fees charged by a public body must be uniform for copies of the same record or document."
Free options for accessing Dorchester County court records include:
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In-person inspection: Members of the public may visit the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours to view records without charge. While copying fees may apply, examination of records incurs no cost.
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Public access terminals: Computer terminals are available at courthouse locations for free searches of electronic records. These terminals provide access to:
- Circuit Court records
- Family Court dockets (non-confidential information)
- Probate Court case indexes
- Public hearing schedules
-
Online resources without subscription fees:
- South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index - Provides free access to basic case information
- Dorchester County website - Offers limited free record search capabilities
- South Carolina Court Administration - Provides free access to court calendars and some case information
While inspection is free, reproduction costs may apply. Current fee schedules include:
- Paper copies: $0.25 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 per document
- Record searches: $5.00 per name/case when staff assistance is required
What's Included in a Dorchester County Court Record?
The contents of Dorchester County court records vary by case type and court of origin. However, most complete court files contain several standard components as required by the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure and South Carolina Rules of Criminal Procedure.
For civil cases, records typically include:
- Case initiation documents (complaints, petitions)
- Service of process documentation
- Responsive pleadings (answers, counterclaims)
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Discovery materials filed with the court
- Evidentiary exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Orders and judgments
- Post-judgment filings
- Appeal documentation
Criminal case files generally contain:
- Charging documents (indictments, information)
- Arrest warrants and affidavits
- Bond and pretrial release information
- Defense motions and prosecution responses
- Evidence inventories
- Plea agreements
- Sentencing recommendations
- Judgment and commitment orders
- Probation/parole documentation
Family court records may include:
- Divorce petitions and decrees
- Child custody and support orders
- Visitation schedules
- Financial declarations
- Guardian ad litem reports
- Adoption proceedings
- Name change petitions
Probate court files typically contain:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for probate
- Inventories of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Distribution plans
- Guardianship/conservatorship documents
Each court record also includes a docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings and court actions in the case.
How Long Does Dorchester County Keep Court Records?
Dorchester County adheres to the retention schedules established by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History and the South Carolina Judicial Department. These schedules, authorized under South Carolina Code § 30-1-90, establish minimum retention periods for various court documents.
Key retention periods include:
Circuit Court - Common Pleas (Civil)
- Case files with judgments: 10 years after case closure
- Cases of significant public interest: Permanent
- Docket books: Permanent
- Judgment rolls and indexes: Permanent
- Mortgage foreclosures: 10 years after satisfaction
Circuit Court - General Sessions (Criminal)
- Felony case files: 15 years after case closure
- Capital cases: Permanent
- Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after case closure
- Docket books and indexes: Permanent
- Sentencing sheets: Permanent
Family Court
- Divorce cases: Permanent
- Child support cases: Until youngest child reaches age 21
- Juvenile delinquency cases: Until subject reaches age 21
- Adoption cases: Permanent
- Docket books: Permanent
Probate Court
- Estate administration files: 10 years after estate closed
- Wills: Permanent
- Guardianship/conservatorship: 10 years after termination
- Commitment proceedings: 10 years after case closure
- Marriage licenses: Permanent
Magistrate Court
- Civil case files: 3 years after judgment
- Criminal/traffic cases: 3 years after disposition
- Docket books: 15 years
After the retention period expires, records may be transferred to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History for historical preservation or destroyed according to approved disposition procedures. Certain records designated as having historical value are preserved permanently regardless of the standard retention schedule.
Types of Courts In Dorchester County
Dorchester County's judicial system consists of several courts with varying jurisdictions and authority levels within South Carolina's unified court system.
Dorchester County Circuit Court
5200 East Jim Bilton Boulevard
St. George, SC 29477
(843) 563-0181
Dorchester County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
The Circuit Court is Dorchester County's court of general jurisdiction, divided into:
- Common Pleas (civil matters)
- General Sessions (criminal cases)
Dorchester County Family Court
5200 East Jim Bilton Boulevard
St. George, SC 29477
(843) 563-0181
South Carolina Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Dorchester County Probate Court
5200 East Jim Bilton Boulevard
St. George, SC 29477
(843) 563-0105
Dorchester County Probate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Dorchester County Magistrate Courts
St. George Magistrate Court
5175 East Jim Bilton Boulevard
St. George, SC 29477
(843) 563-0860
Dorchester County Magistrate Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Summerville Magistrate Court
106 West 5th North Street
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 832-0150
Dorchester County Magistrate Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Municipal Courts
Summerville Municipal Court
225 West 2nd North Street
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 871-2763
Summerville Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Ridgeville Municipal Court
105 School Street
Ridgeville, SC 29472
(843) 871-7960
Ridgeville Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The court hierarchy in South Carolina proceeds from Municipal/Magistrate Courts to Circuit Courts, then to the South Carolina Court of Appeals, and finally to the South Carolina Supreme Court, which is the state's highest judicial authority.
What Types of Cases Do Dorchester County Courts Hear?
Each court within Dorchester County's judicial system has specific jurisdictional authority to hear particular types of cases as established by South Carolina Code § 14-5-350 and related statutes.
Circuit Court - Common Pleas (Civil Division)
- Civil actions where the amount in controversy exceeds $7,500
- Real property disputes
- Complex business litigation
- Appeals from Probate Court
- Appeals from Magistrate Court civil judgments
- Declaratory judgments
- Injunctive relief
- Administrative appeals from state agencies
Circuit Court - General Sessions (Criminal Division)
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Misdemeanors not assigned to lower courts
- Criminal domestic violence (second offense and higher)
- Drug trafficking offenses
- Appeals from Magistrate and Municipal Court criminal convictions
Family Court
- Divorce proceedings
- Child custody and visitation disputes
- Child support establishment and enforcement
- Alimony determinations
- Equitable division of marital property
- Adoption proceedings
- Juvenile delinquency cases
- Child abuse and neglect proceedings
- Name changes
- Domestic violence protection orders
Probate Court
- Estate administration
- Will probate
- Appointment of personal representatives
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Mental health commitments
- Marriage licenses
- Minor settlements under $10,000
Magistrate Court
- Civil actions where the amount in controversy does not exceed $7,500
- Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
- Claim and delivery actions
- Public intoxication
- Simple assault and battery
- Misdemeanor criminal cases with penalties not exceeding 30 days imprisonment or $500 fine
- Traffic violations
- Setting bail for most criminal offenses
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Municipal Court
- Municipal ordinance violations
- Traffic offenses occurring within city limits
- Criminal offenses occurring within city limits punishable by fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days
- Parking violations
The jurisdictional boundaries between these courts are established by state law, with certain matters reserved exclusively for specific courts while others may have overlapping jurisdiction depending on the nature and severity of the case.
How To Find a Court Docket In Dorchester County
Court dockets in Dorchester County provide chronological listings of scheduled cases and proceedings. These records are accessible through several methods depending on the court and case type.
For Circuit and Family Court dockets:
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Online Access
- Visit the South Carolina Judicial Department website
- Select "Dorchester" from the county dropdown menu
- Choose the appropriate court type (Circuit or Family)
- Select the desired term or date range
- View or download the published docket
-
Clerk of Court Office
- Visit the Dorchester County Clerk of Court office during business hours
- Request to view the current docket books or printed schedules
- Provide case number or party names if seeking specific case information
-
Case-Specific Docket Information
- Search the South Carolina Public Index
- Enter the case number or party name
- Review the case information page for upcoming hearing dates
For Magistrate Court dockets:
-
Contact the specific Magistrate Court location
- Call the court directly to inquire about scheduled hearings
- Visit the court in person to view posted dockets
-
Online Resources
- Limited Magistrate Court scheduling information may be available through the South Carolina Judicial Department
For Municipal Court dockets:
-
Contact the Municipal Court clerk
- Call the specific municipal court
- Visit the court in person during business hours
-
Municipal Websites
- Some municipalities post court schedules on their official websites
Pursuant to South Carolina Judicial Department Rule 610, court dockets are generally prepared at least one week in advance of court sessions. However, dockets are subject to change, and parties should verify hearing dates and times before appearing.
Which Courts in Dorchester County Are Not Courts of Record?
In South Carolina's judicial system, "courts of record" are those required by law to create and maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings and comprehensive documentation of all matters heard. Conversely, courts not of record maintain more limited documentation and typically do not create verbatim transcripts unless specifically requested for appeal purposes.
According to South Carolina Code § 14-25-45 and related statutes, the following Dorchester County courts are not courts of record:
Magistrate Courts
- St. George Magistrate Court
- Summerville Magistrate Court
Municipal Courts
- Summerville Municipal Court
- Ridgeville Municipal Court
These courts are not required to maintain stenographic records of proceedings. Instead, they keep:
- Basic case information
- Disposition records
- Fine and fee payment information
- Limited notes on proceedings
- Judgment information
When cases from these courts are appealed, they proceed to the Circuit Court for trial "de novo" (new trial), rather than review of a transcript, as provided in South Carolina Code § 18-3-10. This means the Circuit Court conducts a completely new hearing of the evidence rather than reviewing the lower court's decision based on a transcript.
Courts of record in Dorchester County include:
- Circuit Court (Common Pleas and General Sessions)
- Family Court
- Probate Court
These courts maintain complete records including verbatim transcripts of proceedings, which form the basis of the record on appeal to higher courts.