Charleston County South Carolina Free Public Records, Criminal Records And Court Records

About Charleston County, South Carolina

Charleston County, with a population of approximately 400,492, encompasses the historic and culturally rich City of Charleston, which serves as its county seat. The county spans over 1,358 square miles, featuring a mix of urban and rural landscapes, including coastal marshes, waterways, and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. Major cities within the county, besides Charleston, include North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Goose Creek, each contributing to the county’s economic and cultural vibrancy. Known for its colonial history, antebellum architecture, and vibrant arts scene, Charleston County also boasts renowned attractions such as the Battery, Rainbow Row, and Fort Sumter, making it a significant destination for tourists and residents alike.

Public safety in Charleston County is primarily overseen by the Charleston County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for law enforcement in unincorporated areas, while local police departments, such as the Charleston Police Department, handle city-specific law enforcement. The county operates detention facilities that house individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences. Arrest records and criminal records are maintained by the Sheriff’s Office and can be accessed by the public, subject to certain regulations. The booking and inmate search process begins with the arrest of an individual, after which their information is entered into a database accessible through the Sheriff's Office website. This allows residents and interested parties to search for current inmates or recent bookings, providing transparency in the criminal justice process.

Emergency & Safety

EMERGENCY: 911

Sheriff Non-Emergency Emergency Alert System FEMA Disaster Resources DHS Threat Level LOW

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Charleston County government headquartered?

The county seat of Charleston County is Charleston. County government offices, courts, and public records departments are located there.

What court handles cases in Charleston County and where is it located?

Charleston County South Carolina court jurisdiction is the judicial branch of the government of Charleston County. It is responsible for the administration of justice in the county. The court system is composed of the Circuit Court, Family Court, Magistrate Court, and Municipal Court. The Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction and has original jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters not vested exclusively in another court. The Circuit Court is located at 100 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401. The Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all matters involving domestic and family relationships, including divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and juvenile delinquency. The Family Court is located at 100 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401. The Magistrate Court has jurisdiction over criminal and civil matters, including small claims, landlord/tenant disputes, and traffic violations. The Magistrate Court is located at 100 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401. The Municipal Court has jurisdiction over criminal and civil matters arising within the city limits of Charleston. The Municipal Court is located at 180 Lockwood Boulevard, Charleston, SC 29403. Charleston County South Carolina Court is located at 100 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401. It is a unified court system that handles civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile cases. It is the largest court system in the state and is comprised of the Circuit Court, Family Court, Magistrate Court, Municipal Court, and Probate Court.

How do I obtain vital records in Charleston County?

Vital records — birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees — are maintained by the Charleston County Clerk-Recorder in Charleston. Certified copies can be requested in person, by mail, or online. State law determines which records are public and which require proof of relationship.

Where can I find property and tax records for Charleston County?

Property records in Charleston County are maintained by the county Assessor and Recorder office. You can search property ownership, tax assessments, deed transfers, and mortgage liens online through the county portal. The Treasurer-Tax Collector manages property tax payments.

Official Government Sources