Court records in Georgetown County, South Carolina, can be searched through several channels. GeorgetownCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. Additional access points include the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index, the Georgetown County Clerk of Court's office, and public terminals available at the courthouse. These resources cover civil, criminal, family, and traffic case records depending on the court and case type.
Georgetown Court System & Jurisdictions
Georgetown County is served by several courts, each handling specific case types. Knowing which court manages a particular matter is essential before searching for docket information.
- Circuit Court (Court of General Sessions & Common Pleas) — General Sessions handles felony criminal cases, while Common Pleas covers major civil disputes, including cases exceeding $7,500. The Clerk of Court for Georgetown County maintains records for both divisions.
- Family Court — Handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence cases. Many Family Court records are restricted or sealed, particularly those involving juveniles.
- Probate Court — Manages estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitments. The Georgetown County Probate Court operates independently from the Clerk of Court.
- Magistrate Court — Hears minor criminal offenses (penalties up to 30 days or $500 fine), civil claims up to $7,500, and preliminary hearings. Georgetown County has multiple magistrate court locations.
- Municipal Court — The City of Georgetown Municipal Court handles ordinance violations, traffic offenses within city limits, and criminal cases carrying fines up to $500 or 30 days imprisonment. Bond hearings are held daily at 10:30 AM.
Traffic tickets issued by the South Carolina Highway Patrol on state roads within Georgetown County are typically processed through Magistrate Court or the municipality where the violation occurred.
Georgetown Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding upcoming court dates in Georgetown County depends on which court is handling the case.
- Circuit Court — Court schedules for General Sessions and Common Pleas are posted through the Georgetown County Clerk of Court's office. You can also check the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index for case-level hearing dates by searching with a party name or case number.
- Municipal Court — The Georgetown Municipal Court holds bond hearings daily at 10:30 AM at the Law Enforcement Center, 2222 Highmarket Street. Contact the court directly for specific trial or hearing dates.
- Magistrate Court — Hearing schedules are typically available by calling the specific magistrate office where the case was filed.
- Family and Probate Courts — Calendars are generally available by contacting each court's office directly. Family Court schedules may not be posted publicly due to confidentiality rules.
To check the status of a traffic ticket or make a court payment, use the state's online portal by selecting Georgetown County or the relevant municipality and entering your case or ticket number.
How to Get a Copy of a Georgetown Court Document
The Georgetown County Clerk of Court is the custodian of Circuit Court records, including civil and criminal filings. Copies can be obtained in three ways:
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Court's office at the Georgetown County Courthouse. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can look up records and provide copies on the spot, though wait times vary.
By Mail
Send a written request to the address above. Include:
- Full case number (if known) or the names of the parties and approximate filing date
- A description of the document you need
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Online
Basic case information — including docket entries, party names, and hearing dates — can be searched through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index. This portal provides index-level data but does not typically offer downloadable copies of filed documents. For certified copies, you will need to contact the Clerk of Court directly.
Certified vs. uncertified copies: Certified copies carry the Clerk's official seal and signature, making them valid for legal proceedings, background checks, and filings with other agencies. Uncertified copies are informational only. Under South Carolina's public records laws, most court records are generally open to the public, but records involving juveniles, certain Family Court matters, sealed cases, and grand jury proceedings are restricted.
For certified divorce reports, contact the South Carolina Department of Public Health or the Georgetown County Clerk of Court for divorce decrees. Criminal history reports can be obtained through SLED's CATCH (Citizens Access to Criminal Histories) system using a name-based search.
Georgetown Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies in South Carolina are established by state statute and local administrative orders. The following table reflects standard fees charged by Clerks of Court across South Carolina. Contact the Georgetown County Clerk of Court at (843) 545-3004 to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Certified copy (first page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Certification / seal fee | $1.00 per document |
| Record search (per name) | Varies — contact clerk |
| SLED criminal history (CATCH) | $25.00 per search |
Accepted 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 Georgetown County Clerk of Court. Some state-level online portals accept credit and debit cards for traffic ticket payments and criminal background checks.
If you are searching for an individual currently incarcerated, the South Carolina Department of Corrections inmate search provides public information at no cost. For individuals on probation or parole, the SCDPPPS offender search is also free to use.