Criminal records in Georgetown, South Carolina, can be accessed through online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. GeorgetownCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Additional access points include the Georgetown County Clerk of Court, the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index, and the SLED CATCH criminal history portal.
How to Search Criminal Records in Georgetown
Several methods are available for searching criminal records in Georgetown County. The approach you choose depends on whether you have a case number, a name, or need certified results.
Online Search Options
- GeorgetownCourt.us — Search for publicly available court record information related to Georgetown County criminal cases.
- South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index — The state court system's online portal lets you look up case records by name or case number across South Carolina counties, including Georgetown. Select Georgetown County and enter the defendant's name or case number.
- SLED CATCH (Citizens Access to Criminal Histories) — This statewide tool from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division allows name-based searches of South Carolina criminal history records. Results include arrest and disposition data reported to SLED.
- SC Department of Corrections Inmate Search — Look up individuals currently incarcerated in a state correctional facility.
- SC Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services Offender Search — Search for individuals under state probation or parole supervision.
In Person
- Visit the Georgetown County Clerk of Court office to use public access terminals or request assistance from staff.
- The Georgetown Municipal Court handles cases within its jurisdiction, including warrants and bond hearings held daily at 10:30 AM at the Law Enforcement Center.
By Mail or Written Request
- Submit a written request to the Georgetown County Clerk of Court for copies of court records. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number.
- For a statewide criminal history check, submit a request to SLED with the required form and fee.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (recommended)
- Case number (if available)
- Valid government-issued photo ID (for in-person requests)
Search Georgetown Criminal Cases by Case Number
South Carolina court case numbers follow a structured format that identifies the county, year, case type, and sequence. A typical Georgetown County criminal case number looks like this:
- County code — A two-digit number identifying Georgetown County (22)
- Year — The two- or four-digit year the case was filed
- Case type prefix — A letter or abbreviation indicating the type of case (e.g., "GS" for General Sessions, which covers felony and serious misdemeanor cases)
- Sequence number — A sequential number assigned to each case filed within that category and year
For example, a case number like 2024-GS-22-00123 would indicate a General Sessions case filed in Georgetown County in 2024. When searching by case number on the state Public Index, enter the number exactly as it appears on court documents. If you only have a partial number, a name-based search may return the full case number.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Georgetown
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The South Carolina Code section the defendant is charged under (e.g., S.C. Code § 16-13-30 for petit larceny) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction — felonies are handled in General Sessions Court; misdemeanors may be handled in Magistrate or Municipal Court |
| Amended charges | Charges may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations or prosecutorial discretion; amended charges replace or supplement original charges on the record |
Case Status
- Pending — Case is open and awaiting further court action
- Active — Proceedings are underway (hearings scheduled, trial in progress)
- Disposed — A final outcome has been entered (conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
- Closed — All court obligations fulfilled; case is complete
Hearing Types
- Bond hearing — Determines bail conditions; held daily at 10:30 AM at Georgetown Municipal Court
- Arraignment — Defendant is formally advised of charges and enters an initial plea
- Preliminary hearing — Judge reviews whether probable cause exists to proceed (felony cases)
- Pre-trial hearing — Addresses motions, discovery issues, and potential plea agreements
- Trial — Bench or jury trial where evidence is presented
- Sentencing — Court imposes penalties after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review hearing — Follow-up to monitor compliance with probation or court-ordered conditions
Court Results
- Guilty — Defendant convicted by plea or verdict
- Not guilty — Acquitted after trial
- Dismissed — Charges dropped by the prosecution or court
- Nolle prosequi — Prosecution declines to pursue the case (common in South Carolina)
- Acquitted — Found not guilty; charges cannot be re-filed for the same offense
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Georgetown
Georgetown County Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court is the custodian of Georgetown County court records, including criminal case files. Certified copies of criminal records can be requested in person or by mail.
How to request:
- Visit the office in person with a valid government-issued photo ID, or send a written request by mail.
- Include the defendant's full name, date of birth, and case number (if known).
- Specify that you need a certified copy.
- Pay the applicable certification and copy fees (see below).
SLED Criminal History Records
For a statewide criminal background check, submit a request through SLED CATCH online or by mail to SLED headquarters. Name-based checks are available to the public. Fingerprint-based checks are available for employment and licensing purposes and require submission through an authorized agency.
South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code § 30-4) governs public access to government records. Certain records — including juvenile cases, sealed records, and expunged records — are not available to the general public.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Georgetown
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court record copies (per page) | $0.50 | Standard per-page rate under S.C. law |
| Certification fee | $1.00 per document | Added to copy costs for certified copies |
| SLED CATCH name-based search | $25.00 | Online payment accepted; results typically available within minutes for online searches |
| SLED fingerprint-based background check | $25.00+ | Processing may take several business days; submitted through authorized channels |
Processing Times
- In-person requests at the Clerk of Court — Often processed the same day for standard copies; certified copies may take 1–3 business days.
- Mail requests — Allow 1–2 weeks for processing and return mailing.
- SLED CATCH online — Name-based results are generally available immediately after payment.
- SLED fingerprint-based checks — May take 5–10 business days depending on volume.
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the Georgetown County Clerk of Court or SLED before submitting payment.