Court records in Berkeley County, South Carolina, can be searched through several channels. BerkeleyCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also search records through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index, visit the Clerk of Court's office in person, or use public terminals at the Berkeley County Courthouse. These resources cover civil, criminal, family, and traffic case records depending on the court and case type.
Berkeley Court System & Jurisdictions
Berkeley County falls within South Carolina's Ninth Judicial Circuit. Several courts operate in the county, each handling distinct case types:
- Circuit Court — Handles felony criminal cases, civil cases with amounts in controversy exceeding magistrate court limits, equity matters, and appeals from lower courts.
- Family Court — Covers divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and juvenile matters. Family Court records are generally restricted from public access to protect minors and families.
- Probate Court — Manages estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitments. The Berkeley County Probate Court operates out of the county government complex in Moncks Corner.
- Magistrate Courts — Handle minor criminal offenses, civil cases up to $7,500, preliminary hearings, restraining orders, and landlord-tenant disputes. Berkeley County has multiple magistrate court locations.
- Municipal Courts — Cities within the county, such as Moncks Corner, Goose Creek, and Hanahan, operate municipal courts for local ordinance violations and minor offenses within city limits.
Traffic violations may be handled by magistrate courts, municipal courts, or Circuit Court depending on severity. For traffic ticket payments and information, the South Carolina traffic tickets and court payments portal provides online options.
Berkeley Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find upcoming hearings and court dates in Berkeley County:
- Search the Public Index — The South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index allows you to look up case information by party name or case number. Select Berkeley County from the county dropdown to narrow results. While this tool shows case details and scheduled events, it may not always reflect same-day changes.
- Contact the Clerk's Office — For the most current calendar information, especially for today's or tomorrow's hearings, call the Berkeley County Clerk of Court directly. Staff can confirm whether a case is on the docket and provide courtroom assignments.
- Check at the courthouse — Daily docket sheets are typically posted at the Berkeley County Courthouse. Public terminals may also be available for on-site searches.
Circuit Court and Family Court schedules are managed through the Ninth Judicial Circuit. Magistrate and municipal court calendars are maintained by each individual court location, so you may need to contact the specific magistrate or municipal court where your case is assigned.
How to Get a Copy of a Berkeley Court Document
The Berkeley County Clerk of Court is the custodian of Circuit Court and Common Pleas records. You can request copies through three channels:
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Court office at the Berkeley County Courthouse:
Bring the case number or party names to help staff locate the record. You can request either certified or uncertified copies at the counter.
By Mail
Send a written request to the address above. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Description of the document needed
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fee
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Online
Basic case information can be viewed through the Public Index, but certified copies typically require an in-person or mail request. Note that the Public Index is not considered an official court record — official copies must come from the Clerk's office.
Restricted records: Juvenile cases, sealed records, and most Family Court files are not available to the general public. Adoption records are confidential under South Carolina law. Criminal history reports can be obtained separately through SLED CATCH (Citizens Access to Criminal Histories).
Under South Carolina Code Title 30, most court records are considered public unless specifically exempted by statute or court order.
Berkeley Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies in Berkeley County are set by South Carolina statute and local court policy. The following table reflects standard fees — confirm current amounts with the Clerk of Court, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 for certification plus per-page copy fee |
| Record search (per name) | $5.00 |
| Exemplified copy | $2.00 plus per-page copy fee |
| SLED criminal history check (via CATCH) | $25.00 |
Payment methods: The Clerk of Court office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Some courts in the county may also accept credit or debit cards — ask before visiting. For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to "Berkeley County Clerk of Court."
Probate Court records have a separate fee schedule maintained by the Berkeley County Probate Court. Magistrate courts may also charge different amounts for copies of their records. Always verify the exact fee with the specific court before submitting payment.