Criminal records in Berkeley County, South Carolina, can be accessed through several online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. BerkeleyCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. The South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index provides another way to look up court cases statewide. For criminal history reports, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains the state's criminal records repository. The Berkeley County Clerk of Court also handles in-person and written requests for court records.
How to Search Criminal Records in Berkeley County
There are several ways to search for criminal records in Berkeley County. The method you choose depends on what information you have and whether you need an official certified copy or just case details.
Online Search Options
- BerkeleyCourt.us — Search for publicly available criminal court record information by name or case number.
- South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index — The state court system's official portal. Select Berkeley County, then search by party name, case number, or attorney. Results typically include case type, charges, hearing dates, and disposition.
- SLED CATCH (Citizens Access to Criminal Histories) — A name-based search that returns South Carolina criminal history records. This is a paid service and returns statewide arrest and conviction data maintained by SLED.
- SC.gov Traffic Tickets and Court Payments — For traffic-related offenses, this portal allows you to look up and pay tickets online.
In Person
- Visit the Berkeley County Clerk of Court office at the courthouse in Moncks Corner. Public access terminals may be available for searching case records.
- Bring a valid photo ID. Staff can help locate records by name or case number.
By Mail or Written Request
- Send a written request to the Berkeley County Clerk of Court. Include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available).
- For statewide criminal history checks, submit a request to SLED. Fingerprint-based background checks can be arranged through SLED's background check program.
To begin any search, you will generally need at least one of the following:
- Full legal name of the individual
- Date of birth
- Case number
- Social Security Number (for fingerprint-based SLED checks)
Search Berkeley County Criminal Cases by Case Number
South Carolina court case numbers follow a standard format that identifies the county, year, case type, and sequence. A typical Berkeley County criminal case number looks like this:
- County code — A two-digit number identifying Berkeley County (08)
- Year — The two-digit year the case was filed
- Case type prefix — Letters indicating the type of case (e.g., "GS" for General Sessions, which handles felonies and serious misdemeanors)
- Sequence number — A sequential number assigned to the case
For example, a case number like 2024-GS-08-00123 would indicate a 2024 General Sessions case filed in Berkeley County. When searching by case number on the Public Index or through the clerk's office, enter the full number exactly as it appears on court documents. Partial numbers may not return results.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Berkeley County
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The South Carolina Code section the defendant is charged under (e.g., § 16-13-30 for petit larceny) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction. General Sessions Court handles felonies and higher-level misdemeanors; Magistrate Court handles lower-level misdemeanors and infractions. |
| Amended charges | Charges may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations. The record will reflect both the original and amended charge. |
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case is open and awaiting resolution |
| Active | Proceedings are currently underway |
| Disposed | Case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.) |
| Closed | All court actions are complete, including sentencing and any post-trial matters |
Hearing Types
- Bond hearing — Determines bail conditions after arrest
- Preliminary hearing — Reviews whether probable cause exists (for felonies)
- Arraignment — Formal reading of charges; defendant enters a plea
- Pre-trial hearing — Addresses motions, evidence, and scheduling before trial
- Trial — Bench or jury trial where guilt is determined
- Sentencing — Court imposes penalties after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review hearing — Follow-up on probation compliance or other conditions
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant convicted by plea or verdict |
| Not guilty | Defendant acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | Charges dropped by the prosecution or the court |
| Nolle prosequi | Prosecution elected not to pursue the case |
| Acquitted | Found not guilty after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Berkeley County
Certified copies of court records are available through the Berkeley County Clerk of Court. These are official copies bearing the court's seal and are accepted for legal proceedings, employment verification, and other formal purposes.
How to Submit a Request
- In person — Visit the Clerk of Court office at the Berkeley County Courthouse. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail — Send a written request that includes the defendant's full name, date of birth, case number (if known), and a description of the records needed. Include payment by check or money order made payable to "Berkeley County Clerk of Court."
Berkeley County Clerk of Court
Statewide Criminal History
For a comprehensive South Carolina criminal history report, submit a request through SLED CATCH online or contact SLED directly for fingerprint-based background checks. Fingerprint checks require a completed fingerprint card and applicable fees.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Berkeley County
Fees for criminal records in South Carolina are governed by South Carolina Code of Laws Title 30 and local fee schedules. The table below reflects standard charges.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Court record copies (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certification fee (per document) | $1.00 |
| SLED CATCH online criminal history search | $25.00 |
| SLED fingerprint-based background check | $25.00+ |
Processing Times
- In-person requests — Often fulfilled the same day or within a few business days, depending on volume and record availability.
- Mail requests — Typically 5–10 business days after receipt of the request and payment.
- SLED CATCH online — Results are usually available immediately or within minutes.
- SLED fingerprint-based checks — May take several weeks depending on processing volume.
Older or archived records may require additional time. Contact the clerk's office directly to confirm current fees and turnaround times before submitting a request.