Court records in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, can be searched through several channels. ChesterfieldSCCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index, by visiting the Clerk of Court's office at the Chesterfield County Courthouse, or by using public terminals available on-site. The sections below explain which courts handle specific case types, how to check court calendars, and how to obtain copies of court documents.
Chesterfield Court System & Jurisdictions
Chesterfield County falls within South Carolina's unified judicial system. Several courts operate in the county, each handling different case types.
- Circuit Court — Handles major criminal cases (felonies) and civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $7,500. Also hears appeals from lower courts. Criminal cases in Chesterfield County are prosecuted by the Solicitor's Office for the 4th Judicial Circuit, which covers Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, and Marlboro counties.
- Family Court — Manages divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence cases. Family Court records are often restricted to protect minors and families involved.
- Probate Court — Oversees estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and involuntary commitments. The Probate Court operates independently with its own judge.
- Magistrate Court — Handles minor criminal offenses (misdemeanors with penalties up to 30 days or a $500 fine), civil disputes up to $7,500, preliminary hearings, and restraining orders. Chesterfield County has multiple magistrate court locations.
- Municipal Courts — City-level courts in municipalities within the county that handle local ordinance violations and minor traffic offenses.
Traffic cases may be heard in Magistrate Court or Municipal Court depending on where the citation was issued. If you are unsure which court holds your case, start by searching the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index or contact the Clerk of Court's office directly.
Chesterfield Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding out when a case is scheduled requires checking the correct court's calendar. Here is how to look up upcoming hearings in Chesterfield County:
- South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index — Visit the Public Index portal and select Chesterfield County. You can search by party name or case number to find scheduled hearing dates for Circuit Court and Family Court cases.
- Clerk of Court's Office — Call or visit the Chesterfield County Clerk of Court to ask about today's or this week's docket. Court calendars for General Sessions (criminal) and Common Pleas (civil) terms are typically posted or available upon request.
- Magistrate and Municipal Courts — These courts maintain their own schedules. Contact the specific magistrate or municipal court where your case was filed for hearing dates.
- Traffic Court Dates — If you received a traffic ticket, the court date is usually printed on the citation. You can also check the South Carolina traffic tickets and court payments portal by entering your ticket number.
Court calendars can change due to continuances or judicial scheduling conflicts. Always confirm your hearing date with the appropriate court within a day or two of the scheduled appearance.
How to Get a Copy of a Chesterfield Court Document
The Chesterfield County Clerk of Court maintains official records for Circuit Court, Family Court, and Common Pleas cases. You can request copies in person, by mail, or in some instances through online portals.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the Clerk's seal and signature, confirming the document is a true copy of the official record. These are typically required for legal proceedings, background checks, and official filings.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the official seal. They work for personal reference but are generally not accepted for legal purposes.
How to Request
- In person — Visit the Clerk of Court's office at the Chesterfield County Courthouse. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can locate and copy documents while you wait, depending on volume.
- By mail — Send a written request that includes the case number (if known), party names, case type, and a return envelope. Include payment by check or money order made payable to the Chesterfield County Clerk of Court.
- Online — Some case information is viewable through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index, though certified copies generally must be obtained from the Clerk's office directly.
Restricted Records
Certain records are not available to the general public. These typically include:
- Juvenile and Family Court records involving minors
- Sealed or expunged criminal records
- Records in pending investigations where a court has ordered confidentiality
- Adoption records
For criminal background information beyond court records, the SLED CATCH system allows name-based searches of South Carolina criminal histories. Divorce reports can be obtained through the South Carolina Department of Public Health.
Historical Records
Older Chesterfield County records — particularly those predating the Civil War — may be limited. Many of the county's public records were destroyed in March 1865. The South Carolina Archives maintains a guide to surviving Chesterfield County records for genealogical and historical research.
Chesterfield Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Chesterfield County are set by South Carolina statute and Clerk of Court fee schedules. The following table lists common fees. Contact the Clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Search fee (per name/case lookup) | $5.00 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 per page plus certification fee |
| Certification fee | $3.00–$5.00 per document |
| Filing a civil action (Common Pleas) | $150.00 |
| Filing a Family Court action | $150.00 |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order. Some offices accept credit or debit cards; ask the Clerk's office about card acceptance and any processing surcharges.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to the Chesterfield County Clerk of Court.
- Online payments for traffic tickets and fines: Use the South Carolina court payments portal. Select Chesterfield County, enter your case or ticket number, and follow the payment steps.
- Probation fees and restitution: Can be paid through the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services website.
Fees cited above are estimates based on standard South Carolina Clerk of Court fee schedules. Always verify the exact amount with the Clerk's office before submitting payment by mail to avoid processing delays.