South Carolina court records contain legal information regarding court proceedings. These documents are required for various legal purposes and play an essential role in the court system. Criminal and civil court records are used as evidence in legal disputes to help attorneys establish their cases. They are also vital for legal, historical, and genealogical studies and promote transparency and accountability.
Are Court Records Public in Pickens County?
Yes.South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) governs public access to court records. Court records are usually deemed public under this statute and are available to the citizenry unless they are subject to specific legal restrictions. These exemptions cover adoption, juvenile proceedings, and certain confidential information.
According to the FOIA, public access to court records may be restricted or denied for the following:
- Legal documents reveal company secrets, confidential plans, procedures, or economically valuable information.
- Personal records that would unduly infringe an individual's privacy may be denied public access.
- The courts may restrict access to law enforcement documents to prevent interference with ongoing investigations, ensure fair trial rights, or protect personal privacy.
- The courts may also limit public access to law enforcement records to preserve sensitive sources or investigative procedures.
- Specific items exempted by statute or law may be inaccessible to the general public.
Pickens County Court Records Search
When searching for court records in Pickens County, requesters have the following options:
- Online Search: To access court documents, visit thePickens County Clerk of Court websiteor theSouth Carolina Judicial Branch'sonline portal. These platforms frequently offer access to case details, court calendars, and other relevant material.
- In-Person Visit and Mail:Pickens Countycourt records requests can be made in person or by mail to the Pickens County Clerk of Court. Regardless of the choice, information seekers must be prepared to show a photo ID for such documents.
Pickens County Court Records Search by Name
To conduct a name-based search for court documents in Pickens County, the searcher should follow these steps:
- Visit the Pickens County Clerk of Courts' office in person. Bring appropriate identification (such as a driver's license) and applicable case information (such as case numbers or estimated dates).
- The searcher must inform the clerk that they wish to search for court records using a particular name and provide the subject's full name of interest.
- The cost of copies is $0.25 per page and $1.00 per certification. The Clerk's Office expects the searcher to pay for the copies with cash, money order, or cashier's check. Money orders or cashier's cheques should be payable to the Pickens County Clerk of Court.
- The clerk will help the requester locate relevant court records. The individual may then receive copies of documents or information regarding specific cases.
Pickens County Courts
The Pickens County trial court system comprises the Circuit, Family, Probate, Magistrates, and Municipal Courts. The location addresses of these courts are as follows:
Pickens County Circuit Court
214 East Main Street,
P.O. Box 215, Pickens,
SC 29671
Phone: (864) 898-5857
Fax: (864) 898-5863
Pickens County Family Court
214 East Main Street,
P.O. Box 215, Pickens, SC 29671
Phone: (864) 898-5598
Fax: (864) 898-5863
Pickens County Probate Court
County Administration Facility
222 McDaniel Avenue,
B-16, Pickens, SC 29671
Phone: (864) 898-5903
Some of the magistrate courts in the county are as follows:
Pickens County Magistrate Court - Central/Clemson
115 Commons Way,
Suite B, Central, SC 29630
Phone: (864) 639-8084
Pickens County Magistrate Court - Easley
West End Hall
135 Folger Avenue, Easley, SC 29640
Phone: (864) 850-7076
Fax: (864) 850-7075
Pickens County Magistrate Court - Liberty
147 Kay Holcombe Road,
Suite B, Liberty, SC 29657
Phone: (864) 843-5821
Pickens County District Court Records
Pickens County does not have a district court, so the circuit court handles both criminal and civil proceedings. The Circuit Court has two divisions: theCourt of Common Pleasfor civil proceedings and theCourt of General Sessionsfor criminal trials.
The General Sessions division hears criminal proceedings, including felonies and misdemeanors. The Circuit Court hears civil matters, including most general civil claims worth over $7500.
Requesters seeking court records generally maintained by the district court should contact the Clerk of Court, the custodian of records from Pickens County's Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions Court.
Pickens County Criminal Records
Requesters seeking criminal records in Pickens County, South Carolina, can use the State Law Enforcement DivisionCitizens Access To Criminal Histories (SLED CATCH)database. The main points are highlighted below:
- Requesters can access and print criminal records in South Carolina via the SLED CATCH database.
- National criminal record checks are permitted only when expressly authorized by law.
- The Agency charges a non-refundable $25.00 for a South Carolina criminal records check.
- Online background searches require an additional $1.00 convenience cost, but mail-in requests do not.
- SLED CATCH searches for exact matches of a subject's last name, first initial, and date of birth to get precise outcomes.
- If the search criteria do not match the subject's criminal record, the criminal background check may require fingerprints for precise identification.
Mail-In Requests:
- SLED accepts mail-in requests for criminal history record checks.
- Business checks, certified checks, cashier's checks, and money orders are acceptable payment options.
- Personal checks and cash are not accepted.
Requesters should send the completedCriminal Records Check Form, money, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the provided address:
State Law Enforcement Division
P.O. Box 21398,
Columbia SC 29221-1398
Pickens County Criminal Court Case Lookup
Pickens County residents can utilize the county's Online Public Search service to locate criminal court cases. To search, the user must specify the following criteria:
- Select the document Type.
- Choose and enter the beginning date range.
- Select and enter the end-date range.
- Click the search box.
Individuals who want to check up on criminal court cases in Pickens County can also contact the Office of the Clerk of Court—the official record custodian for all criminal court proceedings. The Office of the Clerk of Court is located at:
Pickens County Courthouse
214 E Main Street
Pickens, SC 29671
P.O. Box 215
Phone: (864) 898-5598
Fax: (864) 898-5863
Hours of Service: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Get Pickens County Civil Court Records
In Pickens County, most civil court cases are heard in the Court of Common Pleas under the Circuit Court. Consequently, individuals searching for such records may contact the Clerk of Courts or conduct a case records search of the county’s online civil court records.
Requesters can submit apublic records requestto the Clerk of Court’s Office for the county’s public civil court records. Such a request can be made in person or by mail, and the record seeker may have to provide a photo ID for specific records.
Before seeking copies, inquirers should allow 5 to 7 business days for processing once their cases have been adjudicated. Copies cost $0.25 per page and $1.00 for each certification.
The contact address of the Court of Common Pleas is as follows:
Phone: (864) 898-5866
Fax: (864) 898-5863
Mailing Address: Attn Common Pleas,
P.O. Box 215,
Pickens, SC 29671
Alternatively, those searching for civil court records in Pickens County can utilize thestatewide public databaseprovided by the South Carolina Judicial Branch (SCJB) to locate records. Visitors can access the tool via the County or SCJB websites. Upon clicking the search tool, the portal will redirect to a search page where they may perform court case inquiries using criteria such as case number, name, CDR code, date, indictment number, or tax map number.
Pickens County Family Court Records
TheFamily Courthas jurisdiction over a wide range of issues, including marriage annulment, divorce, legal separation, child custody, visitation rights, termination of parental rights, adoption, child support, alimony, division of marital property, and name change. Furthermore, the court possesses sole authority over individuals under 17 years accused of breaching state laws or municipal ordinances.
Obtaining Family Court Records
Interested parties seeking Family Court documents can visit the Office of the Clerk of Court at the Pickens County Courthouse. They must provide valid photo identification to examine or make copies of specific records.
Interested persons should call the Family Court beforehand at (864) 898-5363 for substantial record requests to make arrangements for document duplication.
Mail-In Request
Inquirers can submit written requests for Family Court Records by mail to the following address:
Atten: Family Court Records
P.O. Box 215
Pickens, SC 29671.
The mail-in request must contain the docket numbers, names of the parties involved in the case, the requested documents, and money for both copy fees and return postage.
Online Source
Individuals seeking specific case information may browse the Pickens County Family Court cases online or utilize theFamily Court docketing interface.
Significance of Records
These records are essential for judicial proceedings, historical research, and comprehending family dynamics.
Pickens County Marriage and Divorce Records
The Vital Records Office in Columbia, South Carolina, provides certified copies of marriage records from July 1950 to December 2023 for requesters in Pickens County. To get records dating before 1950 or after December 2023, individuals need to contact the Pickens County Probate Judge, who has jurisdiction over the issuance of the original marriage license.
Regarding the availability of Pickens County divorce records, theDepartment of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)offers certified duplicates of the divorce reports officially granted between July 1962 and December 2023.
Picken County record seekers can obtain marriage and divorce certificates through the following methods:
In-person
Requestors visiting the DHEC State Vital Records Office in Columbia for in-person services about marriage and divorce records should be aware of the following:
- The usual processing time is between 30 and 45 minutes.
- Although the office strives for same-day response and handles most requests swiftly, some services (such as paternity affidavits, revisions, and amendments) may require more time.
- Applicants for marriage and divorce records should arrive early to allow for adequate processing time.
- When filing an in-person record request, applicants include a completedapplication form.
- This option incurs a non-refundable expedited searching fee of $17. Additional prices include $3 for each additional copy.
- Applicants must produce a photo ID issued by the government, a school, or an employer.
The DHEC is located at:
DHEC State Vital Records Office, Columbia
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (803) 898-3630
Address: 2600 Bull St., Columbia, SC 29201
Mail and Drop-off Options
Specific information for requesters seeking marriage and divorce certificates by mail and drop-off options are as follows:
- The DHEC only accepts mail and drop-off requests at the state headquarters in Richland.
- Both record request alternatives have an average processing time of about four weeks.
- Applicants must complete theapplication formand pay a non-refundable standard searching charge of $17 ($3 for each additional copy).
- A photocopy of a valid government, school, or employer-issued photo ID.
- Applicants should mail or drop off the marriage or divorce record request packet at the above DHEC address.
- Please remember that a valid identity is required; applications without it will be automatically denied.
Pickens Birth and Death Records
Birth Records: The South Carolina Vital Records offices can provide birth certificates for Picken County births after 1915 to eligible applicants. The individual mentioned on the record, the parent(s) listed on the record, and the guardian or legal representatives of the subject of the record are eligible to request a birth certificate.
Death Records: Immediate family members or attorneys of a deceased person can obtain certified copies of death certificates.
Other applicants may receive a statement that confirms the death date and county but not a certified copy of the death certificate.
- The average processing time is 5-7 business days.
- Only the person(s) identified on the birth certificate can order from an online seller.
- Whether a requestor orders abirthordeath certificatethrough an approved online vendor, they must pay a $17 non-refundable expedited searching cost plus $3 for each additional copy.
- Record seekers must pay all fees using a major credit or debit card.
- Applicants requesting copies of birth or death certificates through online vendors must provide a copy of a valid government, school, or employer-issued photo ID.
In-person or Mail-in Requests
- The average processing periods for birth and death certificates in Pickens County are 30-45 minutes for in-person requests and four (4) weeks for mail-in requests.
- Individuals searching for birth and death records must submit a filled-outapplication form, a non-refundable expedited searching fee of $17, and $3 for each extra copy.
- A valid photo ID from the government, the school, or the workplace.
- Applicants can obtain birth certificates from any South Carolina county. However, mail-in inquiries are only accepted at the Richland County state office.
Pickens County Probate Court Records
The Pickens County Probate Court handles a wide range of legal issues, including estate administration, guardianship for children and incapacitated people, trust-related processes, marriage permits, involuntary commitments, and wrongful death and survival lawsuits.
Probate Court
Pickens County Administration Facility
222 McDaniel Avenue, B-16
Pickens, SC 29671
Phone: (864) 898-5903
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Pickens County Property Records
ThePickens County Register of Deeds Officeprovides requesters with access to their online records through a GIS-enabled website. The database's capabilities allow interested parties to do a property search using characteristics such as owner name, locational address, account number, parcel number, subdivision name, and property description.
Users can also use theCounty's online Public Records Search toolto find property records. Some records derivable from the platform include deeds, plats, and copies of mortgages associated with specific properties.
Pickens County Court Records Online
Members of the public may be able to access records online by visiting thePickens County Clerk of Court websiteor theSouth Carolina Judicial Branch'sonline portal. Alternatively, third-party online repositories such assouthcarolinacourtrecords.usmay offer seamless access to Pickens County court records with an internet connection, saving time and effort for individuals who may not wish to visit the courthouse in person. These platforms usually have user-friendly interfaces that enable users to search for particular cases or persons quickly. However, such sites operate independently of government agencies. As such, sought records may be inaccurate, unavailable, or incomplete.
