Criminal records in Colleton County, South Carolina, can be accessed through several online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the Clerk of Court's office. ColletonCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Additional access points include the South Carolina Judicial Department's statewide court index, the Colleton County Sheriff's Office, and SLED's criminal history database. Each resource covers different record types, so the right starting point depends on what you need.
How to Search Criminal Records in Colleton
Several methods are available for searching criminal records in Colleton County. The approach you choose depends on whether you need a quick case lookup, a formal criminal history, or custody-related information.
Online Search Options
- ColletonCourt.us — Search for publicly available court record information related to Colleton County criminal cases. You can search by name or case number.
- South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index — The statewide court case search portal maintained by the SC Judicial Department. Select Colleton County, then search by party name or case number. Results typically include case type, charges, filing dates, and disposition information.
- SLED CATCH (Citizens Access to Criminal Histories) — A name-based search that returns South Carolina criminal history records maintained by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. This is the state's official public criminal history tool.
- Colleton County Sheriff's Office Online Services — Includes an inmate search feature for individuals currently held at the Colleton County Detention Center.
- SC Department of Corrections Inmate Search — Displays photographs and public information on inmates currently incarcerated in SCDC facilities. Does not cover individuals released, in county detention, or under community supervision.
- SC Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services Offender Search — Search for individuals currently under state probation, parole, or community supervision.
- South Carolina Sex Offender Registry — Maintained by SLED and updated regularly by county sheriff's offices.
In Person
Visit the Colleton County Clerk of Court's office at the courthouse in Walterboro. Public access terminals or assistance from clerk staff may be available for searching court records. Bring the defendant's full legal name, date of birth, or case number to speed up your search.
By Mail or Written Request
- Clerk of Court: Submit a written request to the Colleton County Clerk of Court specifying the individual's name, date of birth, and/or case number. Include any required fees.
- SLED Criminal History: For a formal state criminal background check, submit a request through SLED. Fingerprint-based checks are available for employment and licensing purposes.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full legal name of the individual
- Date of birth (helpful but not always required for court index searches)
- Case number (if known)
- State Identification Number (SID) — needed for some SLED and SCDPPPS searches
Search Colleton Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, you can look it up directly through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index by selecting Colleton County and entering the number in the case number field.
South Carolina case numbers follow a standard format:
- Year: The four-digit or two-digit year the case was filed
- Case type code: A set of letters indicating the type of case — for example, "GS" for General Sessions (felony-level criminal cases) or "CR" for criminal cases in magistrate court
- Sequential number: A unique number assigned in the order the case was filed
For example, a case number like 2024-GS-15-00123 would indicate a 2024 General Sessions filing in Colleton County (county code 15), with 00123 as the sequential filing number. Knowing this format helps you confirm you are viewing the correct case, especially when multiple individuals share similar names.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Colleton
Charges
- Statute codes: Each charge references a section of the South Carolina Code of Laws (e.g., § 16-13-30 for petit larceny)
- Severity: Charges are classified as felonies (heard in General Sessions Court) or misdemeanors (heard in Magistrate or Municipal Court). Infractions such as traffic violations are handled separately.
- Amended charges: Prosecutors may amend charges during the case. Both original and amended charges typically appear in the court record.
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case has been filed but not yet resolved |
| Active | Case is currently being adjudicated |
| Disposed | Case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.) |
| Closed | All proceedings and obligations are complete |
Hearing Types
- Bond hearing: Determines bail conditions after arrest
- Preliminary hearing: Reviews whether probable cause exists (felony cases)
- Arraignment: Defendant enters a formal plea
- Pre-trial hearing: Addresses motions, discovery, and scheduling
- Trial: Bench or jury trial on the merits
- Sentencing: Court imposes punishment after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review hearing: Monitors compliance with probation or court orders
Court Results (Dispositions)
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant was convicted by plea or verdict |
| Not guilty | Defendant was acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | Charges were dropped by the court or prosecution |
| Nolle prosequi | Prosecution chose not to pursue the case |
| Acquitted | Defendant found not guilty after trial |
| Pled — lesser charge | Defendant pled to an amended or reduced charge |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Colleton
Colleton County Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court maintains all official court records for Colleton County, including criminal case files. Certified copies of criminal records — stamped and signed by the clerk — can be requested in person or by mail.
To request certified records:
- Visit the Clerk of Court's office or send a written request by mail
- Provide the defendant's full name, date of birth, and case number if available
- Present a valid government-issued photo ID if requesting in person
- Pay the applicable copy and certification fees
SLED Criminal History Records
For a statewide criminal history report, submit a request through SLED. Name-based searches are available to the public through the CATCH system. Fingerprint-based background checks are typically required for employment, licensing, or volunteer screening and must be submitted through an authorized agency or channeler.
Colleton County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office can provide arrest records and incident reports. Contact the office directly to ask about the request process, required forms, and fees for local law enforcement records.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Colleton
Fees for criminal records in South Carolina are set by state statute and local fee schedules. The table below reflects standard charges; confirm current amounts with the issuing office before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee | Source / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court record copies (non-certified) | Varies; typically $0.25–$0.50 per page | Colleton County Clerk of Court |
| Certified copy of court record | Varies; certification fee added per document | Colleton County Clerk of Court |
| SLED CATCH name-based criminal history | $25.00 | SC Code § 23-3-115; paid online at CATCH portal |
| SLED fingerprint-based background check | $25.00 (state) + FBI fee if applicable | SLED; required for employment/licensing |
| Incident or arrest report (Sheriff's Office) | Varies | Contact Colleton County Sheriff's Office |
Processing Times
- Online court index searches: Immediate results
- SLED CATCH searches: Results typically available within minutes online
- Certified copies from the Clerk of Court: Usually processed within a few business days for in-person requests; mail requests may take one to two weeks
- SLED fingerprint-based checks: Processing times vary; expedited options may be available
Payments at the Colleton County Clerk of Court are generally accepted in person. Some county payments can also be made through the Colleton County Online Payment Portal. Contact the clerk's office to confirm accepted payment methods for record requests.