Charleston County Active Warrant Records
Charleston County warrant records are maintained by the Sheriff's office and the 9th Circuit Clerk of Court. The Sheriff's Warrants Division operates from 3691 Leeds Ave in North Charleston, SC 29405. Charleston County is one of the largest counties in South Carolina and processes a high volume of warrant activity each year. You can check warrant status by phone, in person, or through online tools. Public access to these records is protected by the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. The county seat is Charleston, and all offices serve the full county.
Charleston County Sheriff Warrants Division
The Charleston County Sheriff's office runs a dedicated Warrants Division. Call (843) 554-2467 to reach them. Deputies process and serve warrants across the county. The main office is at 3691 Leeds Ave in North Charleston. Criminal records checks cost $5 per request.
The Warrants Division handles both arrest warrants and bench warrants. When a magistrate judge signs a warrant under S.C. Code § 22-3-710, it goes to the Sheriff for service. Deputies then locate and arrest the person named in the warrant. Under S.C. Code § 17-13-40, warrants do not expire. They stay active until the person is found or the court recalls the order.
The Charleston County Sheriff's office website provides information about warrant procedures and how to contact the Warrants Division.
The Sheriff's office processes all warrant service requests for Charleston County law enforcement.
Charleston County Clerk of Court Records
The Charleston County Clerk of Court is part of the 9th Judicial Circuit. The office stores all General Sessions case files, which include warrant records, indictments, and bond paperwork. You can request copies of any public record in the court file.
Once an arrest happens, the case moves through the court system. The Clerk records each filing. Warrants, motions, plea agreements, and sentencing orders all appear in the file. Under S.C. Code § 30-4-10, most of these records are public. Anyone can request to view them during business hours or submit a written request.
The Clerk of Court handles all General Sessions filings for the 9th Circuit in Charleston County.
Note: Criminal records checks at the Sheriff's office cost $5, so bring payment when you visit in person.
Bond Court in Charleston County
Charleston County Bond Court is at 3831 Leeds Ave. Call (843) 529-5340 for details. After an arrest on a warrant, the person appears before a bond judge. Under S.C. Code § 17-15-90, the judge sets conditions for release based on the charge and the person's history.
Bond hearings happen quickly after an arrest. The judge may set cash bond, surety bond, or release on personal recognizance. Flight risk and public safety are key factors. Bond records become part of the court file in Charleston County. If bond is revoked, a new warrant goes out. You can check bond status through the Clerk of Court or by calling Bond Court directly.
The bond amount and conditions are tied to each warrant case. Serious charges often carry higher bond amounts. Bond can also include conditions like travel limits or check-ins with pretrial services.
Search Warrants in Charleston County
Search warrants in Charleston County follow strict rules under S.C. Code § 17-13-140. An officer must present sworn facts to a judge. The request has to name the exact place and describe what items are sought. The judge reviews everything before signing.
Once carried out, the search warrant return goes back to the court. It lists what was found and seized. This document becomes part of the public record. In Charleston County, search warrant returns are filed with the Clerk of Court. You can request copies under the Freedom of Information Act. Some details may be withheld during an active investigation, but most are available once the case moves forward.
How to Look Up Charleston County Warrants
Several tools are available for searching warrant records in Charleston County. The SC Courts Public Index lets you search General Sessions cases by name or case number. This free tool covers all courts in the state.
The SLED CATCH system provides criminal background checks statewide. Results may show active warrants for people with records in Charleston County. There is a fee for this service. For local matters, the City of Charleston Municipal Court offers an online tool to check violations and case status.
The City of Charleston violations portal covers municipal offenses handled within city limits.
For the most current information, call the Warrants Division at (843) 554-2467. Online databases may lag behind by a few days. The staff can confirm whether a warrant is still active in Charleston County. You can also visit the Sheriff's office at 3691 Leeds Ave in North Charleston during business hours.
Note: Online tools may not show very recent warrants, so call the Sheriff for the most up-to-date status.
Public Records Requests
Under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, you can request warrant records from any Charleston County office. Submit your request in writing. Include the person's full name and any case details you know. The more specific you are, the faster staff can find the records.
Records created within the past 24 months must be produced within 10 business days. Older records allow up to 20 days. Copy fees may apply. Most adult warrant records in Charleston County are open to the public once charges have been filed.
Types of Charleston County Warrants
Charleston County courts issue several kinds of warrants. Each type has its own legal basis and process.
- Arrest warrants issued by magistrate judges under § 22-3-710
- Bench warrants for failure to appear at a scheduled hearing
- Search warrants approved under § 17-13-140
- Outstanding warrants that have not yet been served
- Bond revocation warrants when release conditions are broken
Arrest warrants make up the bulk of warrant activity in Charleston County. A citizen or officer brings a sworn complaint to a magistrate. The judge weighs the facts. If probable cause exists, the warrant is signed and sent to the Sheriff's Warrants Division. From there, deputies serve the warrant. The entire chain of events is documented in the court file.
Cities in Charleston County
Charleston County includes several cities and towns. The city of Charleston is the county seat and the largest city. North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Folly Beach are also within the county. All warrant records are filed through the Charleston County courts regardless of which town the offense occurred in.
Nearby Counties
Charleston County borders several other South Carolina counties. Warrants are filed in the county where the alleged crime happened. If you are not sure which county applies, check the address tied to the incident.