Berkeley County Courts

Searches

Most searches can be performed by name or case number. Case numbers generally do not include dashes. Searches can be refined by additional criteria like date ranges, case parties, case types, court agency (the court that has jurisdiction) and tax map number for property disputes.

Terms to remember

General Sessions Court means criminal proceedings.
Court of Common Pleas is civil court.
Summary Court means magistrate for this system currently.
Traffic Court is where you defend yourself against driving safety violations.
A docket is the caseload for a date for a court, judge, or an event.
Common Pleas Roster is the caseload of common pleas for a date.

A little about the courts and what they govern

Circuit Court
The Circuit Court is the state's court of general jurisdiction. It has a civil court, the Court of Common Pleas, and a criminal court, the Court of General Sessions.

Family Court
The Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all matters involving domestic or family relationships. Pursuant to this provision, the Family Court is the sole forum for the hearing of all cases concerning marriage, divorce, legal separation, custody, visitation rights, termination of parental rights, adoption, support, alimony, division of marital property, and change of name. No family court information is present on the Berkeley County portal to the South Carolina Court Case Management System.

Masters-In-Equity
Masters-In-Equity have jurisdiction in matters referred to them by the Circuit Courts. They have the power and authority of the Circuit Court sitting without a jury, to regulate all proceedings in every hearing before them. Masters may also conduct (property) sales under certain circumstances.

Probate Court
Each county has a Probate Judge who has jurisdiction over marriage licenses, estates of deceased persons, guardianships of incompetents, conservatorships of estates of minors and incompetents, minor settlements under $25,000 and involuntary commitments to institutions for mentally ill and/or chemically dependent persons. They also have exclusive jurisdiction over trusts and concurrent jurisdiction with Circuit Courts over powers of attorney. No probate court information is present on the Berkeley County portal to the South Carolina Court Case Management System.

Magistrate Court
Magistrates generally have criminal trial jurisdiction over all offenses subject to the penalty of a fine (Traffic tickets), as set by statute, but generally, not exceeding $500.00 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both. In addition, they are responsible for setting bail, conducting preliminary hearings, and issuing arrest and search warrants. Magistrates have civil jurisdiction (Small Claims Court) when the amount in controversy does not exceed $7,500.

Municipal Court
The council of each municipality (city, town, etc.) may establish, by ordinance, a municipal court to hear and determine all cases within its jurisdiction. Such courts are part of the unified judicial system. No municipal court information is present on the Berkeley County portal to the South Carolina Court Case Management System.