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Charleston, South Carolina Warrant Records

Are Warrants Public Record in Charleston, South Carolina?

Warrant records are public in Charleston, South Carolina, pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq.). This legislation establishes that public records, including warrant information, shall be accessible to citizens to ensure transparency and accountability within governmental operations. Warrant records are maintained as part of the public court record system in Charleston County.

The public's right to access these records serves as a fundamental component of maintaining trust in the judicial system. By providing individuals with the ability to view warrant records, the state promotes an informed citizenry and helps prevent potential misuse of authority. Members of the public may access warrant information through designated channels, subject to specific legal restrictions or confidentiality requirements that may apply in certain cases, such as those involving juveniles or ongoing investigations.

Under South Carolina law, certain warrant information may be temporarily sealed by court order when disclosure could compromise an investigation or endanger individuals. However, the presumption remains in favor of public access to these records in accordance with state transparency laws.

Where Can I Find Warrants Online in Charleston?

Members of the public seeking warrant information in Charleston may utilize several official online resources:

Charleston County Sheriff's Office Warrant Search: The Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of active warrants. This resource provides basic information about individuals with outstanding warrants in Charleston County.
South Carolina Judicial Department
1015 Sumter Street, Suite 1200
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 734-1800
The department offers a statewide search tool for various court records, including warrant information.
Charleston County Clerk of Court
100 Broad Street, Suite 106
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 958-5000
The Clerk's office maintains official court records, including warrant information, some of which may be accessible through their online portal.

Individuals should note that online warrant databases may not contain comprehensive information on all warrants. Some records may only be available through in-person requests at the appropriate Magistrates/Summary Courts office.

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Charleston in 2025

To determine if a warrant has been issued in one's name in Charleston, several official channels are available for verification:

Contact the Charleston County Sheriff's Office
3691 Leeds Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 202-1700
Individuals may contact the Warrants Division directly to inquire about active warrants.
Visit the Charleston Municipal Court
180 Lockwood Boulevard
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 724-7460
Court staff can provide information regarding warrants issued within city jurisdiction.
Charleston County Magistrate Courts
4045 Bridge View Drive
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 958-4800
Magistrate courts handle many warrant issuances and can provide information on active warrants.
Legal Representation
Individuals concerned about potential warrants may consult with an attorney who can conduct a thorough search of court records on their behalf while providing legal counsel.

Pursuant to South Carolina Rules of Criminal Procedure, individuals with active warrants should be aware that voluntary surrender may be viewed favorably by the court during subsequent proceedings.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Charleston

Charleston County residents and visitors may verify the existence of outstanding warrants through several authorized methods:

Online Warrant Search: The Charleston County Sheriff's Office warrant database allows public searches by name. This database is updated regularly but may not include all warrant types.
In-person Verification:
Charleston County Sheriff's Office
3691 Leeds Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 202-1700
Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
In-person inquiries provide the most comprehensive warrant information.
Telephone Inquiries: The Sheriff's Office Warrants Division accepts telephone inquiries regarding warrant status at (843) 202-1700. Callers should be prepared to provide identifying information.
Court Records Search:
Charleston County Judicial Center
100 Broad Street
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 958-5000
Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Court clerks can search for warrants issued by Charleston courts.

Individuals should be aware that pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 17-13-140, certain warrants may not appear in public databases if they are under seal by court order or part of an ongoing investigation.

Contents of a Charleston Warrant Records

Charleston County warrant records typically contain the following official information as required by South Carolina law:

Personal Identifiers: Full legal name of the subject, date of birth, physical description, last known address, and when available, identifying numbers such as driver's license or state ID.
Warrant Classification: Designation of warrant type (arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant) and the statutory authority under which it was issued.
Case Information: Court case number, issuing court, and date of issuance. For traffic-related warrants, citation numbers may also be included.
Alleged Offense: Detailed description of the alleged violation, including the South Carolina Code section or Charleston municipal ordinance allegedly violated.
Judicial Authorization: Name of the issuing judge or magistrate and their jurisdiction. Warrants from the Livability Court will indicate this specialized jurisdiction.
Bond Information: When applicable, the preset bond amount or notation that the individual must appear before a judge for bond determination.
Service Status: Indication of whether the warrant has been served, is outstanding, or has been recalled.

Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 17-13-60, all warrants must be supported by an affidavit establishing probable cause. While the warrant itself is generally public record, supporting affidavits may have restricted access in certain circumstances.