North Charleston Court Records Database
North Charleston is one of South Carolina's largest cities, and its court system generates a substantial volume of public records each year. The North Charleston Municipal Court handles local traffic and misdemeanor cases, while the Charleston County Circuit Court manages felony prosecutions and civil matters for the city. This guide shows you where to find North Charleston court records online, how to request copies in person, and what to expect from each court system that serves this city.
North Charleston Quick Facts
North Charleston Municipal Court Records
The North Charleston Municipal Court is at 1800 Brewster Road, North Charleston, SC 29405. You can reach the court at (843) 740-2602. This court processes misdemeanor criminal offenses, traffic violations, and city ordinance cases that occur within North Charleston limits. Sessions run Monday through Friday, with specific dockets scheduled for traffic and criminal matters.
The screenshot below comes from the North Charleston Municipal Court online portal, which allows defendants to look up cases, make payments, and find court dates any time of day.
The Municipal Court Clerk maintains all records for cases filed with the court. Records are available for public inspection as required by the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Written requests for copies can be mailed to the clerk's office at 1800 Brewster Road, or submitted in person during business hours. Applicable fees apply for copies.
The court offers payment plans for defendants who demonstrate financial hardship. Defendants have the right to legal representation, and the court can refer eligible individuals to the Public Defender's office. Appeals from North Charleston Municipal Court decisions go to the Charleston County Circuit Court and are retried as de novo proceedings.
North Charleston eCourt Public Portal
The image below is from the North Charleston eCourt Public Portal, which provides 24-hour online access to case information, hearing dates, and payment services.
Through the eCourt portal you can search cases by name, case number, or ticket number. Online payments are accepted for traffic fines and certain court costs using major credit cards. You can also request payment plans and check the status of scheduled hearings without coming to the courthouse in person.
How to Search North Charleston Court Records
The statewide SC Judicial Department Public Index is the best free tool for searching court records in North Charleston. It includes Circuit Court, Family Court, Magistrate Court, and participating Municipal Courts across all 46 counties. North Charleston Municipal Court is among the courts whose records appear in this system.
For Charleston County records specifically, the county maintains a separate Public Index at jcmsweb.charlestoncounty.org/publicindex/. This portal provides access to civil, criminal, family, and probate court cases. Public access terminals are also available at the Charleston County Clerk of Court, located at 100 Broad Street, Suite 106, Charleston, SC 29401, phone (843) 958-5000.
Note: Home address information is no longer displayed in the Public Index for cases filed after January 1, 2026, and has been removed from older records as well.
Criminal Court Records in North Charleston
Serious criminal cases from North Charleston are prosecuted in the Charleston County Circuit Court under the General Sessions division. The Charleston County Clerk of Court, Julie J. Armstrong, is the official keeper of these records at 100 Broad Street, Suite 106. You can search these filings online or request certified copies in person.
The North Charleston Police Department Records Division keeps incident and arrest reports for city cases. Requests can be submitted through the police department website, by mail, or in person at Police Headquarters. The department coordinates with the Municipal Court on warrant execution and case processing. Some law enforcement records may be withheld from disclosure under FOIA exemptions where ongoing investigations are involved.
For a statewide criminal history search, the SLED CATCH system provides name-based checks across South Carolina records. The cost is $25 plus $1 for online submissions. Mail requests go to SLED Records Department, P.O. Box 21398, Columbia, SC 29221-1398.
Family Court Records for North Charleston Residents
Family court cases for North Charleston residents are heard through the Charleston County Family Court system. Cases include divorce, child custody, support orders, adoptions, and domestic violence protective orders. Records are maintained by the Charleston County Clerk of Court and can be searched online through the county or statewide Public Index portals.
Some family court records are restricted by law, especially those involving juveniles or sealed proceedings. To request access to a restricted file, you may need a court order. For routine access, contact the Clerk of Court at (843) 958-5000 or visit 100 Broad Street, Suite 106 during regular business hours.
FOIA and Public Records in North Charleston
Under South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act at Title 30, Chapter 4, you have the right to inspect government records. FOIA requests for North Charleston city records can be submitted to the City Clerk's office online, by mail, or in person. The city processes requests within the statutory deadline, with possible extensions for extensive records pulls.
Fees may apply for search time, copying, and redaction of exempt information. Certain records, including personnel files, confidential legal communications, and open investigation materials, may be withheld. Denials of FOIA requests can be appealed to the South Carolina Administrative Law Court. For access to court records specifically, contact the clerk's office or use the Public Index portals described above.
Charleston County Court Records
North Charleston sits within Charleston County, and all Circuit Court and Family Court records for the city are maintained by the Charleston County Clerk of Court. See the county page for a full breakdown of court locations and access tools.
Nearby South Carolina Cities
Find court records for nearby cities in the Charleston area and beyond.