Aiken County Public Records /Aiken County Court Records

Aiken County Court Records

What Is Aiken County Court Records

Court records in Aiken County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to South Carolina Code of Laws § 30-4-20, these records constitute public information maintained by judicial authorities. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.

Court records are distinct from other public records such as:

Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
Tax records
Voter registration information

In Aiken County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:

Circuit Court (General Sessions and Common Pleas)
Family Court
Probate Court
Magistrate Courts
Municipal Courts

The Aiken County Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of records for Circuit and Family Courts, maintaining documentation for civil, criminal, domestic, juvenile, and probate matters. These records provide an official account of court proceedings and decisions, serving as the legal foundation for case precedent, enforcement of judgments, and public transparency in the judicial system.

Are Court Records Public In Aiken County

Court records in Aiken County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically § 30-4-30, which establishes the right of citizens to access public records. Additionally, the principle of open courts is enshrined in Article I, § 9 of the South Carolina Constitution, which states that "all courts shall be public."

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments and orders
Docket sheets
Hearing schedules
Property records
Probate records

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute, including:

Juvenile records (per § 63-19-2010)
Adoption proceedings
Mental health commitment records
Records sealed by judicial order
Certain family court matters
Cases involving minors as victims of criminal sexual conduct
Records containing sensitive personal information

The South Carolina Judicial Department has established rules governing public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns. Federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina are governed by federal rules and accessed through the PACER system, separate from Aiken County's record system.

How To Find Court Records in Aiken County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Aiken County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during regular business hours
Complete a records request form specifying the case information
Present valid identification
Pay applicable copy fees (currently $1.00 per page for most documents)

By Mail:

Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk
Include case number, party names, and filing date if known
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
Include payment for copy fees by check or money order

Online Access:

Access the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index
Select Aiken County from the jurisdiction menu
Search by name, case number, or filing date
View basic case information at no charge
Note that complete case files may not be available online

For Circuit and Family Court records, contact:

Aiken County Clerk of Court
Aiken County Judicial Center
109 Park Avenue SE
Aiken, SC 29801
(803) 642-1476
Aiken County Clerk of Court

For Probate Court records, contact:

Aiken County Probate Court
Aiken County Government Center
1930 University Parkway, Suite 2300
Aiken, SC 29801
(803) 642-2136
Aiken County Probate Court

Pursuant to § 30-4-30(C) of the South Carolina Code, agencies must respond to records requests within 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time.

How To Look Up Court Records in Aiken County Online?

Aiken County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These systems vary in scope and functionality based on the court and record type.

South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index:

Navigate to the SC Judicial Department Public Index
Select "Aiken" from the county dropdown menu
Choose search criteria (name, case number, filing date)
Review case summary information
Note that this system provides basic case information but not complete documents

Aiken County Clerk of Court Online Services:

Visit the Aiken County Clerk of Court website
Select "Court Records Search" from the available options
Enter search parameters as prompted
Access available case information and docket entries
Note that document viewing may require registration

South Carolina Court Administration E-Filing System:

Access the South Carolina Electronic Filing System
Register for an account (required for full access)
Search for Aiken County cases by case number or party name
View publicly available documents
Note that certain documents may require payment to view

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Records:

Visit the SLED website
Navigate to the "Criminal Records Check" section
Complete the required information and payment
Receive criminal history information for specified individuals

Online access is subject to system limitations and certain records may only be available through in-person requests. The completeness of online records varies, with older cases often requiring direct contact with the clerk's office.

How To Search Aiken County Court Records for Free?

South Carolina law, specifically § 30-4-30(A) of the Freedom of Information Act, guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge during normal business hours. Aiken County provides several no-cost options for accessing court records:

Free In-Person Inspection:

Visit the Aiken County Clerk of Court during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM)
Request to view specific case files
Examine records on-site at no charge
Note that copy fees apply if printed copies are requested

Free Online Resources:

South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index - Provides basic case information at no charge
Aiken County Court Dockets - Lists upcoming court schedules
SC Appellate Case Search - Searches appeals cases free of charge

Public Access Terminals:

Computer terminals available at the Aiken County Judicial Center
Located in the Clerk of Court's office
Provide free access to electronic court records
Staff assistance available for search guidance

While inspection is free, fees may apply for:

Printed copies ($1.00 per page)
Certified copies ($5.00 per document plus copy fees)
Record searches requiring extensive staff time
Specialized reports or data compilations

Pursuant to § 30-4-30(B), fees must reflect the actual cost of record production and cannot be used as a revenue source or to discourage requests.

What's Included in a Aiken County Court Record?

Aiken County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:

Civil Case Records:

Complaint or petition
Summons and service documentation
Answers and counterclaims
Motions and supporting memoranda
Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
Affidavits and declarations
Court orders and judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts (if prepared)
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Final disposition and judgment information

Criminal Case Records:

Indictment or information
Arrest warrant or citation
Bond information
Plea documents
Motions and responses
Evidence inventory
Pre-sentence investigation reports (restricted access)
Sentencing orders
Probation/parole conditions
Appeal documentation

Family Court Records:

Petitions for divorce, custody, or support
Financial declarations
Parenting plans
Guardian ad litem reports
Court orders regarding custody, support, and visitation
Final divorce decrees
Name change petitions and orders
Adoption records (typically sealed)

Probate Court Records:

Wills and codicils
Petitions for probate
Letters of administration
Inventories of estate assets
Claims against estates
Accountings
Orders of distribution
Guardianship/conservatorship documents

Case Metadata:

Case number and filing date
Party names and attorney information
Judge assignment
Hearing dates and outcomes
Docket entries chronologically listing all filings
Case status and disposition

The Clerk of Court: General Sessions maintains criminal records, while civil matters are handled through the Common Pleas division. Certain sensitive information may be redacted pursuant to South Carolina Court Administration Rule 41.2 on Privacy Protection for Court Filings.

How Long Does Aiken County Keep Court Records?

Aiken County retains court records according to schedules established by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History pursuant to § 30-1-90 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. Retention periods vary based on record type, case disposition, and historical significance.

Circuit Court - Criminal (General Sessions):

Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
Non-capital felony cases: 15 years after case closure
Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
Expunged records: Destroyed as ordered by the court
Docket books and indexes: Permanent retention

Circuit Court - Civil (Common Pleas):

Case files: 15 years after final disposition
Judgments: 10 years after satisfaction or 20 years after entry
Mortgage foreclosures: 10 years after final disposition
Docket books and indexes: Permanent retention

Family Court:

Divorce cases: Permanent retention
Child custody/support: Until youngest child reaches age 21
Juvenile delinquency: Until subject reaches age 21 (non-violent)
Adoption records: Permanent retention (sealed)
Abuse and neglect: Permanent retention

Probate Court:

Estate administration: 10 years after estate closing
Wills: Permanent retention
Guardianships/conservatorships: 10 years after termination
Commitment proceedings: 10 years after case closure

Magistrate Court:

Civil cases: 3 years after final disposition
Criminal cases: 10 years after final disposition
Traffic cases: 3 years after final disposition

Records with historical significance may be transferred to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History for permanent preservation. Electronic records are maintained according to the same retention schedules as paper records. The complete retention schedule is available through the South Carolina Department of Archives and History Records Management Division.

Types of Courts In Aiken County

Aiken County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority levels within South Carolina's unified court system.

Circuit Court
Aiken County Judicial Center
109 Park Avenue SE
Aiken, SC 29801
(803) 642-1476
Aiken County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

The Circuit Court is Aiken County's court of general jurisdiction, divided into:

General Sessions (criminal matters)
Common Pleas (civil matters exceeding $7,500)

Family Court
Aiken County Judicial Center
109 Park Avenue SE
Aiken, SC 29801
(803) 642-1476
Aiken County Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

Probate Court
Aiken County Government Center
1930 University Parkway, Suite 2300
Aiken, SC 29801
(803) 642-2136
Aiken County Probate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

Magistrate Courts
Aiken Magistrate Court
828 Richland Avenue W
Aiken, SC 29801
(803) 642-2015
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

North Augusta Magistrate Court
100 Georgia Avenue
North Augusta, SC 29841
(803) 441-4620
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

Langley Magistrate Court
2587 Augusta Road
Langley, SC 29834
(803) 593-3481
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

New Ellenton Magistrate Court
200 Main Street South
New Ellenton, SC 29809
(803) 652-3142
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

Municipal Courts
Aiken Municipal Court
251 Laurens Street NW
Aiken, SC 29801
(803) 642-7630
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

North Augusta Municipal Court
400 East Buena Vista Avenue
North Augusta, SC 29841
(803) 441-4290
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

Appeals from Aiken County courts proceed to the South Carolina Court of Appeals and potentially to the South Carolina Supreme Court, both located in Columbia, SC.

What Types of Cases Do Aiken County Courts Hear?

Each court within Aiken County's judicial system has specific jurisdictional authority to hear designated case types as established by South Carolina law.

Circuit Court - General Sessions Division:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Misdemeanor criminal cases not assigned to lower courts
Criminal domestic violence (2nd offense and higher)
Drug trafficking offenses
Criminal appeals from Magistrate and Municipal courts
Post-conviction relief proceedings

Circuit Court - Common Pleas Division:

Civil disputes exceeding $7,500 in value
Complex civil litigation
Real property disputes
Civil appeals from Magistrate Court
Administrative agency appeals
Foreclosure actions
Civil forfeitures
Injunctive relief

Family Court:

Divorce proceedings
Child custody and visitation disputes
Child support establishment and enforcement
Alimony determinations
Equitable division of marital property
Juvenile delinquency cases
Child abuse and neglect proceedings
Adoptions
Name changes
Domestic violence protection orders

Probate Court:

Estate administration
Will probate
Appointment of personal representatives
Guardianships and conservatorships
Mental health commitments
Marriage licenses
Minor settlements (under $25,000)
Trust administration

Magistrate Courts:

Civil cases up to $7,500 in value
Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
Claim and delivery actions
Public intoxication
Simple assault and battery
Shoplifting (1st and 2nd offense)
Traffic violations (excluding DUI)
Setting bail for most criminal offenses
Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
Small claims court proceedings

Municipal Courts:

Municipal ordinance violations
Traffic offenses within city limits
Criminal offenses punishable by fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days
Open container violations
Disorderly conduct
Public intoxication
Shoplifting (1st offense)

Case assignment is determined by statutory authority as outlined in Title 14 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, with certain matters having concurrent jurisdiction between courts.

How To Find a Court Docket In Aiken County

Court dockets in Aiken County provide schedules of upcoming hearings, trials, and other court proceedings. Members of the public may access these schedules through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

Visit the Aiken County Clerk of Court website
Navigate to the "Court Dockets" section
Select the desired court division (General Sessions, Common Pleas, Family Court)
Choose the term of court or date range
View or download the published docket

South Carolina Judicial Department:

Access the South Carolina Courts website
Select "Aiken County" from the jurisdiction menu
Choose the appropriate court type
View current court rosters and schedules
Note that rosters are typically published 1-2 weeks before court terms

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Aiken County Clerk of Court office
Request to view the current docket books
Specify the court division of interest
Staff will provide access to printed docket information

Telephone Information:

Call the Aiken County Clerk of Court at (803) 642-1476
Request docket information for a specific case or court date
Provide case number or party name if inquiring about a specific case
For jury information, call the dedicated Jury Line at (803) 642-1758

Case-Specific Docket Information:

Search the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index
Enter the case number or party name
View case details including scheduled hearings
Note that this system provides individual case information rather than complete dockets

Court dockets are typically published one to two weeks before scheduled court terms. For General Sessions (criminal) matters, the solicitor's office may provide additional scheduling information. Docket schedules are subject to change, and parties should verify hearing dates prior to court appearances.

Which Courts in Aiken County Are Not Courts of Record?

In South Carolina's judicial system, "courts of record" maintain comprehensive documentation of proceedings, including verbatim transcripts, while "courts not of record" maintain more limited documentation. Pursuant to § 14-25-45 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the following Aiken County courts are classified as courts not of record:

Magistrate Courts:

Do not routinely record verbatim proceedings
Maintain case files with basic documentation
Proceedings may be recorded only upon request
Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (new trial) in Circuit Court
Governed by § 22-3-10 of the South Carolina Code

Municipal Courts:

Limited record-keeping requirements
No court reporters regularly assigned
Documentation typically includes complaints, dispositions, and sentences
Appeals proceed to Circuit Court for new trials
Established under § 14-25-5 of the South Carolina Code

In contrast, Aiken County courts of record include:

Circuit Court (General Sessions and Common Pleas)
Family Court
Probate Court

These courts maintain complete records including:

Verbatim transcripts of proceedings
Comprehensive evidence documentation
Detailed written orders
Complete case files

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for appeal purposes. Appeals from courts not of record receive entirely new trials in Circuit Court rather than reviews of legal errors based on existing records. This distinction is established in the South Carolina Judicial Department's Rules of Procedure.