Court records in Aiken County, South Carolina can be searched through several channels. AikenCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index, the Aiken County Clerk of Court's office, and public terminals located at the Aiken County Judicial Center. Criminal history checks are available through the SLED CATCH system.
Aiken Court System & Jurisdictions
Aiken County is part of South Carolina's Second Judicial Circuit. Several courts operate within the county, each handling different case types:
- Circuit Court (Court of General Sessions): Handles felony criminal cases, including violent crimes, drug offenses, and burglary. The General Sessions division of the Clerk of Court manages these records.
- Circuit Court (Court of Common Pleas): Handles civil cases where the amount in dispute exceeds the magistrate court's jurisdictional limit, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, and real property matters.
- Family Court: Covers divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and juvenile matters. Many Family Court records are confidential, particularly those involving minors.
- Probate Court: Manages estate administration, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and involuntary commitments. The Probate Court operates independently from the Clerk of Court.
- Magistrate Court: Handles minor criminal offenses (misdemeanors carrying up to 30 days in jail or a $500 fine), civil cases up to $7,500, preliminary hearings, and restraining orders.
- Municipal Courts: The City of Aiken and other municipalities operate their own courts for city ordinance violations and traffic offenses within city limits.
If you are unsure which court handled a specific case, start by searching the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index, which covers Circuit and Family Court case records statewide. Magistrate and municipal court records are typically maintained at the individual court level.
Aiken Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The Aiken County Clerk of Court publishes court dockets and rosters for Circuit Court sessions. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court schedule:
- Visit the Aiken County Clerk of Court page, which provides links to court dockets and court rosters.
- Check the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index for scheduled hearing dates on specific cases by searching by party name or case number.
- Call the Clerk of Court's office directly for same-day schedule confirmations.
Aiken County Clerk of Court
For jury duty information, the Clerk of Court maintains a jury information line at 803-642-1715. General Sessions and Common Pleas court terms are scheduled throughout the year, and rosters are typically posted before each term begins.
How to Get a Copy of a Aiken Court Document
The process for obtaining court documents depends on whether you need a certified or uncertified copy and which court holds the record.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the Clerk's official seal and signature. These are typically required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, or filing with another agency.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the seal. They work for personal reference or informal use.
How to Request
- In person: Visit the Aiken County Clerk of Court at the Judicial Center. You will need the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can search records and produce copies while you wait for most documents.
- By mail: Send a written request that includes the case number (if known), party names, the type of document needed, and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy. Include payment by check or money order made payable to the Aiken County Clerk of Court.
- Online: The South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index allows you to view case information for Circuit and Family Court cases. However, this portal provides index data — not downloadable copies of filed documents. For actual document copies, contact the Clerk's office.
Special records:
- Divorce records: Completed Aiken County divorce records are available through the Clerk of Court's Judgment Division. Certified copies of the Report of Divorce can also be obtained from the SC Department of Public Health.
- Criminal history: Statewide criminal records checks are available through SLED CATCH for a $25 non-refundable fee.
- Expungement records: If a record has been expunged, it will not appear in public searches. The Clerk of Court's office provides an expungement application for eligible cases.
Aiken Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Aiken County are set by South Carolina statute and the Clerk of Court's office. Under S.C. Code Title 30, public records must generally be made available, though reasonable fees for search and copying are permitted.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 per page plus certification fee |
| Certification fee | $0.50 – $1.00 per certification |
| SLED criminal records check (CATCH) | $25.00 (non-refundable) + $1.00 convenience fee |
| Search fee (Clerk of Court) | Varies; contact the Clerk's office |
Note: Exact per-page and certification fees may vary. Contact the Aiken County Clerk of Court directly at 803-642-1700 to confirm current rates before submitting a request. The fees listed for SLED CATCH are published on the SLED CATCH website.
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order, and most major credit/debit cards are generally accepted.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to Aiken County Clerk of Court.
- Online (SLED CATCH): Most major credit and debit cards accepted.
If you are requesting multiple documents or a large volume of copies, call ahead to confirm the total cost and any processing time that may apply.