Criminal records of Spartanburg County, South Carolina, are available through several channels. SpartanburgCourt.us allows quick access to public information on criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through official state court portals, law enforcement agencies, and the Clerk of Court's office. Below is a practical guide to searching, understanding, and ordering criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Spartanburg
There are several ways to find criminal records. Start with the one most convenient for you.
Online Search
- SpartanburgCourt.us — enter the person's name or case number to view publicly available information on county criminal cases.
- Spartanburg County Public Index — the official portal of the South Carolina court system. Supports searches by defendant's name, case number, and type of proceeding. Requires a browser with cookies and JavaScript enabled.
- Court Roster Search — a tool from the state's Judicial Branch for searching hearing schedules and case registers.
- SLED CATCH — the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division's system for checking criminal history. Note: SLED processes requests at the state level, not just the county level.
In Person
Visit the Spartanburg County Clerk of Court's office. There are public terminals for case searches. The clerk can also assist with requests for document copies.
Spartanburg County Clerk of Court
Additional information about the courthouse and clerk's contacts can be found on the SC Judicial Branch website.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk of Court's office at the address above or contact SLED for an official state-level criminal history. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number if available.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full first and last name
- Date of birth — optional but significantly narrows results
- Case number — if known
Search Spartanburg Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific criminal proceeding. In South Carolina, case numbers typically have a structured format:
- Year of filing — the first two or four digits indicate the year the case was opened.
- Case type code — a letter code indicating the category: for example, "GS" for General Sessions cases (felonies and serious misdemeanors).
- Sequential number — a unique numeric identifier for the case within the year.
Example: 2024-GS-42-00123, where "42" is the code for Spartanburg County in the state system. If you have this number, enter it in the appropriate field on the Public Index portal — the system will return an exact result without the need to filter by name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Spartanburg
A criminal case contains several key elements. Here's what each of them means.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the specific section of the SC Code of Laws under which the charge is brought |
| Felony | A serious offense — burglary, armed assault, murder. Heard in the Court of General Sessions |
| Misdemeanor | A less serious offense — petty theft, simple assault, disorderly conduct |
| Amended Charge | A charge modified by the prosecutor after the initial filing — often to a less serious offense |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made.
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled.
- Disposed — the court has made a decision: sentencing, acquittal, or dismissal.
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, including appeals.
Hearings
A criminal case goes through several stages in court:
- Arraignment — the first official hearing where the charges are read to the accused, and they state their plea (guilty / not guilty).
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case.
- Pre-Trial Conference — the parties discuss the possibility of a plea deal or prepare for trial.
- Trial — the court hearing of the case.
- Sentencing — the issuance of a sentence after a guilty plea or conviction.
- Review Hearing — checking compliance with the terms of the sentence, such as probation.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The accused is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted — the court did not establish guilt |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict — the prosecutor withdrew the charges or the court found them unfounded |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor decided not to pursue criminal prosecution |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Spartanburg
A certified copy of a criminal record is an official document with the seal of the court or relevant authority. Such copies are often required for employment, licensing, or legal proceedings.
Where to Apply
To obtain certified copies of court documents, contact the Clerk of Court's office:
Spartanburg County Clerk of Court
For an official state-level criminal history check, submit a request to SLED:
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
How to Submit a Request
- In Person: visit the clerk's office with a valid photo ID (driver's license or passport). Provide the case number if known.
- By Mail: send a written request including the full name, date of birth, case number, and a copy of the ID. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Through SLED: complete the criminal history request form on the SLED CATCH portal or submit fingerprints for a full check.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Spartanburg
The fee amount depends on the type of request and the processing agency.
| Service | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.25 — $0.50 | Set by the Clerk of Court's office |
| Certification | $1.00 — $3.00 per document | In addition to copying costs |
| Criminal history check through SLED (name-based) | $25.00 | Processing usually takes 5–10 business days |
| Check through SLED (fingerprint-based) | $25.00+ | May take longer; exact amount depends on the type of request |
The Clerk of Court typically processes requests for copies within one to three business days for in-person visits. Mail requests may take up to two weeks. Exact rates should be confirmed directly with the office, as fees may change according to court decisions or state legislative changes.