Criminal records in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, are available through several channels. OrangeburgCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, county law enforcement agencies, and the clerk of court's office—both online and in person or by mail.
How to Search Criminal Records in Orangeburg
Start your search with OrangeburgCourt.us, where you can find public information about criminal cases in Orangeburg County. You will need the person's full name or case number to search.
Online Search Through Official Portals
- South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index — The public index of court cases allows you to search by defendant's name or case number. Select Orangeburg County in the filter.
- SLED CATCH — The Citizens Access to Criminal Histories system provides access to criminal histories in the state of South Carolina. The search is conducted by name.
- Sex Offender Registry — The registry page for Orangeburg County allows you to check the status of registered individuals. The general state registry is also available.
- Inmate Search — The SC Department of Corrections database contains records of individuals under state supervision.
In-Person Visit
The Orangeburg County Clerk of Court provides access to public court records at the courthouse. There are usually terminals available for self-search. Bring your ID with you.
Mail Request
A written request can be sent to the county clerk of court at the address above. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number. Attach a copy of your ID and payment for copies. To obtain an official state-level criminal history, send a request to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
What you need to start a search:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
Search Orangeburg Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each criminal case in South Carolina is assigned a unique number. The format of the case number in the state's general courts usually looks like this:
YYYY-AA-NNNNN-XX
- YYYY — the year the case was filed (e.g., 2024)
- AA — the case type code. For criminal cases in Circuit Court, "GS" (General Sessions) is used. Magistrate Court may have other codes.
- NNNNN — the sequential case number for the year
- XX — additional digits or letters identifying the specific court division or county
With the exact case number, enter it in the appropriate field on the state's Judicial Department Public Index portal. This is the fastest way to find a specific case—the result is returned immediately without the need to filter by name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Orangeburg
Charges
| Item | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific section of the SC Code of Laws (e.g., § 16-13-30 — theft) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the charges after the case begins—the new charge is reflected in the record |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — the case is actively being considered by the court
- Disposed — the court has rendered a final decision
- Closed — all procedures are completed, and the case is closed
Hearings
In criminal cases in Orangeburg County, the courts conduct the following hearings:
- Arraignment — the first court session where the defendant learns about the charges and states their plea (guilty/not guilty)
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-Trial — a preparatory session before the trial
- Sentencing — the issuance of a sentence after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review — checking compliance with the terms of the sentence (e.g., probation)
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Found not guilty |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor dropped the charges |
| Acquitted | Acquitted after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Orangeburg
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with the court's seal, accepted by other institutions. In Orangeburg County, they are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the clerk of court's office at the address below. Bring valid photo ID (driver's license or passport).
- By Mail — send a written request including the person's name, date of birth, case number (if known), a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Through SLED — to obtain a complete state-level criminal history, use the SLED CATCH system or submit a background check request through SLED.
For federal criminal cases heard in South Carolina, requests are processed by the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina through the PACER system.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Orangeburg
Fees for copies of court records in South Carolina are regulated by state law. Below are approximate rates—check with the clerk of court for current amounts.
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document | Typically $0.25–$0.50 per page | Depends on the type of document |
| Certification of copy | From $1.00 per document | Added to the cost of copying |
| Criminal history check via SLED CATCH | $25.00 | Online, by name search |
| Fingerprint check via SLED | $25.00+ | For employers and licensing agencies |
Processing times depend on the method of request submission. Online search via SLED CATCH provides results within minutes. Mail requests to the clerk of court are usually processed within 5–10 business days. During peak court periods, processing times may increase. Payment for fines and court payments is made separately through the state portal.