Court records in Richland County, South Carolina, are maintained by the county clerk of court and are accessible through online tools, official court portals, and directly at the clerk's office. RichlandSCCourt.us is a convenient resource for finding publicly available information about county court cases. Additionally, you can use the South Carolina Judicial Department's public index, the Columbia Municipal Court portal, or contact the clerk's office in person or by phone.
Richland Court System Overview
Richland County is part of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of South Carolina. This judicial circuit covers only Richland County. Courts of general jurisdiction — the Court of Common Pleas (civil cases) and the Court of General Sessions (criminal cases) — sit in the Richland County Judicial Center building. Magistrate courts handle lower jurisdiction cases throughout the county. The Probate Court operates separately, dealing with inheritance cases, guardianship, and conservatorship. The Family Court handles divorces, custody issues, and juvenile cases.
Courts Serving Richland
Residents of the county are served by several courts with different levels of jurisdiction.
State Courts
Federal Courts
What Types of Cases Richland Courts Hear
Richland County courts hear a wide range of cases — from minor offenses to serious criminal crimes. Here are the main categories:
- Felonies and misdemeanors
- Traffic violations and DUI
- Civil lawsuits (including small claims)
- Family law: divorce, custody, alimony, paternity
- Probate cases, guardianship, conservatorship
- Juvenile and child protection cases
- Adoption
District Court Cases in Richland
The Court of General Sessions hears all felony criminal cases in Richland County. A case reaches this court after a preliminary hearing in a magistrate court or by grand jury decision. A judge appointed by the chief judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit presides over the proceedings.
The Court of Common Pleas is a civil court of general jurisdiction. It hears civil lawsuits exceeding the jurisdictional limit of the magistrate court, as well as appeals from magistrate court decisions. It also hears motions for sentence review and post-conviction proceedings. Cases are distributed among judges according to the court's internal schedule.
Magistrate Court Cases in Richland
Magistrate courts are the first point of contact for most county residents with the judicial system. They have jurisdiction over:
- Criminal misdemeanors with a maximum penalty of up to 30 days imprisonment or a fine of up to $500
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Civil lawsuits up to $7,500
- Eviction claims
- Traffic violations
Small claims in South Carolina are heard by magistrate courts for amounts up to $7,500. DUI cases begin with the first hearing here, although serious charges are transferred to the Court of General Sessions. Due to the high volume of cases, individual magistrates may specialize in specific categories.
Family Law, Probate, and Juvenile Matters in Richland
Family Law
Family Court hears cases of divorce, child custody, alimony, protective orders, paternity establishment, and termination of parental rights. Certified copies of divorce reports can be obtained through the SC Department of Health or the clerk of court's office. The Secretary of State also provides information on certifying vital records.
Probate Cases
The Richland County Probate Court handles cases of deceased estates, appointment of guardians and conservators, and trust matters. This court operates independently of the Court of Common Pleas and has its own judge.
Juvenile Matters
Family Court also hears cases under the Juvenile Justice Act and Child Protective Act. Juvenile case records are confidential under South Carolina law. For information, contact the Family Court office at (803) 576-1920.
How Cases Move Through the Richland Court System
- Case Initiation. A criminal case begins with the filing of a complaint or issuance of an arrest warrant. A civil case starts with the filing of a complaint or petition in the appropriate court.
- Judge Assignment. The case is assigned to a specific judge according to the court's internal rules.
- First Hearing. In criminal cases, this is the arraignment (announcement of charges and setting of bail). In civil cases, it is a scheduling conference to establish the process timeline.
- Pre-Trial Phase. Filing of motions, exchange of evidence (discovery), plea negotiations in criminal cases, or settlement negotiations in civil cases.
- Trial or Resolution. The case concludes with a jury verdict, judge's decision, settlement agreement, or plea agreement.
- Post-Judgment. Sentencing, filing of appeals, enforcement of the court's decision.
Court Administration, Local Rules, and Public Access in Richland
The administrative judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit oversees the operation of courts in Richland. The Trial Court Administrator coordinates daily activities, hearing schedules, and case assignments.
Local court rules for the Fifth Judicial Circuit are available on the South Carolina Judicial Department's website. General access to court records is governed by the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Judicial Department rules. Most court records are public, except for juvenile cases, certain family cases, and records sealed by court order.
Hearings are generally open to the public. Some sessions may be held remotely — check with the court office. To search for case information, use the SC Judicial Department's public index.
Court Records and Related Court Resources in Richland
- Online Case Search. The SC Judicial Department's public index allows searching for cases in the Court of Common Pleas, General Sessions, and Family Court by party name or case number.
- Columbia Municipal Court Cases. Richland County maintains records for the Columbia Municipal Court — search them here by selecting Columbia Municipal Court.
- Criminal History. The SLED CATCH system allows viewing and printing criminal history records by person's name.
- Detention Center Inmate Search. The Richland County Detention Center online system shows information about individuals in custody.
- State Correctional Facility Inmate Search. The SC Department of Corrections provides photos and public information about inmates.
- Probationer Search. The SC Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services allows finding offender information and paying fees.
- Pardons and Expungements. Under SC law, the governor does not have the power to expunge records — this is done through the court according to the SC Code of Laws.
- Vital Records. Birth, death, and marriage certificates are issued by the SC Department of Health, including a regional office in Richland County.
- Tax Information. Richland County tax notices and assessor applications help determine property value and tax obligations.
- Clerk of Court's Office. For certified copies of court documents or to request public records, contact the Clerk of Court at 1701 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201, or call (803) 576-1950.
For more information about Richland County court records, visit RichlandSCCourt.us.