Jasper County Court Records

Jasper County court records are official documents generated, collected, or filed over the course of criminal and civil proceedings within the county's courts. These records serve as crucial components of the county's justice system, ensuring transparency and accountability. Obtaining such records can offer insights into the nature of a case, the identities of involved parties, procedural filings, motions, orders, judgments, hearings, and final decisions. Typical court records include but are not limited to, dockets, pleadings, motions, transcripts, affidavits, exhibits, witness lists and testimonies, and official judgments.

Are Court Records Public in Jasper County?

Yes. Most Jasper County court records are considered public records under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(A), members of the public have the right to inspect, copy, or receive electronic transmissions of non-exempt public records from a public body, including many court documents. However, access may be subject to reasonable restrictions regarding the location and timing of the review.

Despite this presumption of openness, South Carolina law recognizes certain exemptions. According to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-40, some Jasper County court records may be withheld from public disclosure. Examples include:

• Records specifically exempted from disclosure by statute or law.
• The work product of attorneys representing a public body, including any privileged correspondence.
• Material that would infringe upon the attorney-client privilege.
• Information that identifies a complainant or informant who reported a legal violation to a regulatory agency.

Jasper County Court Records Search

Individuals can search for Jasper County court records through any of the following avenues:

1. Jasper County Clerk of Court: The Clerk of Court's Office maintains many official court records, including civil, criminal, and family court filings.
2. South Carolina Judicial Department Online Services: The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides online resources, including case searches for certain courts.
3. Jasper County Magistrate Courts: Limited-jurisdiction courts maintain records on traffic violations, small claims, and certain misdemeanors.
4. Municipal Courts: City-level courts within Jasper County hold records related to local ordinance violations and minor infractions.
5. Third-Party, Independent Websites: While some websites claim to provide court records, their information may not be verified by government entities.

Jasper County Courts

Jasper County falls under the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit of South Carolina. Its court system includes the following courts and courthouses:

Jasper County Circuit Court
265 Russell Street,
P.O. Box 248,
Ridgeland, SC 29936
Phone: (843) 726-7710
Fax: (843) 726-7782

Jasper County Family Court
265 Russell Street,
P.O. Box 248,
Ridgeland, SC 29936
Phone: (843) 726-7710
Fax: (843) 726-7782

Jasper County Probate Court
P.O. Box 1028,
Ridgeland, SC 29936
Phone: (843) 726-7718

Jasper County Magistrate's Court - Bond Court
12008 North Jacob Smart Blvd,
Ridgeland, SC 29936
Phone: (843) 726-7737
Fax: (843) 726-7745

Jasper County Magistrate's Court - Central Traffic Court
967 West Adams Street,
P.O. Box 166,
Ridgeland, SC 29936
Phone: (843) 726-7717
Fax: (843) 726-3915

Jasper County Magistrate's Court - Hardeeville
21 Martin Street,
P.O. Box 1169,
Hardeeville, SC 29927
Phone: (843) 784-2628
Fax: (843) 784-3245

Jasper County Magistrate's Court - Ridgeland
967 West Adams Street,
P.O. Box 748,
Ridgeland, SC 29936
Phone: (843) 726-7933
Fax: (843) 726-4191

Hardeeville Municipal Court
26 Martin Street,
P.O. Box 582,
Hardeeville, SC 29927
Phone: (843) 784-3366
Fax: (843) 784-3422

Ridgeland Municipal Court
1 Town Square,
P.O. Box 1119,
Ridgeland, SC 29936
Phone: (843) 726-7500
Fax: (843) 726-7525

Jasper County Criminal and Civil Records

Civil cases in Jasper County are processed through the Common Pleas Division of the Circuit Court, while criminal matters proceed through the General Sessions Division. The Jasper County Clerk of Court retains and manages these records. Interested parties may visit or contact the Clerk's Office to request copies:

Jasper County Clerk of Court
265 Russell Street
P.O. Box 245
Ridgeland, SC 29936
Phone: (843) 717-2200

Requests for criminal and civil court records may be made in person or by mail. While most court records are publicly accessible, certain cases may be sealed by court order. Copy fees and administrative charges may apply, and requestors should confirm current rates when contacting the Clerk's Office.

Jasper County Marriage Records

The Jasper County Probate Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over issuing marriage licenses. It also maintains marriage records, including certified copies of marriage licenses and related documentation.

Jasper County Probate Court
358 Third Avenue
P.O. Box 60
Ridgeland, SC 29936
Phone: (843) 717-1100

Eligible individuals may also request marriage records from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Vital Records Office. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63, access to certified copies may be restricted to the married parties, their adult children, spouses, or legal representatives. Other requestors may only receive a non-certified statement confirming the event.

Jasper County Divorce Records

Divorce proceedings fall under the jurisdiction of the Family Court. Certified copies of divorce decrees, as well as other documents related to divorce cases, can be obtained from the Clerk of Court's Office. Additionally, the DHEC Vital Records Office can provide divorce reports for divorces granted since July 1962. Generally, divorce records are public, though certain sensitive information may be redacted or sealed.

Jasper County Birth and Death Records

Birth and death certificates are vital records maintained at the state level by the South Carolina DHEC. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63, certified copies of birth certificates are restricted to the registrant, their parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives. Death certificates are available to the decedent's immediate family, their legal representatives, or those with a direct and tangible interest. Non-eligible parties may receive a statement acknowledging that a birth or death occurred, without disclosing sensitive details. Requests for birth or death records can be directed to:

South Carolina DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (855) 472-3432

Fees, identification requirements, and permitted methods of application (online, mail, or in person) can be found on the DHEC website.

Jasper County Probate Court Records

Probate Court records include documents related to estates, wills, conservatorships, guardianships, involuntary commitments, and marriage licenses. Although most probate records are accessible to the public, cases involving minors, sensitive medical issues, or otherwise sealed information may be restricted.

Jasper County Property Records

Property-related filings such as deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats are recorded and maintained by the Jasper County Clerk of Court, as Jasper County does not maintain a separate Register of Deeds office. These records can be inspected during the Clerk's regular business hours.

Jasper County Court Records Online

While the South Carolina Judicial Branch provides certain online search tools, not all Jasper County court records may be available electronically. Third-party websites like Southcarolinacourtrecords.us may offer searchable databases of court records and indexes; however, these are not affiliated with or verified by the government. As a result, record availability and accuracy may not be guaranteed.