Criminal records in Anderson County, South Carolina, can be accessed through online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. AndersonCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information for Anderson County. Additional access points include the South Carolina Judicial Branch's public index, the Anderson County Sheriff's Office, the Anderson County Clerk of Court, and the state criminal history repository maintained by SLED.
How to Search Criminal Records in Anderson
Several methods are available for searching criminal records in Anderson County. What you need to begin depends on the method, but having at least the person's full legal name is essential. A date of birth, case number, or booking date will narrow results.
Through AndersonCourt.us
Start at AndersonCourt.us to search for publicly available court record information in Anderson County. Enter the individual's name to locate case details, charges, and court dates.
Online — Official Portals
- SC Judicial Branch Public Index: The Anderson County Public Index allows searches by party name or case number for criminal, civil, and family court cases filed in the Court of Common Pleas, General Sessions, and Magistrate courts.
- Sheriff's Office Weekly Bookings: The weekly bookings page lists individuals recently booked into the Anderson County Detention Center, including charges and booking dates.
- SLED CATCH: For a statewide criminal history check, use the SLED CATCH system. This is SLED's official background check platform and requires the subject's name and date of birth. A fee applies.
- SCDC Inmate Search: To verify whether someone is currently incarcerated in a state prison, use the SC Department of Corrections inmate search. This tool does not cover county detention facilities.
- Sex Offender Registry: The Anderson County Sex Offender Registry, managed by SLED, lists registered offenders in the county.
In Person
Visit the Anderson County Clerk of Court office at the courthouse to search criminal case files. Public access terminals may be available during business hours. You can also visit any Anderson County Magistrate office for records related to summary court criminal cases, warrants, and bond hearings.
By Mail or Written Request
- Clerk of Court: Submit a written request to the Anderson County Clerk of Court specifying the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available). Include a return envelope and any applicable fees.
- SLED: For a formal state criminal history report, submit a request through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Fingerprint-based checks are required for certain employment and licensing purposes.
Information needed to search:
- Full legal name of the individual
- Date of birth (recommended)
- Case number (if searching a specific case)
- Booking date or arrest date (for detention center searches)
Search Anderson Criminal Cases by Case Number
South Carolina uses a standardized case number format across its court system. Understanding the structure helps you locate a specific case quickly in the Public Index.
A typical case number looks like this: 2024-GS-04-00123
- 2024 — The year the case was filed
- GS — The case type code. "GS" stands for General Sessions, which handles felonies and serious misdemeanors. Other codes include "MG" for Magistrate Court criminal cases.
- 04 — The county code. Anderson County is county code 04 in South Carolina's system.
- 00123 — The sequential case number assigned by the clerk's office
When searching the Anderson County Public Index, enter the full case number exactly as formatted. If you only have a partial number, try searching by the defendant's name instead and then locating the correct case from the results list.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Anderson
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | The South Carolina Code of Laws section the defendant is charged under (e.g., § 16-3-600 for assault and battery) |
| Felony | Serious offenses tried in General Sessions Court; may carry more than one year in prison |
| Misdemeanor | Less serious offenses; may be handled in Magistrate Court or General Sessions depending on severity |
| Amended Charges | Original charges may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations or prosecutorial discretion |
Case Status
- Pending: The case has been filed but not yet resolved
- Active: Court proceedings are underway
- Disposed: The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal, etc.)
- Closed: All matters related to the case, including sentencing and post-trial motions, are complete
Hearing Types
- Bond Hearing: Determines whether the defendant will be released before trial and under what conditions. In Anderson County, magistrates conduct bond hearings.
- Preliminary Hearing: Establishes whether probable cause exists to send the case to a grand jury
- Arraignment: The defendant enters a formal plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Pre-Trial: A conference to address motions, evidence, and potential plea agreements
- Trial: The case is heard before a judge or jury
- Sentencing: The court imposes a penalty after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review: A follow-up hearing to monitor compliance with probation or other court orders
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant was convicted, either by plea or verdict |
| Not Guilty | The defendant was acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | The prosecution dropped the charges or the court dismissed the case |
| Nolle Prosequi | The solicitor chose not to pursue the case further |
| Acquitted | The defendant was found not guilty after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Anderson
Certified copies of criminal records carry an official court seal and are accepted for legal, employment, and licensing purposes. In Anderson County, the primary office for these requests is the Clerk of Court.
Anderson County Clerk of Court
How to request:
- In person: Visit the Clerk of Court office at the courthouse. Provide the defendant's full name and case number. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail: Send a written request to the Clerk of Court at the address above. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth, case number (if known), the type of record needed, and a check or money order for applicable fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Identification required: A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) is needed for in-person requests. If requesting your own records by mail, include a copy of your ID.
Statewide Criminal History — SLED
For a comprehensive South Carolina criminal history report, submit a request through the SLED CATCH online system. This covers arrests and dispositions reported statewide. Fingerprint-based checks can be arranged through SLED for employment screening and professional licensing.
Probation and Pardon Records
For records related to probation, parole, or pardons, contact the SC Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Anderson
Fees for criminal records in Anderson County are set by state law and local court policy. Under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (Title 30), public bodies may charge reasonable fees for searching and copying records.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.25 | Set by SC FOIA for standard-size copies |
| Certified copy | Varies | Contact the Clerk of Court for the current certification fee; typically a flat fee per document |
| SLED CATCH criminal background check | $25.00 | Per search; paid online via the SLED CATCH portal |
| SLED fingerprint-based check | $25.00+ | Additional processing fees may apply depending on the purpose |
Processing Times
- In-person requests at the Clerk of Court: Often available the same day for cases in the electronic system
- Mail requests: Typically 5–10 business days, depending on volume
- SLED CATCH online: Results are usually returned within minutes for name-based searches
- SLED fingerprint-based checks: May take several business days to several weeks
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts directly with the Anderson County Clerk of Court or the relevant agency before submitting a request.