What are Colleton County Public Records?
Colleton County public records include information received, created, or maintained by government agencies. The Freedom of Information Act describes public records as books, photographs, papers, recordings, maps, and other documents regardless of characteristics or physical form. According to the law, members of the general public can request public records from government agencies and their officials. However, some records are not available to the public. The following are examples of restricted records:
- Trade secrets, such as unpatented or commercially profitable formulas, processes, or plans
- Personal information if disclosure would invade an individual's privacy. Such personal information may include names, addresses, and telephone numbers
- Law enforcement records that may disrupt prosecutory or investigative processes. Examples are records that reveal the identity of a confidential source, deprive anyone of their right to a fair trial or adjudication, endanger any person's life, or reveal the content of intercepted communications
- Documents containing contracts or other information related to the sale oo purchase of property, until the sale or purchase is concluded
- Records considered private by law
In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The name of the subject involved in record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Colleton County Crime Statistics
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) publishes annual statewide crime statistics received from law enforcement agencies in the state. According to the 2020 report, Colleton County recorded 3,201 offenses, a 19.6% decrease from the 3,981 reported in 2019. Specifics include 53 aggravated assault cases, 1 prostitution offense, 133 simple assaults, 34 stolen property offenses, 81 real property trespass incidents, 63 weapon law violations, 142 larceny theft offenses, and 23 motor vehicle thefts. The report also revealed 3 murder and nonnegligent manslaughter incidents, 65 disorderly conduct cases, 43 burglary or breaking & entering reports, and 197 drug law violations.
Are Colleton County Criminal Records Public?
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) ensures public access to Colleton County criminal history information. Interested persons may search using the SLED's Citizens Access to Criminal Histories (CATCH) online platform. Each online request requires a non-refundable $25 fee and an additional $1 convenience fee. Searching CATCH requires exact matches of the following:
- Last Name
- First Initial
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number (Optional)
Interested persons can also conduct name-based searches by mailing completed copies of the Criminal Records Check Form, a self-addressed and stamped envelope, and payment via a business check, cashier's check, certified check, or money order. Persons who require certified or notarized records must specify this preference on their requests. All mail requests should be submitted to:
SLED Records Department
P.O. Box 21398
Columbia SC 29221-1398
How to Obtain Colleton County Police Reports and Arrest Records
Members of the general public can request police reports and arrest records from the Colleton County Sheriff's Office. All persons may contact the Sheriff's Office's Records Section with information on the desired records. Submitted details should include applicable names, dates, and descriptions of relevant incidents. Interested applicants should reach out to the Records Section at the following address:
Records Section
Sheriff's Office Annex
208 West Washington Street
Walterboro, SC 29488
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Phone: (843) 549-1203
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Colleton County
The Colleton County Sheriff's Office provides public access to sex offender records through a searchable online registry. Anyone may find sex offender information by entering the offender's last name or first name on the registry's name search. Alternatively, the platform also provides a geographic search for persons who have address information. Record seekers may enter a street name, city, zip code, and specify that surrounding areas are searched up to a 3-mile radius. Online sex offender information includes a full name, aliases, primary address, gender, race, date of birth, physical description, offense information, and a photograph.
How to Find Colleton County Inmate Records
The Colleton County Sheriff's Office provides a public online Colleton Inmate Search on its Online Services page. Record seekers can search for Colleton County inmate records by entering information such as the inmate's name and arrest date. The registry displays the inmate's name, race, sex, age, arrest date, and release date. Search results may also show other specifics, such as offense details and bond information.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Colleton County Jail?
Persons looking to visit inmates must contact the Colleton County Detention Center to book appointments. Inmate visitation is available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and is scheduled according to the inmate's status, and the first letter of the inmate's last name. The schedule is as follows:
- A through G - 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Fridays
- H through O - 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturdays
- P through Z - 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sundays
Trustee visitation is from 9:00 am until 10:00 am on Fridays. Each inmate is allowed a maximum of one hour, notwithstanding the number of visitors. All interested persons may schedule visits by contacting the jail at the following address:
Colleton County Detention Center
22 Klein Street
Walterboro, SC 29488
Phone: (843) 549-5742
Fax: (843) 549-4321
Court Records
Colleton County handles all cases via Circuit, Family, Probate, Magistrate, and Municipal Courts. The Circuit Court is the county's court of general jurisdiction, handling cases via two divisions - the Court of Common Pleas division and the General Sessions division. The Colleton County Family Court hears domestic relations and some mental health matters, while Probate Courts decide estates, guardianships, wills, and conservatorships. The county's court system also features Magistrate and Municipal Courts that exercise limited jurisdiction over certain types of criminal and civil cases.
Locations of Courts in Colleton County
Colleton County Circuit Court
101 Hampton Street
P.O. Box 620
Walterboro, SC 29488
Phone: (843) 549-5791
Fax: (843) 549-2875
Colleton County Family Court
101 Hampton Street
P.O. Box 620
Walterboro, SC 29488
Phone: (843) 549-2870
Fax: (843) 549-7740
Colleton County Probate Court
239 North Jefferies Boulevard
P.O. Box 1036
Walterboro, SC 29488
Phone: (843) 549-7216
Fax: (843) 549-5571
Email: probate@colletoncounty.org
Colleton County Magistrate Court
Jessie D. Padgett Building
40 Klein Street
P.O. Box 1732
Walterboro, SC 29488
Phone: (843) 549-1122
Fax: (843) 549-9010
Cottageville Municipal Court
72 Salley Ackerman Drive
Cottageville 29435
P.O. Box 57
Cottageville 29435-0057
Phone: (843) 835-8655
Fax: (843) 835-8531
Edisto Beach Municipal Court
2414 Murray Street
Edisto Beach, SC 29438
Phone: (843) 869-2505
Walterboro Municipal Court
248 Hampton Street
P.O. Box 709
Walterboro, SC 29488
Phone: (843) 782-1057
Fax: (843) 549-7725
Are Colleton County Court Records Public?
Most Colleton County court records are public records. South Carolina law requires the Court Clerk's Office to entertain requests from members of the general public and provide access to records, or produce copies as requested. However, sealed records and juvenile court proceedings must remain closed to public access.
How to Obtain Colleton County Civil Court Case Records
Members of the general public can obtain civil court records from the Colleton County Clerk of Court. All parties may contact the General Sessions division with details of the desired records, including case descriptions, names of involved persons, charges, the overseeing judge, and other known specifics. Persons requesting Colleton County civil court records should note that access may require varying fees. Requestors should order using the following details:
Colleton County Clerk of Court
101 Hampton Street
P.O. Box 620
Walterboro, SC 29488
Phone: (843) 549-5791
Fax: (843) 549-2875
How to Obtain Colleton County Criminal Court Case Records
Colleton County criminal court records are available at the Court Clerk's Office through the General Sessions division. Interested persons should submit all known record details and descriptions to the Court Clerk's Office and pay fees as requested. However, applicants should note that sealed court records are not available to the public. Requests for Colleton County criminal court records should be submitted to the address below:
Colleton County Clerk of Court
101 Hampton Street
P.O. Box 620
Walterboro, SC 29488
Phone: (843) 549-5791
Fax: (843) 549-2875
What are Colleton County Vital Records?
Colleton County vital records detail important life events in the county, including marriages, divorces, deaths, and births. These vital records are obtainable from the Court Clerk's Office, Probate Court, or the South Carolina Department of Health. However, all parties should note that not all Colleton vital records are open to public disclosure.
Where and How to Obtain Colleton County Divorce Records
Colleton County divorce records are available at the Court Clerk's Office. Each applicant may request by providing the office with the names of both divorced parties, the date of divorce, and other related details, such as settlement information. Colleton County divorce decrees may cost varying fees depending on the volume of the record and whether or not the requestor wants a certified copy. All parties may submit requests to:
Colleton County Clerk of Court
101 Hampton Street
P.O. Box 620
Walterboro, SC 29488
Phone: (843) 549-5791
Fax: (843) 549-2875
Colleton County divorce records are also obtainable from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). However, records available at the DHEC are only for divorces finalized between July 1962 and December 2019. In addition, the department only fulfills requests from the following persons:
- One of the divorced persons
- Adult children of the persons
- Either person's current or former spouse
While the above persons may obtain certified Colleton County divorce reports, other requestors may receive a statement confirming the divorce, including the county and date of divorce. Applicants may request by mail or in person. Either request method requires a completed application form, a check or money order made out to "SC DHEC", and a valid government, employer, or school-issued photo ID. Each request costs a non-refundable $12 searching fee that covers the first copy, and $3 for each additional copy. Applicants should forward requests to:
DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 898-3630
Hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Where and How to Get Public Colleton County Marriage Records
Colleton County marriage records are available at the Probate Court. Public marriage records are obtainable by all persons who submit requests containing the married parties' names and the date of marriage. Interested persons may send written requests or visit the Colleton County Probate Court to obtain physical copies. All requests for desired records should be submitted to the court at the following address:
Colleton County Probate Court
239 North Jefferies Boulevard
P.O. Box 1036
Walterboro, SC 29488
Phone: (843) 549-7216
Fax: (843) 549-5571
Email: probate@colletoncounty.org
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Colleton County
The Colleton County Probate Court maintains certified copies of marriage records. However, only the following requestors can obtain copies:
- Either married party
- Either married party's adult child, current or former spouse, or legal representative
All interested persons may visit the Probate Court or submit written requests with details such as the names of the married parties and the date of marriage. Interested persons should note that the Probate Court may collect request fees, payable via cash, checks, or money orders. Applicants should forward requests to the address below:
Colleton County Probate Court
239 North Jefferies Boulevard
P.O. Box 1036
Walterboro, SC 29488
Phone: (843) 549-7216
Fax: (843) 549-5571
Email: probate@colletoncounty.org
Where and How to Find Colleton County Birth Records
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) maintains Colleton County birth records, but only issues copies to the following persons:
- The person named on the record if at least 18 years old
- The person's parent or legal guardian
- A legal representative of any of the above persons
If the person named on the record is deceased, an immediate family member or their legal representative may obtain the record if an original, certified copy of the subject's death certificate is submitted along with the request. However, all persons may obtain uncertified copies after 100 years from the date of birth.
Each Colleton County birth certificate request costs a non-refundable $12 search fee for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy. Requestors should submit completed copies of the application form, checks or money orders payable to "SC DHEC", and valid photo identification issued by the government, an employer, or a school. Record seekers should submit requests to:
DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 898-3630
Hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Where and How to Find Colleton County Death Records
Colleton County death records are maintained at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). However, for 50 years after the death date, access is restricted to:
- The decedent's parent, grandparent, sibling, current spouse, child, or grandchild
- Anyone legally representing any of the above persons
- A requestor that can demonstrate a tangible interest in a property or personal right to the record
Persons not listed above may receive statements confirming the death, the county of death, and the death date. The DHEC charges a non-refundable $12 searching fee for the first copy and $3 for each extra copy. To request by mail, an applicant must submit a check or money order made out to "SC DHEC", a valid photo ID, and a completed application form. Residents should forward requests to the following address:
DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 898-3630
Hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
