Court records in York County, South Carolina, are maintained by the Clerk of Court and are accessible through official court portals, the clerk's office, and online tools. YorkSCCourt.us helps find public information about court cases in the county. Additional access points include the York County Clerk of Court office, the South Carolina Judicial Department public index, and state criminal record databases.
York Court System Overview
York County is part of the 16th Judicial Circuit of South Carolina. This circuit exclusively serves York County. The county court system includes the Court of General Sessions for criminal cases, the Court of Common Pleas for civil cases, Family Court, and Probate Court. Magistrate courts handle minor offenses, small claims, and traffic violations. The courthouse is located at:
Courts Serving York
State Courts
Court of General Sessions (criminal court)
Court of Common Pleas (civil court)
Magistrate Courts
Several magistrate courts operate in the county, including in the cities of York, Rock Hill, Fort Mill, and Clover. Contact information for a specific magistrate court can be found on the county courts page.
Federal Court
U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina — Rock Hill Division
What Types of Cases York Courts Hear
The county courts hear a wide range of cases. Here is a full list:
- Felonies and misdemeanors
- Infractions, including traffic violations
- Civil claims — from small claims to major disputes
- Family law: divorce, custody, child support
- Probate matters, guardianship, conservatorship
- Juvenile cases and child protection
- Adoption
- DUI and other traffic cases
District Court Cases in York
The Court of General Sessions is the main criminal court in the county. It handles felony cases after preliminary hearings in magistrate court, as well as serious misdemeanors. A judge from the 16th Judicial Circuit presides over these sessions. The General Sessions schedule is available on the county's website.
The Court of Common Pleas handles civil cases where the claim exceeds the jurisdiction of the magistrate court (over $7,500). Appeals from magistrate courts also go here. Cases are assigned to judges based on a rotational schedule set by the chief judge of the circuit.
Magistrate Court Cases in York
Magistrate courts are the first point of contact for most residents. They conduct preliminary hearings for felonies, handle misdemeanors, and minor offenses. Civil claims up to $7,500 also fall under the magistrate's jurisdiction.
Small claims are limited to $7,500 by South Carolina law. Traffic violations, including DUI arraignments, start here. Magistrates also issue arrest and search warrants. In larger cities like Rock Hill and Fort Mill, magistrates often specialize in certain types of cases due to high caseloads.
Family Law, Probate, and Juvenile Matters in York
Family Law
The county's Family Court handles divorces, child custody determinations, paternity, protective orders, and termination of parental rights. Child support issues are also coordinated through the Department of Social Services Child Support Division.
Probate Matters
The Clerk of Court's office manages the case docket, collects court fees, and maintains all court records.
Local court rules for the 16th Circuit are published by the South Carolina Judicial Department. Court records in the state are generally considered public under the state's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), but some categories — juvenile cases, sealed records, certain family cases — have restricted access.
Visitors can attend open sessions in person at the courthouse. For remote attendance options, contact the clerk's office at (803) 684-8510.
Court Records and Related Court Resources in York
- Online Case Search: The SC Judicial Department Public Index allows searching for case information by name or case number. Note: data on the portal is not an official record.
- Session Schedules: The current General Sessions schedule is available on the county's website.
- Clerk's Office and Record Requests: The Clerk of Court processes requests for certified copies and public records. Contact in person or by phone.
- Criminal History: The CATCH (Citizens Access to Criminal Histories) system by SLED allows viewing criminal records by name.
- Inmate Search: The SC Department of Corrections inmate search shows photos and public information about individuals serving sentences.
- Sex Offender Registry: Available through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
- Vital Records: Marriage, divorce, birth, and death certificates can be obtained through the SC Department of Health Vital Records Division. Divorce reports are also available separately.
- Land Records: The Register of Deeds maintains and indexes county property records.
- Highway Patrol: The South Carolina Highway Patrol (Troop Four) serves York County along with several neighboring counties.