Criminal records in York County, South Carolina, are available through several channels. YorkSCCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through state court online portals, law enforcement agencies, and the York County Clerk of Court's office. Below are specific search methods, case structure, the procedure for requesting certified copies, and related fees.
How to Search Criminal Records in York
Start by determining what exactly you need: information about a specific case, a criminal history check, or inmate status. This will dictate which tool to use.
Online Search
- YorkSCCourt.us — enter the person's name or case number to view publicly available information about criminal cases in York County.
- SC Judicial Department Public Index — a statewide portal that allows searching for cases by defendant name or case number. Note: this portal is not an official county record but a reference tool.
- SLED CATCH — the Citizens Access to Criminal Histories system allows viewing and printing South Carolina criminal records by name. This is a paid name-based search through the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
- SC Department of Corrections Inmate Search — shows photos and public information about individuals currently serving sentences in state correctional facilities.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full first and last name of the person
- Date of birth (preferable but not always necessary)
- Case number, if known
In-Person Visit
The York County Clerk of Court maintains all court records, including General Sessions (criminal) cases. You can visit the clerk's office and use public access terminals to view cases. Bring identification.
Written Request
Send a written request to the York County Clerk of Court's office specifying the full name of the person, date of birth, and type of record requested. For a complete state criminal history, send a request to SLED by mail with a completed form and appropriate payment.
Search York Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific record. In South Carolina, General Sessions criminal cases typically have a format that includes:
- Filing Year — the first digits indicate the year the case was opened
- County Code — a two-digit numerical identifier for the county (York has its own code in the state system)
- Case Type — a letter designation indicating the category (e.g., "GS" for General Sessions)
- Sequential Number — a unique sequential number within the year and county
If you have the full case number, enter it in the appropriate field on the state court portal or inform the clerk during an in-person visit. This helps avoid confusion with namesakes and immediately obtain the desired record.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in York
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Below is an explanation of what each means.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the specific article of the SC Code of Laws under which the charge is filed |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Infraction |
| Amended Charge | The prosecutor may change the initial charge to a lesser or more severe one during the case |
Case Status
- Pending — the case has been filed but not yet heard
- Active — the case is in active court proceedings
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedural actions have been completed, including sentence execution
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — the defendant's first court appearance where charges are announced, and they plead guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-Trial — a procedural meeting to resolve motions before the trial
- Sentencing — a session to announce the sentence after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review — checking compliance with the terms of the sentence (e.g., probation)
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant was found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The defendant was found not guilty after trial |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict — the prosecutor dropped the charges or the court dismissed the case |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor officially dropped further prosecution |
| Acquitted | The court or jury acquitted the defendant |
In York County, criminal cases from misdemeanors to felonies are heard by the General Sessions Court. The docket is published on the county's website.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in York
Certified copies are officially verified documents accepted by employers, attorneys, and government agencies. Here's how to obtain them.
Through the York County Clerk of Court's Office
The Clerk of Court maintains all county court records, including General Sessions criminal cases. You can request them in person or by mail.
What you need:
- Photo ID (for in-person visits)
- Full name and date of birth of the person the request is about
- Case number (if known)
- Payment of applicable fees
Through SLED (State Criminal History)
To obtain a complete criminal history report within South Carolina, use the CATCH system online or send a request by mail to SLED. Fingerprint-based requests require completing the appropriate form and providing a fingerprint card.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in York
Fees depend on the type of record and method of obtaining it. Below are approximate amounts based on current rates.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 | Standard SC Clerk of Court rate |
| Document certification | $1.00 per document | Added to the copy cost; per S.C. Code § 8-21-310 |
| Criminal history search via SLED CATCH (online) | $25.00 | Name-based search; results available immediately |
| Fingerprint-based check (SLED) | $25.00+ | May include additional FBI processing fee |
Processing Time
- Online CATCH search — results usually appear within minutes
- Clerk's office request (in-person) — typically same day or within 1–3 business days
- Mail request to the clerk — 5 to 10 business days, depending on volume
- Fingerprint-based request via SLED — may take several weeks
Fees are set according to S.C. Code § 8-21-310 and internal rates of the York County Courts. Confirm current amounts directly with the clerk's office before submitting a request.