Lexington County Court Records
Lexington County court records are official documents that provide a detailed account of judicial proceedings within the county. They encompass criminal prosecutions, civil litigations, family disputes, and probate matters. These records also ensure judicial transparency and accountability by maintaining a permanent, verifiable history of legal actions and decisions. As primary custodian, the Lexington County Clerk of Court is responsible for filing, preserving, and managing all case-related paperwork in strict accordance with South Carolina’s public records laws and judicial rules.
While these documents are generated from the courtroom, they still function as a critical component of a broader public information system. They are distinct from, yet often interconnected with, arrest information held by law enforcement, vital records maintained by state health departments, and federal case files managed by the U.S. District Court. Ultimately, these records facilitate public access to the justice system, upholding the state’s commitment to an open and accessible government.
Are Lexington County Court Records Public?
Yes. In Lexington County, court records are public per the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq.) and accessible to any citizen for inspection unless specifically restricted by law or a court order. Court records of criminal cases, civil litigations, probate cases, and divorce are examples of records considered generally public, while juvenile records, adoption records, and judicially sealed records are considered restricted to public access. Individuals with interests in these restricted records must contact the clerk of the relevant county court to determine the eligibility criteria and process of accessing such records.
What Information is Available in Lexington County Court Records?
A typical court record in Lexington County will contain the information below:
- A case docket - a summary of the case charge & timeline
- The full names and details of the plaintiff(s) and defendant(s)
- Information of the Attorney on record.
- Dates of hearing and location of the courtroom
- Pleading and motions - formal requests made to the court, such as motions to compel.
- Court orders - outcome of a judicial petition signed by a judge, including sentencing orders for criminal cases, judgments, divorce or probate settlements, etc
- Financial records - records of bail, fees, fines, and costs paid to the court.
Lexington County Court Records Search
Court records in Lexington County can be searched through the following ways:
- Online Access - The South Carolina Judicial branch index is a free tool that provides easy access to court records filed in Lexington County. Users can search by party name, case number, or filing date range to find case summaries.
- In-Person Access - For records that are not available online or for those requiring official certifications, individuals can visit the Lexington County Clerk of Court at the Marc H. Westbrook Judicial Center (205 East Main Street, Lexington, SC). The Clerk of Court can also help locate non-digital files that may not be found on the public access terminals.
- Mail and Phone Requests - Formal requests for records can be submitted via mail when in-person visits are not possible. Written requests must include the case numbers and party names. Requesters must provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope to receive copies via mail.
Fees for Court Records in Lexington County
In Lexington County, each court record copy costs $0.25 per page with an additional $5.00 for certification for both mail-order and in-person requests. Payments can be made to the Lexington County Court by check or money order. Vital records like birth, death, marriage, and divorce records are managed by the South Carolina Department of Public Health. Each vital record search costs a non-refundable fee of $12.00 for a certified copy. Additional copies can be made for $4.00, and searches can be expedited for an additional $5.00.
Lexington County Courthouse Locations
The addresses and contact information of courts in Lexington County are listed below.
|
County |
Court Name |
Address |
Phone Number |
Division & Case types |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lexington County |
205 East Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072 |
(803) 785-8212 |
| |
|
Lexington County |
139 East Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072 |
(803) 785-2383 |
| |
|
Lexington County |
111 Maiden Lane, Lexington, SC 29072 |
(803) 951-4634 |
|
Criminal Records Access in Lexington County
Lexington County criminal records can be accessed via court portals or by visiting the office of the clerk of court at 205 E. Main Street to conduct an in-person search. While using online portals and public terminals available at the clerk’s office is generally free, requestors must pay a fee of $0.25 for each copy of the records made, with an additional $5.00 for certification. Requestors are also required to provide a valid means of identification to facilitate the search.
Official state-level criminal history checks are managed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and not the local county courts. Interested persons can perform a name-based background check for individuals in South Carolina through the SLED CATCH (Citizens Access to Criminal Histories) portal. Each online search costs $26.00 and $25.00 via mail.
Lexington County Probate Records
Lexington County probate records encompass a wide range of legal documents related to the management of an individual’s affairs, such as the administration of deceased estates, appointment of guardians for incapacitated adults, and the establishment of conservatorships to manage the finances of minors or vulnerable persons. These records are maintained by the Lexington County Probate Court.
While many modern filings are accessible through the South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index, access to the full content of these files varies. Requestors can typically view basic case information and filing dates online; however, older historical files or voluminous document sets may require an in-person visit to the Lexington Judicial Center.
It is important to note that transparency in probate matters is balanced against privacy. While most estate records are public, certain cases, particularly those involving mental health commitments or sensitive guardianship proceedings, are confidential or restricted by South Carolina law. Access to these protected files is limited to authorized parties or requires a specific court order.
Lexington County Family Court Records
The South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index allows users to search for basic information on divorce, custody, and child support cases, but access to real document images online is still mainly restricted. Adoptions and juvenile cases in particular are legally sealed and not accessible to the general public. Requestors must either visit the Lexington County Judicial Center or submit a written request by mail to get certified copies or complete case files. While official certification of a decree or order costs $5.00, copies are available from the Clerk of Court for $0.25 per page.
Federal Court Records in Lexington County
Federal cases filed in Lexington County fall under the jurisdiction of the Columbia division of the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. These federal records are primarily accessed through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records), a national database providing digital access to dockets and filings. While PACER charges a nominal per-page fee, costs are waived for registered users accruing less than $30 per quarter. Alternatively, the public may use free viewing terminals at the Columbia courthouse. Official paper copies provided by the Clerk of Court cost $0.50 per page, with a $12.00 fee for certification.
