Cherokee County, SC Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
Cherokee County is part of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, which also includes the counties listed in South Carolina's official circuit map. The Cherokee County Clerk of Court keeps court records and serves the Circuit and Family Courts, while South Carolina's trial courts also include Probate, Magistrate, Municipal and Master-in-Equity Courts.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Seventh Judicial Circuit, Cherokee County (Circuit and Family Courts) |
| Main Address | PO Drawer 2289, Gaffney, SC 29342 |
| Main Phone | (864) 487-2571 |
| Website | sccourts.org |
| Clerk of Court | Brandy W. McBee, Cherokee County Clerk of Court |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Gaffney) |
| Handles | Circuit and Family Court records kept by the Clerk of Court |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for South Carolina) and probate matters, which are heard in the Probate Court |
| Online Case Search | Public Index |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | sc.gov/court-payments |
How to Search Cherokee County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready. Cherokee County court records are kept by the Clerk of Court.
Online
Go to publicindex.sccourts.org to search statewide court records.
Search by name or case number, then open the case details.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status and parties
In Person
Go to PO Drawer 2289, Gaffney, SC 29342.
Ask the Clerk of Court Office for help finding a record.
Best for: Records and copies not online
By Phone
Call (864) 487-2571 to ask the Clerk of Court Office about a record.
Have the full name or case number ready when you call.
Best for: Questions about a specific case
Search by Name on SCCourtAccess.org
Go to SCCourtAccess.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Cherokee County Court Statistics (FY 2026)
Cherokee County courts handled an estimated 3,711 new cases in FY 2026 across the case types covered here, and disposed of 2,927 criminal and probate cases. Criminal cases (General Sessions) and probate estate cases come from county reports; civil and family filings are estimated.
~3,711
Total filings in FY 2026
~3,662
Total dispositions in FY 2026
~3,711
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~+7.8%
Change in total filings vs FY 2025
| Metric | FY 2026 | FY 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~3,711 | ~3,442 | ~+7.8% |
| Total Dispositions | ~3,662 | ~3,396 | ~+7.8% |
| Criminal Filings | 1,900 | 1,660 | +14.5% |
| Civil Filings | ~682 | ~636 | ~+7.2% |
| Family Law Filings | ~595 | ~611 | ~-2.6% |
| Probate Filings | ~534 | ~535 | ~-0.2% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~1 | ~1 | ~+6.4% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~73 | ~69 | ~+6.4% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~1 | ~1 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Cherokee County?
Estimated total filings in Cherokee County moved down over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2026 | ~3,711 | ~3,662 | ~+7.8% |
| FY 2025 | ~3,442 | ~3,396 | ~-13.9% |
| FY 2024 | ~3,998 | ~3,945 | ~+0.9% |
| FY 2023 | ~3,962 | ~3,910 | ~-0.3% |
| FY 2022 | ~3,974 | ~3,921 | ~-10.9% |
Estimated filings changed -6.6% between FY 2022 and FY 2026, from 3,974 to 3,711. The largest annual change was -13.9% in FY 2025. The latest change of +7.8% was driven mainly by criminal filings.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Cherokee County?
Criminal cases are the largest category in Cherokee County, at about 51.2% of filings in FY 2026.
| Case Type | Filings FY 2026 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 1,900 | ~51.2% | +14.5% |
| Civil | ~682 | ~18.4% | ~+7.2% |
| Family law | ~595 | ~16.0% | ~-2.6% |
| Probate | ~534 | ~14.4% | ~-0.2% |
| Juvenile | ~73 | ~2.0% | ~+6.4% |
| Mental health | ~1 | ~0.0% | ~+6.4% |
Criminal cases grew fastest and family law cases fell fastest.
How Does Cherokee County Compare With South Carolina Overall?
Cherokee County is estimated to account for about 1.11% of the 334,712 cases filed in South Carolina courts in FY 2026.
| Metric | Cherokee County | South Carolina | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~3,711 | 334,712 | ~1.11% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+7.8% | +3.8% | Above state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~3,711 | ~7,276 | Below state (estimate) |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~3,662 | ~7,180 | Below state (estimate) |
| Criminal share of filings | ~51.2% | 39.2% | Above state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~18.4% | 30.0% | Below state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~16.0% | 17.1% | Below state (estimate) |
Compared with the state, Cherokee County has a higher share of criminal filings and a lower share of civil filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates.
Cherokee County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are South Carolina statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Cherokee County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 15.0% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 96.4% of South Carolina's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
20,950
Violent crimes, South Carolina statewide, 2025
92,086
Property crimes, South Carolina statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
376.1
Violent crime rate per 100K, South Carolina statewide, 2025 (population 5,570,274)
-15.0%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, South Carolina statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (113,036 vs 133,034)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide (murder) | 352 | 6.3 | 428 | -17.8% |
| Rape | 1,877 | 33.7 | 2,137 | -12.2% |
| Robbery | 1,527 | 27.4 | 1,942 | -21.4% |
| Aggravated assault | 17,194 | 308.7 | 19,581 | -12.2% |
| Violent crimes total | 20,950 | 376.1 | 24,088 | -13.0% |
| Burglary | 13,035 | 234.0 | 15,541 | -16.1% |
| Larceny-theft | 69,668 | 1250.7 | 80,928 | -13.9% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 8,880 | 159.4 | 11,872 | -25.2% |
| Property crimes total | 92,086 | 1653.2 | 108,946 | -15.5% |
Rates use the South Carolina 2025 population of 5,570,274. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Cherokee County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Cherokee County Courthouse Locations
Cherokee County has 1 Clerk of Court location in Gaffney. Check your case paperwork for the courtroom or division before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee County Clerk of Court Office | PO Drawer 2289, Gaffney, SC 29342 | (864) 487-2571 | Clerk of Court office for Circuit and Family Court records |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Cherokee County?
In Cherokee County, South Carolina, cases are heard in magistrate, municipal, circuit, family, or probate courts, depending on the case.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Magistrate Court or the municipal court that issued the ticket | Tickets within city limits often go to municipal court; others go to magistrate court. |
| Parking ticket | The city or agency that issued the ticket | Follow the payment and appeal instructions on the ticket. |
| Misdemeanor | Magistrate Court or municipal court in Cherokee County | Lower-level misdemeanors are heard in summary courts. |
| Felony | Circuit Court (General Sessions) for Cherokee County | Felonies are heard in General Sessions after a bond hearing in a summary court. |
| DUI | Magistrate or municipal court, or Circuit Court (General Sessions) | Lower-level DUI may be handled in summary court; more serious charges go to circuit court. |
| Domestic violence | Magistrate or municipal court, or Family Court | Criminal charges start in summary court; protection orders are filed in Family Court. |
| Civil lawsuit | Magistrate Court or Circuit Court (Common Pleas) | The amount in dispute decides which court applies. |
| Small claims | Magistrate Court in Cherokee County | Magistrate court handles small civil claims. |
| Eviction | Magistrate Court in Cherokee County | Landlord-tenant cases are filed in magistrate court. |
| Divorce | Family Court for Cherokee County | Family Court handles divorce and legal separation. |
| Child custody or support | Family Court for Cherokee County | Family Court decides custody, visitation, and support. |
| Probate or estate | Probate Court for Cherokee County | Probate Court handles wills, estates, and guardianships. |
| Juvenile case | Family Court for Cherokee County | Juvenile matters are heard in Family Court. |
| Appeal | South Carolina Court of Appeals or Supreme Court | Appeals go to the appellate courts; federal matters go to the U.S. District Court. |
Cherokee County cases are heard in South Carolina's trial courts, including Circuit, Family, Probate, Magistrate, Municipal and Master-in-Equity Courts. Confirm which court handles your matter with the Cherokee County Clerk of Court at (864) 487-2571, since the Clerk serves the Circuit and Family Courts.
Are Cherokee County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Cherokee County court records are public, with exceptions set by the South Carolina Judicial Branch court-records policy.
Public records
Most court records are open to the public under the Judicial Branch court-records policy, which is summarized on the Judicial Branch court access page.
Restricted or confidential records
Records that the policy, a rule, or a court order makes confidential are not available to the public. Do not expect sealed records to appear online.
Online access
Case information can be searched in the Public Index. Online results may show case information without every document, so ask the Clerk of Court for documents that are not online.
In-person access
Visit the Cherokee County Clerk of Court at PO Drawer 2289, Gaffney, SC 29342, or call (864) 487-2571 to confirm where a record is kept.
How to Search Cherokee County Court Records Online
South Carolina offers an online public index that may show circuit, magistrate, and some municipal court cases from Cherokee County.
- Identify whether your case is criminal, traffic, civil, family, probate, or juvenile.
- Open the official South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index.
- Search by county, court type, party name, or case number.
- Review the case details, parties, hearing dates, and dispositions.
- Contact the clerk or court in Cherokee County to request documents not available online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index | Circuit and many magistrate case records, charges, and dispositions. | Municipal coverage is partial; document copies come from the clerk. |
| Traffic | South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index | Traffic cases in magistrate and some municipal courts. | Not every municipal court is included; contact the issuing court. |
| Civil | South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index | Common Pleas and magistrate civil case information. | Filed documents are generally not provided online. |
| Small claims | South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index | Magistrate court civil case information. | Detail varies by court; confirm with the magistrate court. |
| Family law | South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index | Family Court case information may be listed. | Some family records are confidential; contact the clerk. |
| Probate | Probate records are held by each county Probate Court; check the court in Cherokee County. | Probate case information if offered by the county. | Probate is not part of the general public index; contact the probate court. |
| Juvenile | South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index | Little or no juvenile information is public. | Juvenile records are confidential and generally not shown online; contact the clerk. |
Use South Carolina's official Judicial Branch search tools to find Cherokee County cases, then ask the Clerk of Court for documents that are not available online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, family, or probate.
- Open the Public Index or the case records search on sccourts.org.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details for status and parties.
- Call the Clerk of Court Office at (864) 487-2571 to request documents that are not online.
This page does not list which case types appear in the Public Index, so confirm coverage for your case with the Clerk of Court.
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Cherokee County
The Judicial Branch offers online payments for court fines and fees, and the Cherokee County Clerk of Court can confirm other payment options for a specific case.
- Online: Pay court fines and fees at sc.gov/court-payments.
- Traffic tickets: Look up your ticket with the Traffic Ticket Search before you pay.
- Clerk of Court: Call (864) 487-2571 to ask about payment options for your case.
Parking tickets are paid through the agency that issued the ticket, so confirm payment details with that agency.
Cherokee County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Cherokee County court records?
Search the Public Index by name or case number, or contact the Cherokee County Clerk of Court at (864) 487-2571.
Are Cherokee County court records public?
Most are, under the South Carolina Judicial Branch court-records policy, but records made confidential by a rule or court order are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case in Cherokee County?
Search the Public Index by name or case number, or call the Clerk of Court at (864) 487-2571 for help.
How do I find a court date in Cherokee County?
Check your ticket or notice, or call the Cherokee County Clerk of Court at (864) 487-2571 to confirm the date.
How do I pay a traffic ticket in Cherokee County?
Pay court fines and fees online at sc.gov/court-payments, or look up your ticket with the Traffic Ticket Search first.
How many cases are filed in Cherokee County each year?
County filing counts for Cherokee County are not published here, so this page does not give an annual case total.
What is the most common type of case in Cherokee County?
Case-type counts for Cherokee County are not published here, so this page does not name the most common case type.
Is crime rising or falling in South Carolina?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 13.0% to 20,950 in 2025 from 24,088 in 2024, and property crimes fell 15.5% to 92,086 from 108,946, as reported to the FBI. These are South Carolina statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Cherokee County Magistrate CourtMore Info
| Address: | 312 E. Frederick St., Gaffney, SC, 29340 |
| Phone Number: | 864-487-2533 |
| Fax: | 864-902-8425 |
| Website: | https://cherokeecountysc.gov/government-services/magistrates-office |
Gaffney City CourtMore Info
| Address: | 201 North Limestone Street, Gaffney, SC |
| Phone Number: | 864-487-8524 |
| Website: | https://www.getintogaffney.com/court/ |
Useful Links
- Cherokee County – South Carolina Judicial Department Home Provides access to court records, resources, and services available through the South Carolina Judicial Department specific to Cherokee County.
- Public Index - 7th Judicial Circuit Court A search portal to query court records from the 7th Judicial Circuit Court covering Cherokee County, South Carolina.
- South Carolina Bar - Lawyers Serving the Community Offers legal resources, directory of attorneys, and public services to assist citizens in legal matters throughout South Carolina.
- Gaffney Ledger Newspaper - Public Notices Publishes public announcements, court notices, and other relevant information for Cherokee County residents and legal professionals.
- South Carolina Judicial Branch - Directory An extensive directory of South Carolina court contacts encompassing circuit, family, magistrate, and probate courts.
- South Carolina Judicial Department - Self Help Resources Provides legal forms, instructional guides, and resources for individuals representing themselves in family and civil court matters.
- South Carolina Legal Services - Justice for All Delivers free legal assistance to low-income South Carolina residents in various civil legal matters, enhancing accessibility to justice.
- FindLaw - South Carolina Law Offers a comprehensive overview of the state laws, legal resources, and regulations applicable within South Carolina.
- Cherokee County, South Carolina - Official Government Website The county's official website offering citizens access to county government services, resources, and latest news.
- South Carolina Attorney General - Public Information Provides public information on legal matters, consumer rights, and initiatives from the Office of the Attorney General.
- Access to Justice Commission South Carolina - Equal Access for All Strives to ensure equitable access to the civil and criminal justice systems for all South Carolina residents.
- Federal Judicial Center - South Carolina Information on the operations, history, and structure of the federal courts within South Carolina.
- Cherokee County Courthouse - County Registrar The courthouse offers property records, civil and criminal case dockets, and other crucial public records services.
- South Carolina Judicial Branch - Court Orders An online archive of orders issued by the higher courts in South Carolina, searchable by county and legal matter.
- United States Courts - Gaffney, SC Locator information for federal courts in Gaffney, including contact details and operational hours.
- South Carolina Law Answers - A Free Legal Resource A public service facilitating free legal Q&A where South Carolina residents can obtain answers to legal questions.
- South Carolina Freedom of Information Act Resource Comprehensive information on public records access under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
- Pro Bono Net - South Carolina A network providing free legal assistance, resources, and volunteer opportunities for legal professionals in South Carolina.
- Justia – South Carolina Lawyers Connect with lawyers in South Carolina by speciality, rating, and location, with profiles for legal professionals across the state.
- South Carolina Business Court – Judicial Resources Resources and information about the South Carolina Business Court, addressing complex corporate and commercial disputes.
Table of Contents
- Cherokee County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Cherokee County Court Records
- Cherokee County Court Statistics (FY 2026)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Cherokee County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Cherokee County?
- How Does Cherokee County Compare With South Carolina Overall?
- Cherokee County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Cherokee County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Cherokee County?
- Are Cherokee County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Cherokee County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Cherokee County
- Cherokee County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links