Darlington 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
The Darlington County Clerk of Court serves the Circuit and Family Courts and keeps court records for Darlington County, part of the Fourth Judicial Circuit with Chesterfield, Dillon, and Marlboro counties.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Darlington County Clerk of Court (Circuit and Family Court records) |
| Clerk of Court | Scott B. Suggs |
| Main Address | 110 N Main Street, Darlington, SC 29532 |
| Main Phone | (843) 398-4330 |
| Judicial Circuit | Fourth Judicial Circuit (Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, and Marlboro) |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Darlington) |
| Handles | Circuit Court and Family Court records kept by the Clerk of Court |
| Does NOT Handle | Probate, Magistrate, Municipal, and Master-in-Equity Courts, which are separate trial courts |
| Online Case Search | publicindex.sccourts.org |
| Statewide Case Records Search | sccourts.org/case-records-search |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | sc.gov/court-payments |
How to Search Darlington County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search Darlington County court records. The Clerk of Court keeps these records.
Online
Go to publicindex.sccourts.org to search statewide court case records.
Search by party name or case number, then open the case summary.
Check each result against the case number before you rely on it.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status and parties
In Person
Go to 110 N Main Street, Darlington, SC 29532.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the Clerk of Court office which division handles your case.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Phone
Call the Clerk of Court at (843) 398-4330.
Ask which division holds your case and what records the office can provide.
Confirm any copy or search requirements before you visit.
Best for: Confirming case details before a visit
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
Darlington County Court Statistics (FY 2026)
Darlington County courts handled an estimated 5,058 new cases in FY 2026 across the case types covered here, and disposed of 3,546 criminal and probate cases. Criminal cases (General Sessions) and probate estate cases come from county reports; civil and family filings are estimated.
~5,058
Total filings in FY 2026
~4,991
Total dispositions in FY 2026
~5,058
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~-6.0%
Change in total filings vs FY 2025
| Metric | FY 2026 | FY 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~5,058 | ~5,381 | ~-6.0% |
| Total Dispositions | ~4,991 | ~5,309 | ~-6.0% |
| Criminal Filings | 2,095 | 2,458 | -14.8% |
| Civil Filings | ~1,310 | ~1,223 | ~+7.1% |
| Family Law Filings | ~989 | ~1,016 | ~-2.7% |
| Probate Filings | ~664 | ~684 | ~-2.9% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~1 | ~1 | ~-7.2% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~100 | ~108 | ~-7.2% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~1 | ~1 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Darlington County?
Estimated total filings in Darlington County moved up over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2026 | ~5,058 | ~4,991 | ~-6.0% |
| FY 2025 | ~5,381 | ~5,310 | ~-37.4% |
| FY 2024 | ~8,594 | ~8,481 | ~+73.2% |
| FY 2023 | ~4,963 | ~4,898 | ~-0.7% |
| FY 2022 | ~5,000 | ~4,934 | ~-34.6% |
Estimated filings changed +1.2% between FY 2022 and FY 2026, from 5,000 to 5,058. The largest annual change was +73.2% in FY 2024. The latest change of -6.0% was driven mainly by criminal filings.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Darlington County?
Criminal cases are the largest category in Darlington County, at about 41.4% of filings in FY 2026.
| Case Type | Filings FY 2026 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 2,095 | ~41.4% | -14.8% |
| Civil | ~1,310 | ~25.9% | ~+7.1% |
| Family law | ~989 | ~19.6% | ~-2.7% |
| Probate | ~664 | ~13.1% | ~-2.9% |
| Juvenile | ~100 | ~2.0% | ~-7.2% |
| Mental health | ~1 | ~0.0% | ~-7.2% |
Civil cases grew fastest and criminal cases fell fastest.
How Does Darlington County Compare With South Carolina Overall?
Darlington County is estimated to account for about 1.51% of the 334,712 cases filed in South Carolina courts in FY 2026.
| Metric | Darlington County | South Carolina | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~5,058 | 334,712 | ~1.51% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-6.0% | +3.8% | Below state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~5,058 | ~7,276 | Below state (estimate) |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~4,991 | ~7,180 | Below state (estimate) |
| Criminal share of filings | ~41.4% | 39.2% | Above state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~25.9% | 30.0% | Below state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~19.6% | 17.1% | Above state (estimate) |
Compared with the state, Darlington County has a higher share of family law filings and a lower share of civil filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates.
Darlington County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are South Carolina statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Darlington 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 | 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 Darlington County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Darlington County Courthouse Locations
Darlington County has 1 Clerk of Court location, at 110 N Main Street in Darlington. Confirm the courthouse and courtroom for your case with the clerk before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darlington County Clerk of Court Office | 110 N Main Street, Darlington, SC 29532 | (843) 398-4330 | Clerk of Court office for Circuit and Family Court records |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Darlington County?
In Darlington 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 Darlington County | Lower-level misdemeanors are heard in summary courts. |
| Felony | Circuit Court (General Sessions) for Darlington 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 Darlington County | Magistrate court handles small civil claims. |
| Eviction | Magistrate Court in Darlington County | Landlord-tenant cases are filed in magistrate court. |
| Divorce | Family Court for Darlington County | Family Court handles divorce and legal separation. |
| Child custody or support | Family Court for Darlington County | Family Court decides custody, visitation, and support. |
| Probate or estate | Probate Court for Darlington County | Probate Court handles wills, estates, and guardianships. |
| Juvenile case | Family Court for Darlington 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. |
Cases for Darlington County are heard in the trial courts of the Fourth Judicial Circuit and in the other South Carolina courts listed below. The Clerk of Court keeps Circuit and Family Court records.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are handled outside the courts, by the citing agency. |
| Divorce | Family Court | The Clerk of Court serves Family Court and keeps its records at (843) 398-4330. |
| Child custody or support | Family Court | The Clerk of Court serves Family Court and keeps its records at (843) 398-4330. |
| Probate or estate | Probate Court | Probate Court is a separate trial court from the Clerk of Court's Circuit and Family Court work. |
| Appeal | Court of Appeals or Supreme Court | These are the state appellate courts. |
Are Darlington County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Darlington County court records are public, with exceptions set by the Judicial Branch court records policy.
Public records
Most court case records are open to the public under the Judicial Branch court records policy, summarized at sccourts.org.
Restricted or confidential records
Records that the policy, a law, or a court order restricts are not available to the public. Do not expect sealed records to be released without a court order.
Online access
Search case records at publicindex.sccourts.org. Online results may not show every document, and restricted cases are not shown.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of Court office at 110 N Main Street, Darlington, SC 29532 to view or request records. Call (843) 398-4330 to confirm which division holds your case.
How to Search Darlington County Court Records Online
South Carolina offers an online public index that may show circuit, magistrate, and some municipal court cases from Darlington 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 Darlington 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 Darlington 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 the statewide Public Index to search Darlington County court cases, and ask the Clerk of Court for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, family, or probate.
- Open publicindex.sccourts.org or the statewide case records search.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details, parties, and status shown in the results.
- Call the Clerk of Court at (843) 398-4330 to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit and Family Court cases | Public Index | Case records held by the Clerk of Court | Documents may require the clerk; access follows court records policy |
| Traffic | Traffic Ticket Search | Traffic ticket lookup | Look up and pay separately from record search |
| Probate | Probate Court | Probate records | Separate court; not handled by the Clerk of Court |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Darlington County
Fines and citations for Darlington County cases can be paid through the statewide Judicial Branch payment site.
- Online: Pay through the Judicial Branch Online Payments site at sc.gov/court-payments.
- Traffic tickets: Look up a traffic ticket with Traffic Ticket Search before you pay.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the court.
Darlington County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Darlington County court records?
Use publicindex.sccourts.org to search by name or case number, or call the Clerk of Court at (843) 398-4330.
Are Darlington County court records public?
Most are, under the Judicial Branch court records policy, but restricted and sealed records are not available without a court order.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name or case number at publicindex.sccourts.org, or call the Clerk of Court at (843) 398-4330.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket or notice, then call the Clerk of Court at (843) 398-4330 for case information.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay online at sc.gov/court-payments, and look up the ticket with Traffic Ticket Search.
How many cases are filed in Darlington County each year?
County filing counts are not published here. The county had 62,888 residents in 2025.
What is the most common type of case?
County case counts by type are not published here, so no share of filings is shown for Darlington County.
Is crime rising or falling?
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
Darlington County Magistrate CourtMore Info
| Address: | 404 S. 4th St., Hartsville, SC, 29550 |
| Phone Number: | 843-332-9661 |
| Fax: | 843-332-7212 |
| Website: | https://www.darcosc.com/government/magistrate/index.php |
Useful Links
- Darlington County, SC - Courts - Visit the official Darlington County Courts page to access court records, dockets, and general court service information.
- Darlington County Public Index - Search for public records and case details directly through the Darlington County Clerk of Court's Public Index portal.
- South Carolina Judicial Department - Explore the South Carolina Judicial Department's website for comprehensive state court information, resources, and services.
- South Carolina Association of Counties - Access valuable information about county government services, including legal and judicial resources across South Carolina at SCAC site.
- Court Self-Help Resources - The SC Judicial Branch offers a self-help page providing links to legal forms, self-help materials, and information for pro se litigants.
- Darlington County Clerk of Court Information - Obtain contact details, responsibilities, and services offered by the Darlington County Clerk of Court.
- LawHelp.org - South Carolina - Browse resources offering assistance and educational material for legal issues in South Carolina, geared towards low-income individuals.
- South Carolina Library Association - Gain access to legal research materials available within South Carolina public libraries via the South Carolina Library Association.
- South Carolina Bar - Explore legal resources, lawyer referrals, and educational events from the South Carolina Bar Association for general public use.
- govinfo by U.S. Government Publishing Office - Search a large volume of federal documents, including judicial publications and records, through the official U.S. government platform.
- National Association for Court Management - Join a community offering insights and resources for effective court management and improvements in the service delivery of courts.
- South Carolina Probate Court Rules - Review the formal rules that govern procedures in probate courts within South Carolina, essential for probate-related cases and hearings.
- Legal Aid of South Carolina - Locate legal assistance and pro bono services offered by attorneys dedicated to serving underrepresented South Carolina residents.
- Justia - South Carolina Legal Guide - Explore comprehensive legal resources, case law, and guidelines specifically for residents of South Carolina on the Justia platform.
- South Carolina Legal Services - Discover legal services provided for those unable to afford legal assistance covering most civil law issues in South Carolina.
- Carolina Law Source - Court Records - An aggregated database providing direct access to court case records and legal research resources for South Carolina.
- FindLaw - South Carolina Law - Access a wealth of legal information and resources focused on South Carolina law tailored for legal professionals and the public.
- ACLU of South Carolina - Courts - Engage with ongoing civil liberties cases and court procedures through resources offered by the ACLU of South Carolina.
- Nolo - South Carolina Small Claims Court Guide - Explore guides for understanding procedures, rules, and common questions related to small claims court in South Carolina.
- The South Carolina Access to Justice Commission - Learn about initiatives improving access to justice across South Carolina, with a focus on court accessibility and legal services.
Table of Contents
- Darlington County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Darlington County Court Records
- Darlington County Court Statistics (FY 2026)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Darlington County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Darlington County?
- How Does Darlington County Compare With South Carolina Overall?
- Darlington County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Darlington County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Darlington County?
- Are Darlington County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Darlington County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Darlington County
- Darlington County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links