Pickens County
Pickens County is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and was originally part of the Cherokee homeland. Established in 1826 and named for Andrew Pickens, its population size stands at 135,495. The economy of the county is significantly supported by textile manufacturing, tourism, and recreational activities.
The Pickens County court system features five key courts, including Municipal Courts, Magistrate Court, Probate Court, Family Court, and Circuit Court. The Municipal Courts in Pickens County are tasked solely with the adjudication of criminal cases, particularly those that carry penalties of a $200 fine or jail sentence of up to 30 days. Additionally, they facilitate preliminary hearings for serious criminal offenses and have the authority to issue arrest or search warrants.
Operating from Pickens, Central, Liberty, and Easley, Pickens County Magistrate Court has both civil and criminal jurisdiction. It is authorized to hear criminal matters with a maximum fine of $500, 30 days in jail, or both. Also, this court handles civil matters for amounts not exceeding $7,500, landlord/tenant actions, and traffic cases.
The Family Court serves as a venue for addressing state law violations by persons under the age of 17, as well as matters concerning divorce, annulment, child custody, and adoption, while the Probate Court provides a platform for the resolution of matters related to decedent's estate, trusts, involuntary commitments, and the protection of minors by appointing a conservator or guardian.
The Pickens County Circuit Court presides over civil cases such as personal injury claims, property disputes, and contract disputes through its Court of Common Pleas. On the other hand, felony criminal matters and misdemeanor cases are resolved in its General Sessions Court.
The majority of the court records maintained in the Office of the Pickens County Clerk of Court are available for public inspection, printing, or copying. Upon request, the Clerk provides access to family, civil, and criminal court records. However, records about cases sealed by judicial order, juvenile records, adoption records, or dismissed warrants are inaccessible to the public.
Pickens County public court records can be viewed online through the Pickens County Public Index. If you need to obtain copies, you can submit a written request both in person or by mail. For civil and criminal records, visit the Criminal/Civil Department on the first floor of the County Courthouse with sufficient details. You may be requested to provide a photo ID to view certain records.
