Find Traffic Court Records in Cherokee County
Cherokee County traffic court records are maintained by the magistrate court in Gaffney and the Clerk of Court at the Cherokee County Courthouse. If you received a citation on a road in Cherokee County, your case will be heard at the local magistrate court. You can search for open cases using the South Carolina traffic ticket search portal. This page covers how to locate Cherokee County traffic court records, how to pay or contest a citation, and how a conviction may affect your driving record.
Cherokee County Quick Facts
Cherokee County Clerk of Court
The Cherokee County Clerk of Court maintains official records for Circuit Court and Family Court in the 7th Judicial Circuit. The office is located at 110 Marble Street in Gaffney. The Clerk serves a four-year elected term as the official records custodian for the county. Staff provide jury management and administrative support for all court operations. If you need certified copies of traffic-related records or want to search older cases, contact this office directly.
The Cherokee County Clerk of Court page on sccourts.org lists current contact information and links to the public index for case searches. The 7th Judicial Circuit includes Cherokee and Spartanburg Counties. Public access to case records is available through the SC Judicial Department Public Index, which you can reach from the Clerk's page.
The SC Judicial Branch Clerk of Court listing for Cherokee County connects you to the statewide public index where circuit court and magistrate court case records for the county are searchable online.
The Cherokee County Clerk of Court entry at sccourts.org provides the direct link to the public index and contact information for requesting certified copies of court records in person or by mail.
| Office | Cherokee County Clerk of Court 110 Marble Street Gaffney, SC 29340 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (864) 487-2570 |
| Fax | (864) 487-0138 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | sccourts.org - Cherokee Clerk |
Cherokee County Magistrate Court
The Cherokee County Magistrate Court in Gaffney handles traffic violations, misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims up to $7,500, and landlord-tenant disputes. This is the primary court for traffic citations issued by the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the county. The magistrate judge is appointed by the Governor and serves as the chief judicial officer for summary court proceedings in Cherokee County.
Under South Carolina Code Title 22, magistrate courts have jurisdiction over traffic offenses and can impose fines up to $500 or imprisonment up to 30 days. Bond hearings are conducted for arrests made by local law enforcement. Court sessions are scheduled on designated days for traffic, criminal, and civil matters. The court coordinates with the 7th Judicial Circuit for case transfers and criminal prosecutions that exceed magistrate jurisdiction.
Every defendant in Cherokee County magistrate court has the right to request a jury trial for eligible cases. That request must be made before pleading guilty or paying the fine. Paying the ticket online or in person without requesting a hearing is treated as a guilty plea under state law. Payment plans may be available for defendants who cannot pay in full at the time of sentencing.
Note: The Cherokee County Magistrate Court provides information on traffic education programs and alternative sentencing options that may help eligible defendants avoid points on their driving record.
Searching Cherokee County Traffic Records Online
The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides two main tools for searching Cherokee County traffic court records. The first is the dedicated traffic ticket search, and the second is the broader case records search that covers all case types. Both are free to use and cover recent Cherokee County court filings.
The statewide SC traffic ticket search and case records portal is the primary online tool for finding Cherokee County magistrate court records, including traffic citations and case status.
South Carolina Code Title 22 establishes the authority of magistrate courts like the one in Cherokee County, including jurisdiction over traffic violations and the rules for jury trials and sentencing.
To search Cherokee County traffic records, visit the SC case records search portal or the SC traffic ticket search tool. You can search by name, case number, or ticket number. Results show charge information, court dates, and case status. For older records or certified copies, contact the Clerk of Court at 110 Marble Street in Gaffney.
Under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, traffic court records in Cherokee County are public records. A formal FOIA request must receive a response within 10 business days for records less than two years old and 20 business days for older records. Most recent case records are accessible through the online public index without a formal request.
Paying Traffic Fines in Cherokee County
You can pay traffic fines in Cherokee County online through the SC.GOV traffic tickets and court payments portal, or in person at the magistrate court in Gaffney. Be aware that paying online is treated as a guilty plea under Section 56-5-6220 of the South Carolina Code. That plea results in a conviction on your record and adds points through the SC DMV points system.
All magistrate court fines in Cherokee County include a mandatory surcharge under Section 14-1-207 of the South Carolina Code. The assessment is 107.5% of the base fine. A $200 fine, for example, results in a total of $415.00 owed. This surcharge applies statewide. If you cannot pay the full amount, ask about payment arrangements when you appear before the court. Payment plans may be available based on financial hardship.
If you plan to contest a Cherokee County citation, do not pay it. Contact the magistrate court in Gaffney and request a court hearing. Bring your citation and any supporting documentation to your hearing date. The South Carolina magistrate court overview at sccourts.org explains the general process for contesting traffic violations statewide.
Driving Record Points and Cherokee County Traffic Cases
A traffic conviction in Cherokee County magistrate court is reported to the SC DMV. Points are added to your driving record based on the type of violation. Reckless driving carries six points. Speeding 10 to 25 mph over the limit carries four points. Failure to stop, improper lane change, and similar violations often carry two points. Reaching 12 or more points leads to a license suspension.
Points are reduced by half after one year from the conviction date. They are removed entirely after two years. If you have four points or fewer, the Traffic Education Program may be an option. This program costs $140, can be used only once in a lifetime, and may help you avoid a suspension or reduce your point total. Full details are on the SC DMV points system page.
Your South Carolina driving record is available from the SC DMV driving records page for $6.00. You can choose a three-year or ten-year record. This document shows all convictions and points on file with the state. Employers, insurers, and courts may also pull this record when needed.
Nearby Counties
Cherokee County is part of the 7th Judicial Circuit with Spartanburg County. It also borders York, Union, and Chester Counties. If your citation was issued near a county line, the assigned court on your ticket will tell you which county has jurisdiction.