Coroner's Office

Contact Information, Office Hours
Functions, Office Responsibilities
FAQ's, Common Terms, History, Interesting Facts
Current Elected Official Biographical Information

Functions

Investigation of Deaths
Determination of Manner of Death
Family Notification of Unexpected Deaths
Inquests

The Coroner's Office conducts independent investigations of deaths in Charleston County, serving as a representative of the decedents and survivors. The investigation's purpose is to determine the manner of death and ensure that the circumstances surrounding it are thoroughly understood.

This Office Does

	Perform independent investigations into traumatic deaths, deaths that occur outside of hospitals and deaths that occur suddenly or unexpectedly
	Notify families when unexpected deaths occur, such as in traffic fatalities or homicides
	Make positive identification of individuals who have died
	Create reports that relate to deaths investigated by the Office
	Issue burial transit permits for individuals who have died outside of a hospital
	Provide autopsy and Coroner's reports to agencies and next of kin
	Make the final determination as to the manner of death
	Release personal effects to the next of kin
	Act as the central depository for all records relative to a death, including the Medical Examiner's Report, police investigative reports and any other investigative agencies' reports
	Maintain the County Coroner's Book of Inquisitions
	Conduct inquests
	Issue cremation permits
	Participate as a member of the Disaster Preparedness Team

This Office Does Not

	Perform autopsies
	Issue Death Certificates
	Provide burial services
	Determine property disposition (See Probate Court)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:	Does the state bury people?
A:	Currently the state provides no monies for burial except through the Victim-Witness Assistance Program, operated by the Solicitor's Office.

What are the minimum standards required for one to be elected Coroner?

To qualify as a candidate for Coroner, an individual must 1) be a citizen of the United States; 2) for at least one year, be a resident of the county in which he or she seeks the office; 3) be a registered voter; 4) attain the age of 21 before the date of qualifying for office; 5) have earned a high school or equivalent diploma; and 6) not have been convicted of a felony offense or any offense involving immoral behavior.

Q:	How does the Coroner's Office know when to respond?
A:	A law enforcement agency, medical facility or hospice agency notifies the Coroner's Office of a death that requires investigation.

Common Terms

Autopsy-- The dissection and examination of bone, tissue, organs and foreign objects for the purpose of determining the cause and manner of death.

Book of Inquisitions-- A record of all inquests within the county, together with evidence taken before juries and all proceedings conducted before or after the Coroner's findings.

Coroner's Inquest --An official judicial inquiry before a Coroner and Coroner's Jury for the purpose of determining the manner of death.

Victim Impact Panel-- A program, funded by a limited study grant, that conducts court ordered classes for persons convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

Victim-Witness Assistance Program-- A program that provides assistance to victims and witnesses by: making available information concerning their cases; supporting their rights to protection from intimidation; making referrals to medical, social, counseling and compensation services; assisting in preparation for court; and supporting families or survivors of victims.

History

The King of England appointed the first Coroner of South Carolina by relocating him from England to Charleston. Until 1706, the only Coroner in the colony lived in Charleston. Beginning in 1785, Justices of the County Court selected the Coroners who were commissioned by the Governor for two-year terms. Since 1868, and in accordance with the S.C. Constitution, each of the state's 46 counties have elected a Coroner to four-year terms.

Interesting Facts

	This Office offers prevention programs for schools. Topics include drinking and driving, weapons awareness and alcohol and drug abuse.
	For first and second time Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offenders, this Office sponsors a monthly Victim Impact Panel. The panel of speakers is composed of victims or family members of DUI drivers or actual DUI drivers.
	This Office sponsors programs in the medical community promoting prevention of infants' and children's deaths.
	The Coroner's Book of Inquisitions contains records dating back to 1878.

Contact Information

Charleston County Perimeter Center
4050 Bridge View Drive, Suite 500
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 746-4030
(843) 746-4033 (Fax)

Office Hours

Monday-Friday
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.