South Carolina Arrest Records

South Carolina Public Records /South Carolina Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in South Carolina?

Arrest records in South Carolina are generally regarded as public records under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30‑4‑10 et seq.), which provides that citizens may inspect government-held documents unless specifically exempted by law.

However, public access is not absolute. Records may be withheld if disclosure could interfere with law enforcement proceedings, invade personal privacy, compromise the identity of a confidential source, endanger someone's safety, or expose law enforcement techniques.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in South Carolina?

Access to arrest records in South Carolina is primarily governed by the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in Title 30, Chapter 4 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. This comprehensive legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings.

Additional laws that impact access to arrest records include:

South Carolina Code of Laws Title 23, Chapter 3 - Governs the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and its role in maintaining criminal history records.
South Carolina Code of Laws Title 17, Chapter 22 - Addresses expungement of criminal records, which can remove certain arrest records from public access.
South Carolina Code of Laws Title 63, Chapter 19 - Contains provisions regarding juvenile records, which have special protections and limited public access.
Federal Privacy Act of 1974 - Provides additional protections for records maintained by federal agencies.
Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy - Federal guidelines that impact how criminal justice information, including arrest records, is handled and shared.

These laws collectively establish a balance between the public's right to information and individuals' privacy rights, creating a structured system for the management of and access to arrest records throughout South Carolina.

What Information Is Included in a South Carolina Arrest Record?

A typical South Carolina arrest record contains comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. These records serve as official documentation of an arrest and typically include:

Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Address at time of arrest
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Booking number
- Detention facility information
Criminal Charge Information:
- Specific charges filed
- Statute citations for alleged violations
- Classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
- Description of the alleged criminal activity
- Weapon information (if applicable)
Case Processing Information:
- Court docket number
- Bond/bail information
- Court appearance dates
- Disposition of charges (if resolved)
- Sentencing information (if convicted)
Criminal History Context:
- Prior arrests and convictions (may be referenced)
- Probation or parole status at time of arrest

The comprehensiveness of information may vary depending on the stage of the criminal justice process and the specific law enforcement agency involved. Additionally, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, particularly in cases involving minors, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in South Carolina in 2025

Obtaining arrest records in South Carolina can be accomplished through several official channels, depending on your specific needs and the type of information you're seeking. Here are the primary methods for accessing arrest records in 2025:

In-Person Requests

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
SLED is the central repository for criminal history information in South Carolina.

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
4400 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 737-9000
SLED Official Website

Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
County Sheriff's Offices
Local sheriff's offices maintain records of arrests made within their jurisdiction.
Local Police Departments
Municipal police departments keep records of arrests made within city limits.
County Clerk of Court
For arrest records that have proceeded to court cases.

Visit the courthouse in the county where the arrest occurred.

By Mail

To request arrest records by mail, send a written request including:

Full name of the person whose record you're seeking
Date of birth
Social Security Number (if available)
Purpose of the request
A copy of your identification
Required fee payment

Mail requests to:

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
Attn: Records Department
P.O. Box 21398
Columbia, SC 29221-1398

Required Documentation

When requesting arrest records, be prepared to provide:

Government-issued photo ID
Completed request form (available at the agency or downloadable from their website)
Payment for applicable fees
Notarized authorization (if requesting someone else's records)
Court order (if applicable for sealed or restricted records)

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's advisable to contact the specific agency before making your request, as procedures and requirements may change over time.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in South Carolina

South Carolina offers several digital resources for accessing arrest records online, providing convenient alternatives to in-person requests. Here are the primary online methods for finding arrest records in the state:

Official Government Websites

SLED CATCH (Citizens Access To Criminal Histories)
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division provides an online portal for criminal history checks.
- Website: SLED CATCH Portal
- Requires registration and payment
- Provides official criminal history information
South Carolina Judicial Branch Case Search
- Website: SC Public Index
- Searchable by name or case number
- Provides court case information related to arrests
County Sheriff's Office Websites
Many county sheriff's offices maintain online inmate/arrest search tools:
Municipal Police Department Websites
Larger city police departments often provide online arrest information:
- Columbia Police Department
- Charleston Police Department

Search Requirements

When using online systems, you'll typically need to provide:

First and last name of the individual
Date of birth (for more accurate results)
Case number (if known)
Date range (for some systems)

Important Considerations

Online records may not be comprehensive or completely up-to-date
Some systems only show recent arrests or current inmates
Certain sensitive cases may be excluded from online databases
Official record requests may still be necessary for complete information
Third-party websites may contain inaccurate information

For the most reliable results, it's advisable to use official government websites rather than third-party services that aggregate public records, as these may contain outdated or inaccurate information.

Who Can Access Arrest Records in South Carolina?

Access to arrest records in South Carolina varies based on the requesting party's status and purpose. The state maintains different levels of access for different categories of requesters:

General Public Access

Members of the general public can access basic arrest record information, including:

Name of the arrested individual
Charges filed
Date of arrest
Arresting agency
Court case status (if applicable)

However, public access may be limited for certain types of cases or information.

Enhanced Access Categories

Criminal Justice Agencies
Law enforcement, courts, and corrections have complete access to arrest records for official purposes.
Government Agencies
State and federal agencies may access records for employment screening, licensing, and regulatory functions.
Legal Representatives
Attorneys representing individuals have access to their clients' complete records.
The Individual
Persons can access their own arrest records in full, including information that might be redacted for public requests.
Authorized Researchers
Academic and policy researchers may gain access with proper authorization and data protection protocols.
Employers and Licensing Boards
May have limited access for background checks as permitted by law, often requiring consent from the subject.
News Media
Journalists have the same access rights as the general public but may receive expedited processing for FOIA requests.

Access Restrictions

Access is restricted for:

Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
Expunged or sealed records
Records related to ongoing investigations
Victim information in sensitive cases
Records where disclosure would constitute an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy

The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act establishes these access parameters, while additional regulations like the Fair Credit Reporting Act govern how arrest information can be used for employment and other purposes.

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in South Carolina?

Yes, South Carolina agencies charge fees for providing arrest records and criminal history information. These fees help cover the administrative costs associated with processing requests, maintaining databases, and providing certified documents. Fee structures vary by agency and request type:

State-Level Fee Structure

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)

Criminal History Record Check: $25 per name/record
Expedited Service: Additional $10
Apostille/Authentication: $5 per document
Certified Copies: $3 per document

County and Municipal Fee Structures

Fees at the local level vary by jurisdiction but typically include:

County Sheriff's Offices

Incident/Arrest Reports: $5-15 per report
Background Checks: $10-25
Certified Copies: $2-5 per document

Municipal Police Departments

Incident/Arrest Reports: $5-20 per report
Local Background Checks: $10-25
Administrative Processing Fee: $2-10

Clerk of Court Offices

Court Records Related to Arrests: $5-25
Certified Court Documents: $5-10 per document
Record Search Fee: $5-15 per name

Fee Waivers and Reductions

Fee waivers or reductions may be available in certain circumstances:

Indigent individuals (with proper documentation)
Government agencies requesting records for official purposes
Nonprofit organizations with qualifying purposes
Academic researchers with approved research protocols

Payment Methods

Most agencies accept:

Credit/debit cards (online requests)
Money orders
Cashier's checks
Cash (in-person only)
Personal checks (some agencies)

For the most current fee information, it's advisable to contact the specific agency from which you're requesting records, as fees are subject to change and may be updated periodically by state or local authorities.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in South Carolina

South Carolina maintains arrest records for extended periods, with retention schedules varying based on the type of record, the severity of the offense, and the final disposition of the case. Understanding these retention periods is important for individuals seeking records or considering expungement options.

Standard Retention Periods

Arrest Records Without Conviction
- Misdemeanor arrests: Typically maintained for 3-7 years
- Felony arrests: Maintained for 10+ years, even without conviction
Arrest Records With Conviction
- Misdemeanor convictions: Permanently maintained in most cases
- Felony convictions: Permanently maintained
Juvenile Arrest Records
- Generally maintained until the individual reaches age 21
- Serious offenses may be maintained longer or permanently
- Subject to special confidentiality provisions under SC Code § 63-19-2010

Agency-Specific Retention Policies

Different agencies maintain records according to their own schedules:

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)

Maintains the central repository of criminal history information
Retains most records permanently unless expungement is ordered
Follows the South Carolina Department of Archives and Records Management retention schedules

County Sheriff's Offices and Police Departments

Generally follow state guidelines but may have supplemental policies
Typically maintain arrest records for at least 10 years
May archive older records rather than destroying them

South Carolina Court Administration

Court records related to arrests are typically maintained permanently
Electronic court records retention began in the early 2000s
Older paper records may have been microfilmed or digitized

Legal Framework for Records Retention

Record retention is governed by:

South Carolina Public Records Act
SC Department of Archives and History guidelines
Agency-specific policies approved by the state records administrator

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in South Carolina Arrest Records?

When arrest records are released to the public in South Carolina, certain sensitive information is typically redacted or restricted to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, and vulnerable individuals. Understanding these redactions is important for those requesting or reviewing arrest records.

Commonly Redacted Information

Personal Identifiers
- Social Security Numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account information
- Date of birth (may be partially redacted)
- Home addresses of certain protected individuals
Victim Information
- Names and identifying details of sexual assault victims
- Information about minor victims
- Victim contact information
- Medical information related to victims
Witness Information
- Names of confidential informants
- Contact information for witnesses
- Information that could endanger witnesses
Investigative Details
- Information that could compromise ongoing investigations
- Undercover officer identities
- Specific investigative techniques
- Grand jury information
Juvenile Information
- Records involving minors are heavily restricted under SC Code § 63-19-2010
- Juvenile arrest information is generally not available to the public
Medical and Mental Health Information
- Details about arrestee medical conditions
- Mental health evaluations or history
- Substance abuse treatment information
- Information protected by HIPAA

Legal Basis for Redactions

Redactions are authorized under several legal provisions:

SC Freedom of Information Act exemptions (§ 30-4-40)
Federal Privacy Act of 1974
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Violence Against Women Act
Court orders protecting specific information
SC Victims' Bill of Rights

Special Categories with Enhanced Protection

Certain arrest records receive enhanced protection or complete restriction:

Expunged records (legally treated as if they never existed)
Sealed records (available only by court order)
Records related to human trafficking victims
Records involving national security matters
Records of individuals in witness protection programs

When requesting arrest records, be aware that the version provided to the public will likely contain these redactions. Law enforcement agencies, courts, and other authorized entities may have access to unredacted versions for official purposes.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in South Carolina

South Carolina law provides several mechanisms for sealing or destroying arrest records through expungement processes. Expungement effectively removes arrests and related records from public access, though some information may remain available to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes.

Eligibility for Expungement

South Carolina offers expungement options for various situations:

Charges Dismissed or Not Prosecuted
- Eligible immediately after dismissal or decision not to prosecute
- Governed by SC Code § 17-22-950
Not Guilty Verdicts/Acquittals
- Eligible immediately after acquittal
- Process outlined in SC Code § 17-1-40
First Offense Convictions for Certain Crimes
- Eligible after waiting periods (typically 3-5 years)
- Must have no subsequent convictions
- Includes certain drug offenses, minor in possession, and specific misdemeanors
- Governed by SC Code § 22-5-910
Juvenile Records
- Special provisions under SC Code § 63-19-2050
- Generally eligible when the person reaches age 18
Pretrial Intervention Program Completion
- Available after successful completion of PTI program
- Governed by SC Code § 17-22-150
Conditional Discharge Programs
- Available after successful completion of program requirements
- Applies to certain first-time drug offenses

Expungement Process

The process for expunging records typically involves:

Determine Eligibility
- Review statutes or consult with an attorney
- Obtain criminal history record to confirm eligibility
Obtain Required Forms
- Available from the South Carolina Judicial Department or county solicitor's office
- SC Judicial Branch Expungement Information
Pay Application Fee
- $310 administrative fee (as of 2025)
- Additional $25 filing fee
- Fee waivers available in limited circumstances
Submit Application
- File with the solicitor's office in the county where the arrest occurred
- Include all required documentation and verification
Review Process
- Solicitor reviews application
- SLED verifies eligibility
- Judge issues expungement order if approved
Implementation
- Court order distributed to all relevant agencies
- Records removed from public access or destroyed
- Process typically takes 90-120 days

Limitations of Expungement

Even after expungement:

Certain agencies may retain records for law enforcement purposes
Federal agencies may still have access to the information
Some professional licensing boards may have access under specific circumstances
Expunged records may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings

For complex cases or individuals with multiple arrests, consulting with an attorney specializing in expungement law is highly recommended.

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in South Carolina?

South Carolina law places significant restrictions on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and other contexts. These limitations are designed to protect individuals from discrimination based on arrests that did not result in convictions and to promote rehabilitation.

Employment Restrictions

Ban the Box Provisions
- Some South Carolina municipalities have adopted "ban the box" policies for public employment
- These policies prohibit asking about criminal history on initial job applications
- Private employers are encouraged but not required to follow similar practices
Relevance Requirements
- Employers must demonstrate that an arrest record is directly relevant to the position
- SC Human Affairs Commission provides guidance on appropriate use
Expunged Record Protections
- Employers cannot ask about expunged arrests
- Individuals may legally deny the existence of expunged arrests
- Protected under SC Code § 17-22-960

Housing Limitations

Public Housing
- Public housing authorities must follow HUD guidelines on the use of arrest records
- Arrest without conviction generally cannot be sole basis for denial
- HUD Guidance on Criminal Records
Private Housing
- Fair housing laws limit how arrest records can be used
- Blanket policies against all applicants with arrest records may violate fair housing laws
- Case-by-case assessment is recommended

Additional Use Restrictions

Credit and Financial Services
- The Fair Credit Reporting Act limits reporting of arrest records older than seven years
- Consumer reporting agencies must follow strict guidelines
Education
- Colleges and universities have varying policies on considering arrest records
- Many institutions follow guidance from the U.S. Department of Education
Professional Licensing
- Licensing boards must typically consider whether an arrest is directly related to the occupation
- Many boards have adopted "direct relationship" tests
Insurance
- Insurers may be limited in how they use arrest information for underwriting
- Regulated by the SC Department of Insurance

Legal Consequences for Misuse

Improper use of arrest records can result in:

Discrimination claims under state and federal law
Complaints to regulatory agencies
Civil lawsuits for damages
Administrative penalties

Organizations and individuals who regularly use arrest records for background screening should develop clear policies that comply with relevant laws and consider consulting with legal counsel to ensure compliance with current regulations.

Lookup Arrest Records in South Carolina

State Repositories and Agencies

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
4400 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 737-9000
SLED Official Website

South Carolina Department of Corrections
4444 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 896-8500
SC Department of Corrections

South Carolina Judicial Branch
1231 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 734-1800
SC Judicial Branch

South Carolina Attorney General's Office
Rembert C. Dennis Building
1000 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 734-3970
SC Attorney General

South Carolina Department of Archives and History
8301 Parklane Road
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 896-6100
SC Archives and History

County Sheriff's Offices

Richland County Sheriff's Department
5623 Two Notch Road
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 576-3000
Richland County Sheriff

Charleston County Sheriff's Office
3691 Leeds Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 202-1700
Charleston County Sheriff

Greenville County Sheriff's Office
4 McGee Street
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 467-5300
Greenville County Sheriff

Horry County Sheriff's Office
1301 2nd Avenue
Conway, SC 29526
(843) 915-5450
Horry County Sheriff

Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office
8045 Howard Street
Spartanburg, SC 29303
(864) 503-4500
Spartanburg County Sheriff

Lexington County Sheriff's Department
521 Gibson Road
Lexington, SC 29072
(803) 785-8230
Lexington County Sheriff

York County Sheriff's Office
1675-2A York Highway
York, SC 29745
(803) 628-3059
York County Sheriff

Berkeley County Sheriff's Office
223 North Live Oak Drive
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
(843) 719-4412
Berkeley County Sheriff

Beaufort County Sheriff's Office
2001 Duke Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-3200
Beaufort County Sheriff

Aiken County Sheriff's Office
420 Hampton Avenue NE
Aiken, SC 29801
(803) 642-1761
Aiken County Sheriff

Municipal Police Departments

Columbia Police Department
1 Justice Square
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 545-3500
Columbia Police Department

Charleston Police Department
180 Lockwood Boulevard
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 577-7434
Charleston Police Department

Greenville Police Department
4 McGee Street
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 271-5333
Greenville Police Department

Myrtle Beach Police Department
1101 North Oak Street
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 918-1382
Myrtle Beach Police Department

Rock Hill Police Department
120 East Black Street
Rock Hill, SC 29730
(803) 329-7200
Rock Hill Police Department

Federal Agencies Operating in South Carolina

Federal Bureau of Investigation - Columbia Field Office
151 Westpark Boulevard
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 551-4200
FBI Columbia

U.S. Marshals Service - District of South Carolina
901 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 765-5821
U.S. Marshals - South Carolina

Federal Bureau of Prisons - FCI Edgefield
501 Gary Hill Road
Edgefield, SC 29824
(803) 637-1500
Federal Bureau of Prisons

U.S. District Court - District of South Carolina
901 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 765-5816
U.S. District Court - SC