Arrests.org SC – South Carolina Arrest, Inmate & Mugshot Records

Arrests.org SC functions as a starting point for people who need to look up jail logs and police reports in South Carolina. This page lists the exact steps to find who is in jail, check mugshots, and read police charges. South Carolina law makes most of these documents open to the public. You can see these records through county sheriff websites, the state court system, or third-party search sites. This text explains how to use these tools to find the truth about an arrest.

You might need these records for many reasons. Maybe a friend did not come home, or a new neighbor moved in next door. Checking the official files helps you know what happened. The state divides these records into different groups. Local jails hold people who were just arrested. State prisons hold people serving long sentences. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) keeps the main list of criminal history. We explain how to check each one below.

Click Here to Search this form: https://southcarolina.recordspage.org/arrest-criminal-records/

Official Sources vs. Third-Party Sites

It helps to know where the data comes from. Sites like Arrests.org collect data from many places and put it on one screen. This saves time because you do not have to visit forty-six different county websites. However, these sites might not update every hour. A person might get out of jail, but the third-party site still shows them in custody.

Official government sites update faster. The county sheriff runs the local jail and updates the inmate list instantly or daily. If you need to know if someone is in jail right now, the county sheriff’s page is the best choice. If you want to see a history of arrests from five years ago across the whole state, a third-party search or a SLED check works better.

Search South Carolina Arrests by County

South Carolina has 46 counties. Each one runs its own jail and keeps its own records. The process changes slightly from one place to another. Below are the steps for the largest counties.

Greenville County Arrests

The Greenville County Detention Center holds people arrested by the Greenville Sheriff, Greenville Police, and other local agencies. The booking log is online.

• Go to the Greenville County Detention Center website.
• Look for the “Inmate Search” link.
• Type the last name of the person.
• The results show the mugshot, booking date, and charge list.
• The page also lists the bond amount. If the bond is $0, the judge has not set it yet, or the person must stay in jail.

Charleston County Arrests

The Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center serves Charleston. This facility is large and processes many people daily.

• Visit the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office website.
• Select “Inmate Search.”
• You can view a list of all inmates or search by name.
• The report lists the arrest agency (like North Charleston Police or Mount Pleasant Police).
• Pay attention to the “Court Date” listed next to the charges. This tells you when the person will face a judge.

Richland County Arrests

Richland County includes the state capital, Columbia. The Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center manages inmates here.

• Open the Richland County website.
• Choose the “Inmate Search” tool.
• Enter the name. You can also search by booking date to see everyone arrested in the last 24 hours.
• The site shows the charge code and description.
• It also lists the “Bond Status.” If it says “Posted,” the person is likely out of jail.

Horry County Arrests (Myrtle Beach)

Horry County sees many arrests due to tourism in Myrtle Beach. The J. Reuben Long Detention Center holds these inmates.

• Go to the Horry County Sheriff’s Office page.
• Click on “J. Reuben Long Detention Center.”
• Use the search bar to find an inmate.
• This site updates often. It removes people quickly after they leave jail.
• The record shows the physical description, like height, weight, and hair color.

Spartanburg County Arrests

The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office keeps a strict record of bookings.

• Visit the Spartanburg Sheriff website.
• Look for the “Inmate Search” button.
• You can scroll through recent bookings if you do not know the spelling of the name.
• The mugshot appears next to the charges.
• Note the “Warrant Number” listed. You can use this number to get court documents later.

Lexington County Arrests

Lexington County sits next to Richland. The Lexington County Detention Center publishes a daily report.

• Go to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department site.
• Select “Inmate Search.”
• Read the disclaimer and accept the terms.
• Type the name.
• The system shows the “Arrest Date” and “Release Date.” If the release date is blank, the person is still in jail.

York County Arrests

York County borders North Carolina. The Sheriff’s Office manages the detention center in York.

• Navigate to the York County Sheriff’s Office website.
• Find the “Inmate Search” section.
• The database allows searches by name or arrest date.
• Results include the bond type (Surety, Cash, or Personal Recognizance).
• This helps you know what is needed to get them out.

Anderson County Arrests

The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office provides a simple search tool.

• Visit the Anderson County Sheriff’s page.
• Click “Inmate Search.”
• Enter the name details.
• The page lists the charges and the specific statute code for the crime.
• You can cross-reference this code with SC state laws to understand the severity of the charge.

Pickens County Arrests

Pickens County is smaller but maintains an online roster.

• Go to the Pickens County Sheriff’s website.
• Look for the detention center section.
• The roster lists current inmates alphabetically.
• It shows the booking photo and the agency that made the arrest (like Clemson University Police).

Florence County Arrests

The Florence County Detention Center holds inmates for the Pee Dee region.

• Open the Florence County Sheriff’s Office site.
• Select the detention center link.
• Use the inmate lookup tool.
• The record displays the housing unit. This tells you where in the jail the person stays.
• It also lists visitation rules for that specific unit.

Using the SC Judicial Branch for Court Records

An arrest is just the start. The court case comes next. The South Carolina Judicial Branch website lets you track the case. This is free and open to everyone. It covers all counties.

• Go to the South Carolina Judicial Branch website.
• Click on “Records Search.”
• Choose the county where the arrest happened.
• Select “Public Index.”
• Type the person’s name.
• The system lists every case associated with that name.
• Click the case number to see details.

The case file shows the “Disposition.” This word means the result. If it says “Pending,” the case is active. If it says “Guilty” or “Dismissed,” the case is over. You can also see the name of the lawyer and the judge. This source is more detailed than the jail roster because it shows what happened after the person left jail.

SLED CATCH: The Official Background Check

Employers and landlords often need a certified record. A simple web search is not enough for legal proof. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) runs a system called CATCH (Citizens Access to Criminal Histories). This is the only source for an official SC criminal record.

Using SLED CATCH costs money. The fee is $25. You can pay with a credit card online. The report includes arrests, charges, and convictions from all over South Carolina. It does not include federal crimes or crimes from other states. If the record is clean, the report will state “No Record Found.” If there is a history, you can print the full report.

To use SLED CATCH:

1. Visit the SLED website.
2. Look for the “Criminal Records Check” button.
3. Enter the person’s full name and date of birth. Be exact. A wrong birth date gives wrong results.
4. Pay the $25 fee.
5. View and print the results immediately.

South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDOC) Search

People serving time for serious crimes (felonies) go to state prison. They do not stay in the county jail. The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDOC) manages these prisons. They have a tool to find these inmates.

This search is different from the county jail search. It shows people who are already convicted. It lists the prison name, the sentence length, and the projected release date. It also lists the inmate’s disciplinary record. You can see if they broke prison rules.

To find a state prisoner:

• Go to the SCDOC website.
• Click “Inmate Search.”
• You can search by name or SCDC ID number.
• The ID number is better because names can be common.
• The result page shows a current mugshot. Prisoners get new photos taken regularly.

Probation and Parole Search

Not everyone goes to prison. Some people get probation. This means they live at home but must follow strict rules. Others get out of prison early on parole. The SC Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services (SCDPPPS) watches these people.

You can search this list to see if someone is under supervision. This helps you know if a person has travel restrictions or a curfew.

• Visit the SCDPPPS website.
• Use the “Offender Search” tab.
• Enter the name and year of birth.
• The results show the name of the supervising agent. This is the officer in charge of the offender.
• It also lists the type of crime and when the supervision ends.

South Carolina Sex Offender Registry

State law requires people convicted of sex crimes to register their address. The sheriff tracks where they live. This list is public to keep families safe. You can search for a specific person or look at a map of your neighborhood.

The registry includes photos, addresses, and the specific laws they broke. It classifies offenders into tiers based on their danger level.

To use the map feature:

• Go to the SC Sex Offender Registry page.
• Click “Search by Location.”
• Type your street address and city.
• Set the radius (like 1 mile or 3 miles).
• The map puts a pin on every offender’s house. Click the pin to see the photo and details.

Checking for Arrest Warrants

A warrant means a judge signed an order for police to arrest someone. South Carolina does not have one big list for all warrants. You must check with each county. Some counties list warrants online, but many do not.

If you think you have a warrant, calling the police is risky. They might trace the call or arrest you when you show up. A lawyer can check for you safely. If you want to check on someone else, look at the sheriff’s website for “Most Wanted” or “Active Warrants.” Be aware that these lists are never 100% complete.

Bail and Bond Process in SC

When police arrest someone, they go to jail for booking. Then, they see a judge for a bond hearing. This usually happens within 24 hours. The judge decides if the person can go home while waiting for trial.

Types of Bonds

• Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The person signs a paper promising to come to court. No money is paid upfront. This is for minor crimes or people with clean records.
• Cash Bond: You must pay the full amount to the court. If the bond is $1,000, you pay $1,000 cash. You get this money back at the end of the case if the person shows up to court.
• Surety Bond: This involves a bail bondsman. If the bond is $5,000, you pay the bondsman a fee. In South Carolina, this fee is usually 10% to 15%. You do not get this fee back. It is the cost of the service.

How to Post Bail

Go to the detention center or the magistrate court. Bring a valid ID. If paying cash, bring the exact amount. They often do not give change. If using a bondsman, meet them at the jail. The bondsman handles the paperwork. Once the bond is paid, the jail releases the person. This can take a few hours.

Expungement: Clearing Your Record

An arrest record can hurt job chances. South Carolina allows you to erase some records. This is called expungement. If the court approves it, the state destroys the record. It is like the arrest never happened.

Who Qualifies?

You can usually expunge a record if:

• The charges were dismissed.
• You were found “Not Guilty” at trial.
• It was a first offense misdemeanor (like writing a bad check) and you have no other crimes for 3 to 5 years.
• You completed a Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program.

Serious violent crimes usually stay on the record forever. To start the process, go to the Solicitor’s Office in the county where the arrest happened. They have the forms. You will pay fees to the Solicitor and SLED. The process takes up to six months.

Mugshots and Privacy Laws

Mugshots are public records in South Carolina. The sheriff takes the photo, and the law says the public can see it. However, some websites copy these photos and charge money to remove them. South Carolina passed laws to stop this. It is illegal for a company to demand payment to remove a mugshot. If a site asks for money to take down your photo, you can report them to the SC Attorney General. Also, if your record is expunged, these sites must remove the photo for free.

Detailed Sheriff Office Contact List

If you cannot find the record online, call the county sheriff. The records division can tell you if they have a report. Here is the contact list for every county sheriff in South Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between an arrest record and a criminal record?

An arrest record shows that police took a person into custody. It lists the date, time, and initial charges. It does not prove guilt. A person can be arrested but later released without charges. A criminal record is the complete history. It includes the arrest, but it also shows the court outcome. It tells if the person was found guilty, innocent, or if the case was dropped. Employers care more about the criminal record because it shows convictions. The arrest record only shows that the police suspected a crime occurred.

Can I find juvenile arrest records in South Carolina?

No, you generally cannot find juvenile records. South Carolina protects the privacy of people under 18. The law seals these records. They do not appear on public jail rosters or SLED background checks. The only exception is if a judge decides to try the juvenile as an adult for a very serious crime. In those rare cases, the record becomes public. Otherwise, mistakes made as a child stay private to help the young person have a future without a permanent stain on their name.

How often does the online jail roster update?

Most county jail rosters update automatically. When a booking officer enters the data into the computer, it appears on the website within 15 to 30 minutes. However, releases can take longer to show. A person might bond out, but the website might list them as “in custody” for a few more hours until the paperwork clears. Third-party sites update much slower. They might scrape the data once a day or once a week. For the most current status, always check the official county sheriff’s page or call the jail directly.

Is it free to search for arrest records in SC?

Yes, searching is usually free. County sheriff websites and the SC Judicial Branch Public Index do not charge fees. You can look up as many names as you want. You only pay money if you need an official, certified copy for a job or license. SLED charges $25 for this certified report. Also, some private background check companies charge subscription fees to give you a report that combines data from many states. But for a simple local search, you should not have to pay.

What should I do if I find inaccurate information on an arrest record?

If you see a mistake, you must contact the agency that created the record. If the error is on a jail roster, contact the Sheriff’s Office. If the error is on a court record, contact the Clerk of Court in that county. You might need to provide proof, like a court order or a dismissal paper. If a third-party site shows wrong info, you have to ask them to fix it. They are harder to contact. Usually, fixing the official record is the first step. Once the official source is correct, other systems will eventually update.

Can I visit someone in jail immediately after arrest?

Not immediately. The jail needs time to book the person. This involves taking fingerprints, photos, and checking for health issues. This process takes several hours. The person also needs to be assigned a housing unit. You cannot visit until this is done. Also, many jails now use video visitation instead of face-to-face meetings. You might have to set up an account online and schedule a video call. Check the specific county jail website for their visitation hours and rules before you go there.

Does a “nolle prosequi” mean the arrest is off my record?

“Nolle prosequi” is a Latin term used in court. It means the prosecutor decided to stop pursuing the case. The charges are dropped. However, this does not automatically delete the arrest record. The arrest still shows up on a background check, but the disposition will show that the case was dropped. To completely remove the arrest from the record, you must apply for an expungement. The expungement is the legal order that tells the police and SLED to destroy the file.