How to Access South Carolina Arrest Records

South Carolina arrest records contain a wealth of information. If a case has been filed in South Carolina courts, you may be able to find such details as the docket number, names of parties involved, filing dates and closing dates, summaries of cases and judgments, and charges filed and dropped. This is all public information, and South Carolina criminal records are available to interested parties.

SLED CATCH

The SLED CATCH program through the South Carolina state website is used to conduct criminal background checks for a small fee. If fingerprints are available, there is less chance of returning a false positive or false negative on information requests, but name-based searches can be conducted online. The criminal records information is applicable only to the state of South Carolina.

A non-refundable fee of $25 must accompany all requests. Results will be returned to your computer immediately unless you make a request via postal mail. The search requires an exact match for the individual’s last name, first initial, and date of birth. You may also conduct a search via Social Security number if you have that available. Visit http://www.sled.state.sc.us/sled/default.asp?Category=CATCH_SSN&Service=crc to find out the most current information on searching South Carolina arrest records.

Sex Offender Registry Information

The South Carolina Sex Offenders Registry is an important portal where you can search by name, city or ZIP code for registered sex offenders in your area. Visit http://services.sled.sc.gov/sor/ for access to the portal. All registered sex offenders aged 17 and older who are required to register are included here.

Public and private schools, daycare providers, adult daycare or in-home care providers, and businesses or organizations which primarily serve children, women, or vulnerable adults will want to cross-check names through this search. Both potential employees and volunteers should be screened. The portal also gives the user access to the National Sex Offender Registry, as required by South Carolina state law.

Information Contained in SC Arrest Records

Records on South Carolina arrests can contain any or all of the following information, depending on individual history:

•    Legal names and known aliases
•    Known addresses, including known work addresses
•    Known aliases or close matches to names
•    Sex offender information
•    Criminal driving violations
•    South Carolina criminal convictions
•    Arrests and charges filed relating to those arrests
•    Probation information or parole information, as appropriate

Inmate Information

After being arrested in South Carolina, a person may spend time in jail waiting for arraignment or trial. In this case, his or her name may be available in the South Carolina Incarcerated Inmate search portal (https://sword.doc.state.sc.us/incarceratedInmateSearch/). Enter the person’s name or state identification number in the search box and you will be able to access public information such as sex, race, height, weight, age, crimes committed, mug shot, sentence length, when the sentence started, and projected release dates.

Incarcerated individuals’ information is kept on electronic file until the person is released. Several counties also maintain information on jail inmates, including a full list of names. If you know the county in which the person has been jailed, you may search just that county.

If your South Carolina arrest record search reveals any information you think the police should know about, you may submit tips via telephone to the appropriate state agencies. An arson hotline and an alcohol and video poker line are available. Visit http://www.sled.sc.gov/crimetip.aspx?MenuID=ContactInformation for phone numbers and office hours of these agencies. All crime tips are welcomed by law enforcement and investigated as soon as possible, so if you discover criminal activity during your South Carolina arrest record search, report it to the police.