Charleston County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Charleston County
Arrest records in Charleston County are considered public records pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq. Members of the public may access these records through various official channels maintained by Charleston County law enforcement and judicial agencies. The South Carolina FOIA establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be available for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute.
The Charleston County Sheriff's Office maintains custody of arrest records and makes them available to the public in accordance with state law. These records document the official actions of law enforcement personnel during the course of their duties and serve as an important mechanism for governmental transparency.
Public access to arrest records is subject to certain limitations:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Information regarding juveniles is generally confidential pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 63-19-2010
- Certain personal identifying information may be redacted to protect privacy
- Expunged records are removed from public access in accordance with S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910
Interested parties seeking arrest records may contact:
Charleston County Sheriff's Office 3691 Leeds Avenue North Charleston, SC 29405 Phone: (843) 202-1700 Charleston County Sheriff's Office
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
What's in Charleston County Arrest Records
Charleston County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records are maintained by the Charleston County Sheriff's Office and typically include standardized information as required by South Carolina law enforcement protocols.
Standard information contained in Charleston County arrest records includes:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint records
- Enumeration of charges filed
- Case or docket number for court proceedings
- Bond information and custody status
- Court appearance dates
Additionally, arrest records may contain supplementary information such as:
- Incident reports detailing the circumstances of the arrest
- Property and evidence inventory
- Medical screening information
- Detention facility housing assignment
- Visitor logs during incarceration
- Release information and conditions
It should be noted that pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-40, certain information within arrest records may be redacted prior to public disclosure, including Social Security numbers, home addresses of law enforcement personnel, and medical information protected under HIPAA regulations.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Charleston County in 2025
Charleston County provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records in 2025, accommodating various public needs while maintaining compliance with South Carolina public records laws. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:
The primary resource for current arrest information is the Charleston County Inmate Search portal. This online database is maintained by the Sheriff's Office and provides real-time information on individuals currently in custody. The system is accessible at:
Charleston County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search Inmate Search Portal Available 24 hours daily
For historical arrest records or more comprehensive information, individuals may:
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Visit the Charleston County Judicial Center in person: Charleston County Judicial Center 100 Broad Street Charleston, SC 29401 Phone: (843) 958-5000 Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
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Submit a written request to the Records Division: Charleston County Sheriff's Office Records Division 3691 Leeds Avenue North Charleston, SC 29405 Phone: (843) 202-1700
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Access the Public Index Search system for court records related to arrests: Public Index Search
When requesting arrest records, requestors should be prepared to provide:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest if known
- Case number if available
- Requestor's contact information
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30, agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records. Current fee schedules are available upon request from the respective agencies.
How To Find Charleston County Arrest Records Online
Charleston County maintains several official online resources that provide public access to arrest records and related information. These digital platforms are designed to enhance transparency while ensuring compliance with South Carolina public records laws.
The primary online resources for accessing Charleston County arrest records include:
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The Charleston County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search database provides current information on individuals in custody, including arrest date, charges, and bond information. This resource is updated regularly and is available at Charleston County Inmate Search.
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The Charleston County Public Index Search system contains court records related to criminal cases, including information on arrests that have proceeded to court action. This system is maintained by the Clerk of Court's Office and can be accessed at Public Index Search.
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The Charleston County Clerk of Court's Online Services portal provides additional access to court records that may contain arrest information. This resource is available through the Clerk of Court's Online Services.
When utilizing these online resources, users should note:
- Information is provided as a public service and may not be comprehensive
- Records are updated according to established schedules and may not reflect real-time status
- Some case information may be restricted pursuant to court orders or statutory provisions
- Technical assistance for online systems is available during normal business hours
For assistance with online record searches, contact:
Charleston County Clerk of Court's Office 100 Broad Street, Suite 106 Charleston, SC 29401 Phone: (843) 958-5000 Charleston County Clerk of Court
Can You Search Charleston County Arrest Records for Free?
Charleston County provides several no-cost options for members of the public to access arrest records in accordance with South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act. These free resources are maintained as part of the county's commitment to governmental transparency and public information access.
Free arrest record search options include:
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The Charleston County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search portal is available at no cost to the public. This online database provides current information on individuals in custody and can be accessed at Charleston County Inmate Search.
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The Public Index Search system maintained by the Charleston County Judicial System offers free access to court records related to arrests. This resource is available at Public Index Search.
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In-person inspection of non-confidential arrest records is available at no charge during regular business hours at: Charleston County Sheriff's Office Records Division 3691 Leeds Avenue North Charleston, SC 29405 Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
While basic searches are provided at no cost, certain services related to arrest records may incur fees:
- Printed copies of records (typically $0.25 per page)
- Certified copies of official records ($5.00 per document)
- Research services for complex or historical records ($25.00 per hour after the first hour)
- Expedited processing of requests
Fee schedules are established pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(B), which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for the search, retrieval, and copying of records. Current fee schedules are available from the Charleston County Government.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Charleston County
The process for removing arrest records from public access in Charleston County is governed by South Carolina law, specifically the expungement provisions outlined in S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910 through § 17-22-950. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records and related documentation are removed from public access.
Eligibility for expungement in Charleston County is limited to specific circumstances:
- Charges that were dismissed, nolle prossed, or resulted in not guilty verdicts
- First-offense convictions for certain misdemeanors after completion of sentence and waiting periods
- Successful completion of Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), Alcohol Education Program (AEP), or similar diversion programs
- Juvenile records meeting statutory criteria
- Certain first-time drug offenses after probation completion
The expungement process requires:
- Obtaining and completing the appropriate expungement application from the Charleston County Solicitor's Office
- Submitting the application with required documentation and fees
- Verification of eligibility by the Solicitor's Office
- Review and approval by a Circuit Court judge
- Distribution of expungement orders to relevant agencies
Applications for expungement must be submitted to:
Charleston County Solicitor's Office 101 Meeting Street, Suite 400 Charleston, SC 29401 Phone: (843) 958-1900 Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-940, expungement application fees vary by case type:
- $310.00 for general expungements
- $285.00 for conditional discharges
- $250.00 for Pre-Trial Intervention expungements
Fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants upon submission of appropriate documentation. Completed expungements remove records from public access but may remain available to law enforcement and certain governmental agencies for limited purposes.
What Happens After Arrest in Charleston County?
Following an arrest in Charleston County, individuals enter a standardized criminal justice process established by South Carolina law and local procedures. This process includes several key stages designed to protect constitutional rights while advancing public safety interests.
The post-arrest procedure typically follows this sequence:
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Booking Process: Upon arrival at the Charleston County Detention Center, arrestees undergo booking procedures including:
- Photograph and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Initial housing assignment
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Bond Hearing: Within 24 hours of arrest, individuals appear before a Magistrate Judge who:
- Informs the arrestee of charges
- Determines appropriate bond type and amount
- Assigns initial court dates
- Considers protective orders if applicable
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Formal Charging: The Charleston County Solicitor's Office reviews arrest information to determine formal charges through:
- Indictment by Grand Jury for felonies
- Information filing for misdemeanors
- Possible charge modification or dismissal
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Court Proceedings: Cases proceed through the appropriate court:
- Magistrate Court for lesser offenses
- General Sessions Court for serious misdemeanors and felonies
- Preliminary hearings may be requested within 10 days of arrest
The Charleston County Detention Center is located at:
Charleston County Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center 3841 Leeds Avenue North Charleston, SC 29405 Phone: (843) 554-2409
Bond hearings are conducted at:
Charleston County Bond Court 3831 Leeds Avenue North Charleston, SC 29405 Phone: (843) 745-2430 Bond Court Hours: Daily at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM
Individuals seeking information about an arrestee should contact the Charleston County Sheriff's Office or utilize the online Inmate Search system.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Charleston County?
Charleston County maintains arrest records in accordance with South Carolina's Public Records Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-1-10 et seq.) and the records retention schedules established by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. These regulations govern the preservation and eventual disposition of all public records, including arrest documentation.
The standard retention periods for arrest records in Charleston County are:
- Active Records: Complete arrest records for pending cases remain active until final disposition of all charges
- Post-Conviction Records: Following conviction, records are maintained permanently in both electronic and physical formats
- Dismissed Charges: Records for dismissed charges are retained for 3 years before becoming eligible for expungement
- Acquittals: Records of arrests resulting in not guilty verdicts are retained for 3 years before becoming eligible for expungement
- Juvenile Records: Generally sealed at age 17 or 18 depending on offense severity, with certain exceptions for violent offenses
Certain components of arrest records have specific retention schedules:
- Fingerprint cards and digital fingerprint records: Permanent retention
- Booking photographs: Minimum 10-year retention
- Incident reports: 10-year minimum retention
- Arrest warrants: Permanent retention as court records
The Charleston County Sheriff's Office maintains the primary repository of arrest records at:
Charleston County Sheriff's Office Records Division 3691 Leeds Avenue North Charleston, SC 29405 Phone: (843) 202-1700 Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
It should be noted that expunged records are removed from public access but may be retained in sealed format for specific law enforcement and judicial purposes pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-950.
How to Find Mugshots in Charleston County
Booking photographs, commonly known as mugshots, are maintained by the Charleston County Sheriff's Office as part of the official arrest record. These photographs are considered public records under South Carolina law, subject to certain limitations and exemptions.
Members of the public may access mugshots through several official channels:
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Online Inmate Search: The Charleston County Sheriff's Office maintains a current database of individuals in custody, including booking photographs. This resource is available at Charleston County Inmate Search.
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In-Person Requests: Physical copies of booking photographs may be requested at: Charleston County Sheriff's Office Records Division 3691 Leeds Avenue North Charleston, SC 29405 Phone: (843) 202-1700 Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
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Written Requests: Formal requests for booking photographs may be submitted by mail to the Records Division address above, including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth if known
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number if available
- Requestor's contact information
Important considerations regarding mugshot access:
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Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-40, certain mugshots may be withheld if release would:
- Interfere with an active investigation
- Deprive a person of a fair trial
- Constitute an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy
- Disclose law enforcement techniques
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Juvenile mugshots (under age 17) are generally not available to the public
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Expunged records, including associated mugshots, are removed from public access
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Fees may apply for reproduction of photographs ($5.00 per photograph)
For additional information about mugshot policies, contact the Charleston County Sheriff's Office.
Lookup Arrest Records in Charleston County
Charleston County Inmate Search
Charleston County Sheriff's Office
Charleston County Clerk of Court Online Services
Charleston County Public Index Search