Charleston County Criminal Records
What Is Charleston County Criminal Records
Charleston County criminal records are official documents maintained by various government agencies that detail an individual's criminal history within Charleston County, South Carolina. These records are created and maintained pursuant to South Carolina Code of Laws Title 30, Chapter 4, which governs public records in the state. Criminal records typically originate when an individual is processed through the criminal justice system following an arrest by law enforcement agencies operating within Charleston County.
The primary custodians of criminal records in Charleston County include:
Charleston County Clerk of Court
101 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-958-5000
Charleston County Court Records
Charleston County Sheriff's Office
3691 Leeds Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29405
843-202-1700
Charleston County Sheriff's Office
Charleston Police Department
180 Lockwood Boulevard
Charleston, SC 29403
843-577-7434
Charleston Police Department
These records serve multiple purposes within the criminal justice system and broader society, including:
- Providing documentation of an individual's interactions with law enforcement
- Supporting judicial proceedings and sentencing decisions
- Enabling background checks for employment, housing, and licensing
- Assisting law enforcement agencies in ongoing investigations
- Facilitating statistical analysis of crime patterns within the county
Criminal records are maintained in accordance with South Carolina Code § 30-4-30, which establishes retention schedules and access protocols for public records throughout the state.
Are Criminal Records Public In Charleston County
Criminal records in Charleston County are generally considered public records in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq. This legislation establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, shall be available for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law.
Members of the public may access Charleston County criminal records through various means, subject to certain limitations:
- Court records, including criminal case files, are accessible through the Charleston County Clerk of Court
- Arrest records and booking information are available through the Charleston County Sheriff's Office
- Criminal history information may be obtained through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
However, certain categories of criminal records may be subject to restrictions or exemptions from public disclosure:
- Records pertaining to juvenile offenders (under 18 years of age) are generally confidential pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 63-19-2010
- Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order are not available for public inspection
- Records containing sensitive personal information may be redacted prior to disclosure
- Records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
4400 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
803-737-9000
South Carolina Criminal Records
Public access to criminal records supports governmental transparency and accountability while enabling citizens to make informed decisions regarding personal and professional associations. The Charleston County Government maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Charleston County in 2025
Charleston County offers multiple pathways for accessing criminal records in 2025, with both in-person and digital options available to meet diverse public needs. Individuals seeking criminal record information may utilize the following methods:
For in-person requests:
- Visit the Charleston County Judicial Center during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM) to access court records related to criminal cases
- Submit a written request to the Charleston County Sheriff's Office Records Division for arrest records and incident reports
- Appear at the Charleston Police Department Records Unit to request specific criminal incident information within city jurisdiction
For remote access:
- Utilize the Charleston County Clerk of Court's online portal to search for criminal case information
- Access the Charleston County Sheriff's Office online inmate and warrant search tools
- Submit electronic requests through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) website for comprehensive criminal history information
Required information for most criminal record searches includes:
- Full legal name of the subject (including any known aliases)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Case numbers (if known)
- Approximate date of incident or arrest (if applicable)
- Valid government-issued identification (for in-person requests)
Charleston County Judicial Center
100 Broad Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-958-5000
Charleston County Inmate Search
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(B), agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the costs associated with searching for and providing copies of criminal records. Current fee schedules are available on the respective agency websites or by contacting the records divisions directly.
How To Find Criminal Records in Charleston County Online?
Charleston County has implemented comprehensive digital systems that enable efficient online access to criminal records. These electronic resources are maintained in accordance with South Carolina Code § 30-4-30(A)(2), which encourages government agencies to provide public records in convenient and accessible formats.
The primary online platforms for accessing Charleston County criminal records include:
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The Charleston County Clerk of Court's Online Services portal provides searchable access to criminal court cases, including docket information, hearing schedules, and case dispositions. Users may search by name, case number, or filing date.
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The Charleston County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search database that provides information on currently incarcerated individuals and those recently released from custody. This resource includes booking photos, charges, and custody status.
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The Sheriff's Office also offers an online warrants search tool that allows users to verify if active warrants exist for specific individuals within Charleston County jurisdiction.
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The South Carolina Judicial Branch Case Records Search (available at https://www.sccourts.org/caseSearch/) provides statewide access to court records, including those from Charleston County.
To effectively utilize these online resources, users should:
- Gather complete identifying information before initiating searches
- Be aware that some records may require registration or payment of nominal fees
- Understand that the most recent records may experience processing delays before appearing online
- Verify critical information through multiple sources when possible
South Carolina Department of Corrections
4444 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
803-896-8500
South Carolina Inmate Records
These online systems operate continuously (24/7), though technical maintenance may occasionally limit availability. System updates typically occur during overnight hours to minimize disruption to public access.
Can You Search Charleston County Criminal Records for Free?
Charleston County provides several options for accessing criminal records without charge, though certain limitations and exceptions apply. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30, government agencies may establish reasonable fees to recover the actual cost of searching for and making copies of public records. However, the following free access points are available:
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The Charleston County Judicial Center maintains public access terminals where visitors may conduct basic criminal record searches at no cost during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM).
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The Charleston County Sheriff's Office website offers complimentary access to its inmate search database and active warrants search tool, providing limited but valuable criminal record information.
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The Charleston County Clerk of Court's online portal allows free basic searches of criminal court cases, though detailed document retrieval may incur fees.
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Public libraries throughout Charleston County provide free internet access where citizens may utilize the county's online criminal record resources.
Limitations of free record searches include:
- Restricted access to comprehensive criminal history reports
- Inability to obtain certified copies without payment of statutory fees
- Limited historical data compared to paid comprehensive searches
- Potential absence of case details or supporting documentation
Charleston County Public Library - Main Branch
68 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-805-6930
Charleston County Government
For individuals requiring more extensive criminal record information, fee-based services through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) or third-party background check providers may be necessary. Current fee schedules for criminal record searches are available on the respective agency websites.
What's Included in a Charleston County Criminal Record?
Charleston County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within county jurisdiction. These records are maintained in accordance with South Carolina Code § 23-3-120, which establishes standards for criminal history information. A complete criminal record typically includes the following components:
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Biographical information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and identifying numbers (such as driver's license or Social Security number, though the latter may be partially redacted in public versions)
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Arrest data: Details of apprehensions, including date, location, arresting agency, and charges filed at the time of arrest
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Booking information: Photographs (mugshots), fingerprints, and processing details from county detention facilities
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Court proceedings: Case numbers, hearing dates, judge assignments, attorney information, and courtroom locations
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Charge dispositions: Outcomes of each criminal charge, including dismissals, plea agreements, trial verdicts, and sentencing information
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Sentencing details: Imposed penalties such as incarceration periods, probation terms, fines, restitution orders, and mandatory program participation
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Correctional history: Periods of incarceration, facility assignments, and release information
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Post-conviction status: Probation or parole supervision details, compliance records, and completion dates
South Carolina Department of Public Safety
10311 Wilson Boulevard
Blythewood, SC 29016
803-896-7920
South Carolina Public Safety Records
Criminal records may also contain notations regarding special circumstances, such as mental health considerations, substance abuse factors, or victim impact statements. The comprehensiveness of individual records varies based on case complexity and the specific agencies involved in processing the case.
What Are the Penalties for a Charleston County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass in Charleston County is prosecuted under South Carolina Code § 16-11-600 through § 16-11-620, which establishes graduated penalties based on the nature and circumstances of the offense. The Charleston County Solicitor's Office pursues these cases according to state law and local ordinances.
First-degree trespass (S.C. Code § 16-11-600) involves entering property after receiving notice prohibiting entry and carries the following penalties:
- Classification as a misdemeanor offense
- Maximum imprisonment of 30 days
- Potential fine of up to $500
- Possible probationary period with conditions
- Creation of a permanent criminal record
Second-degree trespass (S.C. Code § 16-11-620) involves entering premises where notice against entry is given by posting or fencing and carries:
- Classification as a misdemeanor offense
- Maximum imprisonment of 30 days
- Potential fine of up to $100
- Possible community service requirements
Aggravating factors that may enhance penalties include:
- Trespass committed at night
- Damage to property during trespass
- Possession of weapons during the offense
- Prior trespass convictions
- Trespass on certain protected properties (schools, government facilities)
Charleston County Solicitor's Office
101 Meeting Street, Suite 400
Charleston, SC 29401
843-958-1900
Charleston County Sheriff's Office Warrants
Individuals charged with criminal trespass in Charleston County may be eligible for pre-trial intervention programs or conditional discharge options for first-time offenders, subject to judicial discretion and prosecutorial approval. These alternatives may allow for eventual expungement of the charge upon successful completion of program requirements.
How Long Does Charleston County Keep Criminal Records?
Charleston County maintains criminal records in accordance with retention schedules established by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-1-90. These retention periods vary based on record type, offense severity, and case disposition. The following guidelines generally apply:
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Felony conviction records: Permanently maintained in both electronic and physical formats, with no statutory expiration date
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Misdemeanor conviction records: Typically retained for 25 years from the date of conviction, though certain serious misdemeanors may be kept permanently
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Non-conviction records (dismissals, acquittals): Generally retained for 3-5 years before becoming eligible for destruction, though electronic indices may be maintained longer
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Arrest records without prosecution: Usually retained for 3 years from the date of arrest if no charges are filed
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Juvenile records: Subject to special confidentiality provisions under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-19-2010 and typically sealed upon the individual reaching age 18, with certain exceptions for violent offenses
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Expunged records: Physically destroyed and removed from public indices pursuant to court order under S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910 through § 17-22-950
Certain criminal records may be eligible for expungement under South Carolina law, effectively removing them from public access. Eligibility criteria include:
- First-offense convictions for certain minor crimes after completion of sentence
- Charges resulting in dismissal, nolle prosequi, or not guilty verdicts
- Successful completion of pre-trial intervention or drug court programs
- Certain youthful offender convictions after prescribed waiting periods
Charleston County Records Management Division
4045 Bridge View Drive
North Charleston, SC 29405
843-958-4000
Charleston County Clerk of Court Services
The retention of criminal records serves important public safety and administrative functions while balancing individual rights to privacy and rehabilitation opportunities.
Lookup Criminal Records in Charleston County
Charleston County Court Records
Search Charleston County Inmates
Check Active Warrants in Charleston County
Charleston Police Department Records
South Carolina Criminal History Checks
Charleston County Government Services