Charleston County Criminal Records

What Is Charleston County Criminal Records

Charleston County criminal records are official documents that detail an individual's criminal history within Charleston County, South Carolina. These records are maintained by the Charleston County Clerk of Court and include information about arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions. They serve as an important resource for background checks, legal proceedings, and public safety information.

Are Criminal Records Public In Charleston County

Yes, criminal records in Charleston County are considered public records under South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act. This means that most criminal records can be accessed by any member of the public. However, certain records may be sealed or expunged in specific circumstances, such as juvenile records or cases that have been dismissed or resulted in not guilty verdicts.

The Charleston County Clerk of Court maintains these public records. Charleston County Judicial Center, 100 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Charleston County in 2025

In 2025, there are several methods to look up criminal records in Charleston County:

1. Visit the Charleston County Judicial Center in person to request records from the Clerk of Court. Charleston County Judicial Center, 100 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401

2. Use the Charleston County Public Index online, which provides access to court records including criminal cases.

3. Contact the Charleston County Sheriff's Office for arrest records and booking information. Charleston County Sheriff's Office, 3691 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405

4. Submit a request to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for a comprehensive criminal history check. SLED Headquarters, 4400 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210

5. Utilize third-party background check services that compile public records information.

How To Find Criminal Records in Charleston County Online?

Finding Charleston County criminal records online is straightforward through these methods:

1. Charleston County Public Index: The county's official court records database allows searches by name, case number, or filing date.

2. South Carolina Judicial Branch Website: Provides access to the statewide court case database. South Carolina Judicial Branch, 1220 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29201

3. Charleston County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search: For current inmate information and recent arrests.

4. South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search: For information on individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities. SC Department of Corrections, 4444 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210

5. SLED Criminal Records Check: For official criminal history reports (requires a fee).

Can You Search Charleston County Criminal Records for Free?

Yes, there are several free options for searching Charleston County criminal records:

1. The Charleston County Public Index is available online at no cost and provides basic case information.

2. The Charleston County Sheriff's Office website offers a free inmate search function.

3. In-person visits to the Charleston County Clerk of Court allow you to view public records for free, though there may be fees for copies. Charleston County Judicial Center, 100 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401

4. Public access terminals at the courthouse provide free access to court records.

While these free options exist, comprehensive background checks or certified copies of records typically involve fees.

What's Included in a Charleston County Criminal Record?

A typical Charleston County criminal record includes:

1. Personal identification information (name, date of birth, address)
2. Arrest information (date, location, arresting agency)
3. Booking details and mugshot
4. Criminal charges filed
5. Court case numbers
6. Court appearances and hearing dates
7. Case disposition (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
8. Sentencing information
9. Probation or parole details
10. Incarceration information if applicable

The level of detail may vary depending on the source of the record and the nature of the case.

What Are the Penalties for a Charleston County Criminal Trespass Charge?

In Charleston County, criminal trespass penalties vary based on the severity and circumstances:

1. First-degree criminal trespass: Misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine up to $500.

2. Second-degree criminal trespass: Misdemeanor punishable by up to 15 days in jail and/or a fine up to $200.

3. Third-degree criminal trespass: Misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine up to $100.

Additional penalties may include probation, community service, or restitution. Aggravating factors, such as property damage or repeat offenses, can increase penalties. These cases are typically handled by the Charleston County Magistrate Court. Charleston County Magistrate Court, 3831 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405

How Long Does Charleston County Keep Criminal Records?

Charleston County maintains criminal records indefinitely unless they are specifically expunged through a court order. South Carolina law provides limited circumstances for expungement, including:

1. First-offense convictions for certain minor crimes after completion of sentence and a waiting period
2. Charges that were dismissed or resulted in not guilty verdicts
3. Juvenile records in some circumstances
4. First-time drug offenses under specific conditions

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division maintains the state's central repository of criminal records. SLED Headquarters, 4400 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210

Even when records are expunged from public access, certain government agencies may still retain access to this information for law enforcement or security clearance purposes.

Lookup Criminal Records in Charleston County

For comprehensive access to Charleston County criminal records, consider these resources:

• Charleston County Clerk of Court - Official court records
• Charleston County Sheriff's Office - Arrest records and inmate information
• South Carolina Judicial Branch Case Search - Statewide court records database
• SLED Criminal Records Check - Official criminal history reports
• Charleston County Public Index - Online court records search

These resources provide various levels of information access to meet different needs for criminal records research in Charleston County.