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Find South Carolina Criminal Records

Are Criminal Records Public in South Carolina?

Yes. Criminal records in South Carolina are generally public records per the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Interested persons may request a rap sheet on any individual from the Law Enforcement Division. Requesters must provide the following information to access these records:

The record subject’s name, unless the subject is a juvenile.
The record subject’s last known location, including cities, counties, and states.

Criminal records can be obtained online, in person, or by mail. Third-party aggregate sites also provide access to these records, although availability may vary.

What Constitutes a Criminal Record in South Carolina?

Criminal records in South Carolina provide an official compilation of a person’s criminal history. These records, also known as rap sheets, contain information from trial courts, correctional facilities, and law enforcement agencies. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division maintains these records, which are organized in online depositories.

What Information Is Included in South Carolina Criminal Record?

The subject’s full name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Fingerprints
Mugshot or photographs
Records of any past arrests
Records of any past or current warrants
Records of charges (pending and acquitted)

How To Check Criminal Records in South Carolina

The fastest way to check criminal records in South Carolina is through the Citizens Access To Criminal Histories (CATCH) portal, which allows name-based searches for $25.00 per subject. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division issues the certificate.

Alternatively, requesters can use the criminal records check form and submit it by mail or in person. The form must be completed with the subject’s details, and payment must be made via certified check or money order.

Are Arrest Records Public in South Carolina?

Yes. Arrest records in South Carolina are public under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Interested persons must contact the arresting agency, typically the Sheriff’s Office or local police department, to obtain arrest records.

These records can be accessed by submitting a request to the respective law enforcement agency. Requesters may need to pay a nominal fee for copying the documents.

What Are Arrest Warrants in South Carolina?

An arrest warrant in South Carolina is an official document signed by a judge or magistrate authorizing law enforcement officers to arrest or detain the person(s) named in the warrant. Information provided in warrants includes:

A description of the individual to be arrested
The reason for the warrant (description of the charges)
A signature of a neutral judge or grand jury
The date the warrant was issued
The name of the judge

How To Lookup Mugshots in South Carolina

Mugshots are head-to-shoulder photographs taken after a person has been arrested and charged with a crime. They are publicly available and stored in law enforcement databases managed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Mugshots can be found by conducting an online inmate search or visiting police record departments and court clerk offices.

How To Search Inmate Records in South Carolina

Inmate records are publicly available and maintained by the South Carolina Department of Corrections. These records can be searched online using the Department's searchable system. Information typically includes names, incarceration dates, expected release dates, convicted offenses, and photos.

How To Find South Carolina Criminal History Record for Free

Criminal records in South Carolina are legal documents listing individuals' criminal histories. They are publicly available and stored by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Criminal history records can be obtained through:

Online databases maintained by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
Requests submitted to the South Carolina Department of Justice via mail, fax, or in person

These requests typically attract a fee of $25, which may be reduced or waived under certain conditions.

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Publicly Available in South Carolina?

Juvenile criminal records in South Carolina document criminal activities committed by individuals not yet of legal adult age. These records are not publicly available and are stored by the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. Access to these records requires a petition for expungement.

How To Find Sex Offenders in South Carolina

Sex offender records in South Carolina provide information on individuals convicted of sex crimes. These records are publicly available and stored in the South Carolina sex offender registry. The registry can be accessed online for information on registered sex offenders.

Are Police Records Public Information in South Carolina?

Yes, police records are public in South Carolina under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. These records are stored by law enforcement agencies and can be accessed by submitting a request. Police records typically contain:

Crime reports
Vehicle accident reports
Arrest reports
Incident reports

South Carolina Misdemeanor Laws: Types of Offenses and Punishments

Misdemeanors in South Carolina are non-indictable offenses categorized as less severe than felonies. They are classified into three types:

Class A misdemeanors: Maximum incarceration of 3 years/$2500 maximum fine
Class B misdemeanors: Maximum incarceration of 2 years, a fine range of $1,000 to $2,000
Class C misdemeanors: Maximum incarceration of 1 year, a maximum fine of $1,000

South Carolina Criminal Laws: Offenses and Penalties Explained

Felony offenses in South Carolina are criminal convictions with a minimum sentence of more than one year. They are categorized into six classes:

Class A felonies: Minimum incarceration of 30 years
Class B felonies: Minimum incarceration of 25 years
Class C felonies: Minimum incarceration of 20 years
Class D felonies: Minimum incarceration of 15 years
Class E felonies: Minimum incarceration of 10 years
Class F felonies: Minimum incarceration of 5 years

Overview of South Carolina DUI Laws

A DUI in South Carolina is a serious traffic violation involving driving under the influence of alcohol or substances impairing driving skills. Convicted individuals with a BAC of 0.08 or higher face penalties such as license suspension, fines, and possible jail sentences. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles may also impose additional requirements like installing an ignition interlock device.

Are South Carolina Probation Records Public?

Probation records in South Carolina document when a person receives probation instead of prison time. These records are not publicly available and are maintained by the relevant probation offices. Access to these records is restricted to authorized personnel and entities.

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