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Anderson Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Anderson, South Carolina?

Arrest records in Anderson, South Carolina are classified as public documents pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within Anderson County. The South Carolina FOIA operates under the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.

Members of the public may access these records for various purposes, including background checks, personal research, or general information gathering. Law enforcement agencies in Anderson County maintain these records as part of their official documentation of police activities. While most arrest information remains accessible to the public, certain records may be sealed or restricted by court order, particularly in cases involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or matters of public safety as outlined in S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-40.

The Anderson County Sheriff's Office and the City of Anderson Police Department routinely process requests for arrest records in accordance with state transparency laws. These agencies are required to respond to such requests within statutory timeframes, though reasonable fees may be assessed for search, retrieval, and copying services.

How to Look Up Anderson Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Anderson, South Carolina as of 2025. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) serves as the central repository for criminal history information throughout the state, while local agencies maintain their own records systems. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following methods:

  • Anderson County Sheriff's Office Records Division 301 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Phone: (864) 260-4400 Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

  • City of Anderson Police Department Records Unit 401 South Main Street Anderson, SC 29624 Phone: (864) 231-2277 Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Anderson County Clerk of Court Anderson County Courthouse 100 South Main Street Anderson, SC 29624 Phone: (864) 260-4053 Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

  • South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) 4400 Broad River Road Columbia, SC 29210 Phone: (803) 737-9000 Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Requestors must complete the appropriate forms and provide proper identification when seeking arrest records. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30, agencies may require written requests and impose reasonable fees for record retrieval and duplication. Standard processing times range from 10-15 business days, though expedited services may be available for additional fees.

Contents of an Anderson Arrest Record

Anderson County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by South Carolina law enforcement protocols. These official documents typically include comprehensive details about both the arrested individual and the circumstances surrounding the arrest. Standard components of an Anderson arrest record include:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual
  • Known aliases or alternative names
  • Date of birth and demographic information
  • Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
  • Residential address at time of arrest
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Detailed description of the alleged offense(s)
  • South Carolina criminal code citations for charged offenses
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest
  • Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during processing
  • Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
  • Custody status information
  • Bond or bail amount, if applicable
  • Court docket number and scheduled appearance dates
  • Disposition of the case, if resolved

The level of detail contained in arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the offense and the arresting agency's documentation protocols. Records maintained by the Anderson County Detention Center may contain additional information regarding the individual's incarceration history, classification status, and behavioral notations during confinement.

Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-115, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, personal medical information, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Anderson

The expungement process in Anderson County provides a legal mechanism for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances as authorized by South Carolina Code § 17-22-910 through § 17-22-950. Expungement permanently destroys records of arrests, charges, and related proceedings, effectively restoring the individual's legal status to that which existed prior to the arrest or charge.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Anderson County include:

  • Cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi
  • First-offense convictions for certain misdemeanors after completion of sentence and specified waiting periods
  • Successful completion of Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) programs
  • Successful completion of conditional discharge for first-offense drug possession
  • Juvenile records meeting statutory requirements
  • Fraudulent check charges resolved through payment restitution

The expungement application process requires:

  1. Submission of SLED verification form to confirm eligibility
  2. Filing of expungement application with the Anderson County Solicitor's Office Anderson County Courthouse 100 South Main Street, Suite 203 Anderson, SC 29624 Phone: (864) 260-4046
  3. Payment of statutory filing fees ($310 for general expungements)
  4. Solicitor's review and certification of eligibility
  5. Judicial review and issuance of expungement order
  6. Distribution of order to all agencies holding records

Processing times typically range from 90-180 days from application to completion. Upon approval, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest or charge must remove such information from public databases and physical files. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-950, it is unlawful for any person to disclose expunged information, with violations constituting a misdemeanor offense punishable by fine or imprisonment.

Individuals with questions regarding expungement eligibility may contact the Anderson County Public Defender's Office at 314 South McDuffie Street, Anderson, SC 29624, Phone: (864) 260-4057.

Search Arrest Records in Anderson

  • Anderson County Sheriff's Office
  • City of Anderson Police Department
  • Anderson County Detention Center
  • South Carolina Judicial Branch
  • Anderson County Clerk of Court