>Calhoun County Arrest Records Online

Calhoun County, South Carolina Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Calhoun County, South Carolina?

Arrest records are public documents in Calhoun County, South Carolina, pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq. This legislation establishes that records created, maintained, or controlled by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, shall be made available for public inspection. The South Carolina Public Records Act further mandates transparency in governmental operations by requiring that arrest records be accessible to citizens, journalists, and other interested parties. This legal framework serves to promote accountability within the criminal justice system and ensures that the public maintains the right to access information regarding arrests made within Calhoun County jurisdictions.

The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligations. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records may obtain them through established procedures that balance the public's right to information with privacy considerations outlined in state statutes.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Calhoun County?

Arrest records for Calhoun County can be accessed online through several official channels. The South Carolina Judicial Branch maintains a public index system that allows citizens to search for court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Additionally, the Calhoun County Clerk of Court provides digital access to certain public records through their official website.

Online accessibility of these records is governed by S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(A)(1), which states that "any person has a right to inspect, copy, or receive an electronic transmission of any public record of a public body." However, certain limitations apply to sensitive information contained within these records, as outlined in § 30-4-40. The online systems implemented by Calhoun County authorities aim to balance public access rights with privacy protections mandated by state law.

Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, comprehensive records may require in-person requests at the appropriate county offices. The digital availability of these records represents Calhoun County's commitment to modernizing public record access while maintaining compliance with state regulations.

How to Look Up Calhoun County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for obtaining Calhoun County arrest records. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30, members of the public may access these records through the following methods:

County Sheriff's Office: The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and booking information. Requests may be submitted in person at their headquarters.

Calhoun County Sheriff's Office
2811 Old Belleville Road
St. Matthews, SC 29135
Phone: (803) 874-2741
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Clerk of Court: The Calhoun County Clerk of Court maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings. Records requests can be submitted at the courthouse.

Calhoun County Clerk of Court
902 F.R. Huff Drive
St. Matthews, SC 29135
Phone: (803) 874-3524
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Online Public Index: The South Carolina Judicial Department maintains a searchable database of court records, including those related to arrests in Calhoun County.
South Carolina Department of Corrections: For information about individuals currently incarcerated, the SC Department of Corrections Inmate Search provides custody status and location information.

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information about the subject of their search, including full name and, if possible, date of birth or approximate date of arrest. Pursuant to § 30-4-30(B), agencies may charge reasonable fees for search and duplication services associated with records requests.

Contents of a Calhoun County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Calhoun County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. In accordance with South Carolina law enforcement documentation standards, these records generally include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged criminal violations
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest
Booking information including mugshot photographs and fingerprint records
Custody status and bail/bond information if applicable
Case disposition information if available
Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction

The comprehensiveness of these records serves multiple purposes within the criminal justice system, including identification, case processing, and statistical analysis. However, pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-40, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records, including Social Security numbers, home addresses of law enforcement personnel, and information related to ongoing investigations.

Legal Uses of Calhoun County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Calhoun County serve various legitimate purposes within both public and private sectors. Under South Carolina law, these records may be lawfully utilized for:

Background Verification: Employers may access arrest records when conducting pre-employment screening for positions involving security, financial responsibility, or vulnerable populations, subject to the limitations established in S.C. Code Ann. § 41-1-65.
Housing Applications: Landlords and property management companies may review arrest records as part of tenant screening processes, though they must comply with Fair Housing regulations.
Professional Licensing: State licensing boards for professions including healthcare, education, and legal services may evaluate arrest records when assessing applicant suitability pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-140.
Judicial Proceedings: Courts may consider arrest histories during bail determinations, sentencing decisions, and other judicial matters as permitted under S.C. Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Statistical Analysis: Government agencies and research institutions may utilize anonymized arrest data for crime trend analysis and policy development.

Users of arrest record information should be aware that South Carolina law prohibits discrimination based solely on arrest records that did not result in conviction. Additionally, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) imposes restrictions on how consumer reporting agencies may report arrest information for employment purposes.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Calhoun County

Certain individuals may qualify to have their Calhoun County arrest records expunged under South Carolina law. Expungement procedures are governed by S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910 through § 17-22-950, which establish eligibility criteria and application processes.

Eligibility for expungement generally includes:

Arrests that did not result in conviction
First-offense convictions for certain non-violent misdemeanors after completion of sentence and a waiting period
Successful completion of Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), Alcohol Education Program, or similar diversion programs
Juvenile records meeting specific statutory criteria
Certain drug offenses after successful completion of sentence and rehabilitation requirements

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Calhoun County Clerk of Court where the case was adjudicated. Petitioners must submit:

Completed expungement application
Verification of eligibility from the solicitor's office
SLED verification form
Payment of applicable filing fees (currently $310, which includes the $250 SLED fee)

Upon approval, expungement orders direct all relevant agencies to remove records from public access, including physical and electronic databases. However, certain expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement and judicial officials for specific purposes authorized by statute.

Individuals seeking expungement may benefit from consulting with legal counsel familiar with South Carolina expungement law, as eligibility determinations can be complex and vary based on specific circumstances.