>Clarendon County Arrest Records Online

Clarendon County, South Carolina Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Clarendon County, South Carolina?

Arrest records are public documents in Clarendon 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 the public's right to access governmental records, including arrest information, to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations. The South Carolina FOIA presumes that all records maintained by public bodies are open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.

Members of the public may access these records through designated governmental agencies, subject to certain limitations designed to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal privacy as outlined in § 30-4-40. The Clarendon County Administration maintains these records in accordance with state regulations governing public information access and retention.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Clarendon County?

Clarendon County provides limited online access to arrest records through official county and state judiciary websites. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(A)(1), which encourages electronic access to public records when feasible, the county has implemented digital systems for public record retrieval. The South Carolina Judicial Branch maintains an electronic case management system that includes certain arrest information.

Online access is subject to technological limitations and privacy protections established under § 30-4-40. Not all arrest record details available in person may be accessible through online platforms. The county's online systems are regularly updated to comply with evolving state regulations regarding digital public records access.

How to Look Up Clarendon County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for obtaining Clarendon County arrest records. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30, which outlines procedures for requesting public records, individuals may utilize the following methods:

Submit in-person requests at the Clarendon County Detention Center located at 217 Commerce Street, Manning, SC 29102. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Contact: 803-433-3129.
Visit the Clarendon County Clerk of Court at 3 West Keitt Street, Manning, SC 29102. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Contact: 803-435-4310.
Access the Public Index online through the Third Judicial Circuit Court's electronic records system.
Submit written requests via certified mail to the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office, P.O. Box 339, Manning, SC 29102.
Utilize the South Carolina Department of Corrections inmate search for individuals currently in state custody.

Requestors must provide sufficient identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and, if possible, date of birth. Fees for record retrieval may apply in accordance with § 30-4-30(B), which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records.

Contents of a Clarendon County Arrest Record

Clarendon County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-120, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information. These official documents typically include:

Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed, including South Carolina Code references
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Arresting agency identification
Booking photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprint classification data
Case disposition information, when available
Bond information, including type and amount
Court docket numbers for associated cases

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the stage of the criminal justice process and the arresting agency's information management protocols. Certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with § 30-4-40 privacy protections, particularly in cases involving minors, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations.

Legal Uses of Clarendon County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Clarendon County serve multiple legitimate purposes within the framework of South Carolina law. S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-130 authorizes specific uses of criminal history information, including:

Criminal justice operations by authorized law enforcement agencies
Background screening for employment in positions requiring security clearance
Licensing determinations by regulatory boards and commissions
Pre-employment screening for positions involving vulnerable populations, pursuant to § 44-7-2910
Housing application verification by property management entities
Academic research, with personally identifying information removed
Personal review by the subject of the record

Improper use of arrest record information may constitute a violation of S.C. Code Ann. § 30-2-50, which prohibits obtaining or using personal information from public records for commercial solicitation. Violations may result in misdemeanor charges punishable by fines up to $500 and imprisonment up to one year.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Clarendon County

South Carolina law provides mechanisms for expungement of certain arrest records through S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910 et seq. Expungement in Clarendon County requires filing a petition with the circuit court where the arrest occurred. Eligibility criteria include:

Charges that were dismissed, nolle prossed, or resulted in not guilty verdicts
First-offense convictions for certain misdemeanors after completion of sentence and a waiting period
Successful completion of Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) programs
Conditional discharge for first-offense drug possession under § 44-53-450
Certain alcohol or drug-related offenses by youthful offenders

The expungement process requires:

Filing an application with the Clarendon County Clerk of Court
Payment of a $310 filing fee (may be waived for indigent applicants)
Verification of eligibility by the Solicitor's Office
Judicial review and approval
Distribution of expungement order to all relevant agencies

Upon successful expungement, records are removed from public access, though certain law enforcement and judicial entities may retain sealed records for limited purposes under § 17-22-950.

Clarendon County Solicitor's Office
215 Church Street
Manning, SC 29102
Phone: 803-435-8944
Third Circuit Solicitor's Office

Limitations on Access to Arrest Records

While arrest records are generally public in Clarendon County, S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-40 establishes several categories of information exempt from disclosure. These limitations include:

Records of juvenile arrests (under age 17) pursuant to § 63-19-2010
Information that would interfere with active law enforcement proceedings
Records sealed by court order or expunged under statutory authority
Information that would constitute an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy
Records protected by attorney-client privilege
Victim information in certain cases involving domestic violence or sexual assault
Information related to ongoing criminal investigations

Additionally, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains guidelines restricting the dissemination of certain criminal history information in accordance with § 23-3-120. Government agencies may redact exempt information from records prior to public disclosure.