>Colleton County Arrest Records Online

Colleton County, South Carolina Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Colleton County, South Carolina?

Arrest records are public in Colleton 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 arrest information constitutes public records that must be made available for inspection by members of the public. The South Carolina FOIA ensures transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities, by mandating that records of arrests, including the name, age, address, and charges filed against an individual, be accessible to the public. However, certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive information as outlined in § 30-4-40 of the South Carolina Code.

The Colleton County Sheriff's Office maintains and processes FOIA requests for arrest records in accordance with state law. Requestors should note that while most arrest information is public, certain details may be redacted to protect privacy interests or sensitive investigative information.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Colleton County?

Arrest records can be accessed online in Colleton County through several official platforms. The Colleton County Sheriff's Office provides online services that include inmate searches and other public safety information. Additionally, the Clerk of Court's office maintains electronic records of court proceedings related to arrests.

Online accessibility of these records is subject to the following conditions:

Records available online may not include all historical arrest data
Some information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
Certain specialized records may require in-person requests
Electronic records are typically updated within 24-48 hours of processing

Users should be aware that while basic arrest information is available online, comprehensive records may necessitate direct contact with the appropriate county office. The online system is designed to provide convenient access while maintaining compliance with South Carolina's public records laws.

How to Look Up Colleton County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Colleton County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels. Each method provides varying levels of detail and convenience:

Submit a FOIA request directly to the Colleton County Sheriff's Office
- 394 Mable T. Willis Blvd, Walterboro, SC 29488
- Phone: (843) 549-2211
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Written requests must include requestor's contact information and specific records sought
Visit the Colleton County Clerk of Court
- Colleton County Courthouse
- 101 Hampton Street, Walterboro, SC 29488
- Phone: (843) 549-5791
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Photo identification is required for in-person requests
Access the Public Safety Suite Pro Portal through the Sheriff's Office website
- Available 24/7
- Requires basic information about the individual being searched
- Results are limited to publicly available information
Submit requests to the Colleton County Magistrate Court for arrest warrants
- 101 Hampton Street, Walterboro, SC 29488
- Phone: (843) 549-1122
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30, agencies must respond to FOIA requests within 10 business days, and records must be furnished within 30 calendar days for records less than 24 months old. Fees may apply for search, retrieval, and copying of records as permitted under state law.

Contents of a Colleton County Arrest Record

Colleton County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by South Carolina law enforcement protocols. These records typically include:

Biographical information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as scars, tattoos, or other distinguishing features
- Residential address at time of arrest
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and processing information
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Case processing information:
- Court docket number
- Bond amount and status
- Scheduled court appearances
- Disposition of charges if resolved
Supplemental documentation:
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint records
- Property inventory from time of arrest

The Colleton County Clerk of Court maintains these records in accordance with South Carolina Rules of Criminal Procedure and applicable state statutes. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records, including Social Security numbers, victim information in certain cases, and juvenile information protected under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-19-2010.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Colleton County

Expungement procedures in Colleton County follow South Carolina law, specifically S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910 through § 17-22-950. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, destroyed. The following criteria and procedures apply:

Eligibility requirements:
- First-offense convictions for certain misdemeanors after completion of sentence
- Charges dismissed, nolle prossed, or resulting in not guilty verdicts
- Non-violent offenses committed by youthful offenders
- First-offense simple possession of controlled substances or alcohol-related offenses after completion of pre-trial intervention programs
Application process:
- Petitions must be filed with the Colleton County Clerk of Court
- Application fees apply ($250-$300 depending on offense type)
- Verification of eligibility from the Solicitor's Office is required
- SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) verification may be necessary
Post-expungement effects:
- Expunged records are removed from public indices
- The individual may legally deny the arrest occurred in most circumstances
- Certain government agencies may retain access to expunged records

The Colleton County Magistrate Court can provide guidance on expungement eligibility, though legal counsel is strongly recommended for navigating this complex process. Expungement applications are processed through:

Colleton County Clerk of Court
101 Hampton Street
Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 549-5791
Official Website

Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-950, it is unlawful for any person to request information about expunged offenses from the subject of the expungement, except in specific circumstances outlined in the statute.