>Hampton County Arrest Records Online

Hampton County, South Carolina Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hampton County, South Carolina?

Arrest records in Hampton County, South Carolina are considered public documents pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq. Members of the public may access these records as part of the state's commitment to governmental transparency and accountability. The South Carolina FOIA establishes that records created, maintained, or controlled by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, shall be available for public inspection and copying during normal business hours.

The Hampton County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. These records document the apprehension and processing of individuals suspected of criminal activity within the jurisdiction. While certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in specific circumstances as outlined in § 30-4-40, the general arrest information remains accessible to the public.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Hampton County?

Hampton County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by governmental entities. The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides a public index system where case information, including arrests that have led to court proceedings, may be accessed electronically. Additionally, the Hampton County Sheriff's Office maintains certain booking information on their departmental website.

Online access to arrest records is subject to the following conditions:

• Records available online may not be comprehensive or immediately updated • Certain case details may be restricted from online viewing pursuant to § 30-4-40 • Technical limitations may affect the availability of older records • Some records may require in-person requests at the appropriate agency

The Hampton Police Department provides information regarding criminal records checks and directs citizens to appropriate resources for obtaining arrest information. For comprehensive arrest record searches, individuals may need to utilize multiple online resources or supplement online searches with in-person requests.

How to Look Up Hampton County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Hampton County. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:

• In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Hampton County Sheriff's Office or the Hampton County Courthouse to request arrest records. Proper identification is required, and applicable fees may apply for document reproduction.

Hampton County Sheriff's Office
411 Cemetery Road
Varnville, SC 29944
Phone: (803) 914-2200
Hampton County Sheriff's Office

Hampton County Courthouse
1 Elm Street, Courthouse Square
Hampton, SC 29924
Phone: (803) 914-2250
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

• Online Database Searches: The South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search provides information on individuals currently incarcerated or previously held in state facilities. This resource includes arrest information for individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system.

• Court Records: The Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Hampton County, maintains records of criminal proceedings that include arrest information. These records may be accessed through the clerk of court's office or through the state's public index system.

• South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED): SLED maintains a central repository of criminal history information, including arrest records. Authorized requests may be submitted to SLED for official criminal history information, subject to statutory fees and identification requirements.

Contents of a Hampton County Arrest Record

Hampton County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by South Carolina law enforcement protocols. These records typically include the following elements:

• Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases • Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race) • Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks or tattoos) • Residential address at time of arrest • Date, time, and location of the arrest • Arresting agency and officer identification • Statutory charges filed, including South Carolina Code references • Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot") • Fingerprint classification and identification numbers • Case or incident number assigned by the arresting agency • Custody status and bail information, if applicable • Preliminary hearing date, if scheduled

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records pertaining to juvenile arrests are subject to additional confidentiality protections under South Carolina law and may not be publicly accessible except under limited circumstances as provided in § 63-19-2010.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Hampton County

South Carolina law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910 through § 17-22-950, individuals may petition for expungement when:

• The person was charged but the charge was discharged, dismissed, or the person was found not guilty • The person successfully completed a pre-trial intervention program • The person successfully completed a conditional discharge • The person was charged with a first offense for certain specified misdemeanors and has no other convictions within a prescribed time period

The expungement process requires submission of a formal petition to the solicitor's office in the judicial circuit where the arrest occurred. For Hampton County, this is the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office. The solicitor reviews the petition and, if appropriate, forwards it to the court for judicial review and approval.

Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office
P.O. Box 1880
Hampton, SC 29924
Phone: (803) 914-2330

Upon approval of an expungement order, all records related to the arrest, including fingerprints, photographs, and booking information, are removed from public access and sealed or destroyed as specified by statute. Law enforcement agencies, detention facilities, and court offices are required to comply with expungement orders within a specified timeframe.

Expungement fees in South Carolina typically range from $250 to $310, depending on the type of expungement sought. Fee waivers may be available for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship. The expungement process generally takes 90-180 days from submission of the petition to completion.