>Horry County Arrest Records Online

Horry County, South Carolina Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Horry County, South Carolina?

Arrest records are public documents in Horry 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 government records, including arrest information maintained by law enforcement agencies. The public nature of these records serves to promote transparency in the criminal justice system and allows citizens to monitor law enforcement activities within their communities.

The Horry County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duties. While most arrest information is accessible to the public, certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or other sensitive information as specified under state law.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Horry County?

Horry County provides digital access to arrest records through several official online platforms. The J. Reuben Long Detention Center maintains a searchable database of current inmates and recent bookings. This online accessibility is part of the county's commitment to public information transparency and efficient record-keeping practices.

The Bookings and Releases portal offers a comprehensive search function that allows members of the public to access information about individuals who have been processed through the county detention system. Users should note that online records may not include all historical arrest data, as some older records may require in-person requests at the appropriate county office.

Digital access to these records is governed by S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30, which establishes parameters for electronic record provision while maintaining necessary privacy protections.

How to Look Up Horry County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Horry County have multiple methods available to obtain this information:

Online Database Search: The Horry County Detention Center booking system provides current and recent arrest information. This searchable database is updated regularly and includes booking photos and charge information.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the records division of the Horry County Sheriff's Office to submit formal requests for arrest records. Valid government-issued identification is required, and applicable fees may apply.

Horry County Sheriff's Office
1301 2nd Avenue
Conway, SC 29526
Phone: (843) 915-5450
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via mail to the Sheriff's Office. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. A self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees should accompany all mail requests.
Clerk of Court Records: For cases that have proceeded to court, the Horry County Clerk of Court maintains records of criminal proceedings that may include arrest information.

Horry County Clerk of Court
1301 2nd Avenue
Conway, SC 29526
Phone: (843) 915-5080
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(B), agencies may charge reasonable fees for the search, retrieval, and redaction of records. Current fee schedules are available at each respective office.

Contents of a Horry County Arrest Record

Arrest records in Horry County typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Standard elements included in these records are:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
Booking photograph ("mugshot")
Date and time of arrest
Location where the arrest occurred
Arresting agency (e.g., Horry County Police Department, Sheriff's Office)
Criminal charges filed, including statute numbers
Case/booking number
Bond information and current custody status
Court dates, if scheduled

The level of detail in arrest records may vary based on the nature of the case and stage of proceedings. Records related to ongoing investigations may contain redactions as permitted under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-40, which outlines exemptions to public disclosure requirements.

Legal Uses of Arrest Records in Horry County

Arrest records serve multiple legitimate purposes within the legal and civic framework of Horry County. Authorized uses include:

Background Screening: Employers may utilize arrest records for pre-employment screening in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and state employment laws. Certain positions, particularly those involving vulnerable populations, require comprehensive background checks that include arrest history.
Housing Applications: Landlords and property management companies may review arrest records as part of tenant screening processes, subject to fair housing regulations.
Public Safety Awareness: Community members may access arrest records to stay informed about criminal activity in their neighborhoods.
Legal Proceedings: Attorneys, bail bondsmen, and court officials regularly access arrest records as part of their professional duties in the criminal justice system.

Users of arrest record information should be aware that S.C. Code Ann. § 16-13-510 prohibits the use of such information for fraudulent purposes or identity theft. Additionally, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) governs how arrest information may be used in employment and housing decisions.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Horry County

Under South Carolina law, certain individuals may qualify to have their arrest records expunged from public access. Expungement effectively removes the record from public view, though law enforcement agencies may retain limited access to the information.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Horry County include:

Charges that were dismissed or resulted in not guilty verdicts
First-offense convictions for certain minor crimes after completion of sentence and prescribed waiting periods
Successful completion of Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) or other diversion programs
Juvenile records, subject to specific statutory requirements

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Horry County Clerk of Court. Petitioners must submit appropriate documentation and pay applicable filing fees as established by S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-950. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) must verify eligibility before expungement can be granted.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves multiple government agencies and typically requires several months to complete. Legal assistance is recommended but not required for this procedure.

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