Lexington Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Lexington, South Carolina?
Arrest records are public documents in Lexington, 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 legal framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within Lexington County. The South Carolina Public Records Act mandates that these documents remain accessible to citizens to ensure governmental transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system.
Members of the public may inspect arrest records maintained by the Lexington County Sheriff's Department and the Lexington Police Department, subject to certain statutory exemptions. These exemptions typically relate to ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety or individual privacy rights as outlined in S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-40.
The public nature of arrest records serves multiple civic purposes, including:
- Enabling community awareness of law enforcement activities
- Supporting journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters
- Facilitating background checks for employment or housing purposes
- Promoting accountability within the criminal justice system
- Allowing researchers to analyze crime patterns and trends
How to Look Up Lexington Arrest Records in 2025
The Lexington County Sheriff's Department and Lexington Police Department maintain several methods through which members of the public may access arrest records. As of 2025, the following official channels are available for record retrieval:
In-Person Requests:
- Individuals may submit requests at the Lexington County Sheriff's Department Records Division, located at 521 Gibson Road, Lexington, SC 29072. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
- The Lexington Police Department provides arrest record services at 111 Maiden Lane, Lexington, SC 29072, during business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Online Access:
- The Lexington County Sheriff's Department inmate search portal provides real-time information on current detainees.
- Electronic record requests may be submitted through the county's official records portal, which requires registration and may involve processing fees as authorized under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30.
Written Requests:
- Written FOIA requests may be submitted via postal mail to either law enforcement agency, with appropriate identification and specific information about the records being requested.
- Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(B), agencies must respond to written requests within 10 business days.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for record retrieval and duplication, as permitted under state law. Fee schedules are established by each agency and are subject to periodic revision.
Contents of a Lexington Arrest Record
Standard arrest records in Lexington County contain specific information as mandated by South Carolina law enforcement protocols and the South Carolina Criminal Justice Records Improvement Act. These records typically include the following elements:
Subject identification information:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical descriptors including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Residential address at time of processing
- Photograph (mugshot) taken during booking procedures
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Incident report number and booking reference
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Brief narrative of circumstances leading to arrest
Case processing information:
- Booking date and facility information
- Fingerprint classification data
- Bond or bail determination and status
- Court docket number if formally charged
- Initial appearance date and presiding magistrate
Disposition information (when available):
- Court proceedings and outcomes
- Sentencing details if convicted
- Release date if applicable
The Lexington County Magistrate Court, located at 212 South Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072, maintains judicial records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings for misdemeanor cases. Felony cases are processed through the Lexington County Court of General Sessions.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Lexington
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:
- Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed (not prosecuted)
- The individual was found not guilty after trial
- The arrest occurred but no charges were filed within the applicable statute of limitations
- The individual successfully completed a pre-trial intervention program
- The conviction qualifies under first-offense provisions for certain non-violent crimes
The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the Lexington County Clerk of Court, located at 205 East Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072. Processing fees apply as established by state statute, currently set at $250 for most expungement applications. Additional fees may apply for verification of eligibility and record sealing.
Upon approval of an expungement petition, all records pertaining to the arrest are removed from public access. Law enforcement agencies, detention facilities, and court systems are required to seal these records pursuant to court order. However, certain expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and prosecutors for specific purposes as outlined in S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-950.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains oversight of the expungement verification process and coordinates with local agencies to ensure compliance with expungement orders. Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with legal counsel regarding eligibility and procedural requirements, as the process involves multiple governmental entities and strict statutory compliance.
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