Arrest records in Marlboro County, South Carolina are public documents pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq. This legislation establishes that records created, maintained, or controlled by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, shall be made available for public inspection. The South Carolina FOIA specifically includes arrest records among the categories of information that must be disclosed to the public without a written request during normal business hours.
Members of the public may access these records as part of the state's commitment to governmental transparency and accountability. The South Carolina Judicial Branch maintains that public access to court records, including arrest information, serves the important function of keeping citizens informed about the administration of justice within their communities.
Certain limitations may apply to the disclosure of arrest records in cases involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or where disclosure would constitute an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy as determined by statute. However, the presumption under South Carolina law favors disclosure rather than confidentiality.
Marlboro County arrest records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The Marlboro County government provides digital access to certain public records through its official website, though the comprehensiveness of these records may vary.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains a statewide database that includes arrest information from Marlboro County. This database is accessible to the public for a nominal fee per search. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-115, SLED is authorized to disseminate criminal history record information to the public.
Additionally, the Fourth Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Marlboro County, provides access to court records through the South Carolina Judicial Department's Public Index. This searchable database includes information on criminal cases resulting from arrests in the county.
Online access to these records is subject to the following conditions:
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Marlboro County as of 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:
The Marlboro County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and booking information for the county. Requests may be submitted in person at:
Marlboro County Sheriff's Office
205 E. Market Street
Bennettsville, SC 29512
Phone: (843) 479-5605
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Marlboro County Sheriff's Office
The Marlboro County Clerk of Court maintains records of all criminal proceedings following arrests. These records may be requested at:
Marlboro County Clerk of Court
105 Main Street
Bennettsville, SC 29512
Phone: (843) 479-5613
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Marlboro County Clerk of Court
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division provides statewide criminal history information, including arrests in Marlboro County. Requests may be submitted online or by mail to:
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
P.O. Box 21398
Columbia, SC 29221
Phone: (803) 737-9000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30, agencies may charge reasonable fees for search and duplication of records. Current fee schedules are available from each respective agency.
Arrest records in Marlboro County contain standardized information as prescribed by South Carolina law enforcement protocols and judicial requirements. These records typically include comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest.
Standard components of a Marlboro County arrest record include:
The South Carolina Department of Corrections maintains records of individuals who have been transferred to state custody following arrest and conviction. These records include additional information regarding sentencing and incarceration.
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-120, certain arrest information may be subject to restricted access if the arrest did not result in a conviction or if the record has been expunged by court order.
The expungement process in Marlboro County allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances as authorized by South Carolina law. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910 through § 17-22-950, individuals may petition for expungement when their case meets statutory criteria.
Eligibility for expungement in Marlboro County generally includes:
The expungement procedure requires filing a petition with the Marlboro County Clerk of Court, payment of applicable fees, and verification of eligibility by the Solicitor's Office. Current filing fees include a $250 administrative fee, $25 filing fee, and additional fees for SLED verification.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides standardized forms for expungement petitions. Upon approval, all records related to the arrest are removed from public databases, including those maintained by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
Expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes as specified in S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-950, but are no longer available through public record searches or background checks.