>Orangeburg County Arrest Records Online

Orangeburg County, South Carolina Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Orangeburg County, South Carolina?

Arrest records are public in Orangeburg 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 framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests and criminal proceedings. The South Carolina FOIA operates under the principle that government transparency is essential for an informed citizenry and accountable public institutions.

Law enforcement agencies in Orangeburg County maintain arrest records as part of their official documentation. These records typically document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement authorities on suspicion of criminal activity. The public nature of these records serves multiple civic purposes:

Ensures transparency in law enforcement operations
Provides community members with information regarding public safety matters
Allows for oversight of governmental actions
Facilitates research and statistical analysis of criminal justice trends
Enables background checks for employment, housing, and other legitimate purposes

The South Carolina Judicial Branch maintains the statewide framework for court records, including those related to arrests in Orangeburg County. While most arrest records are 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 Orangeburg County?

Orangeburg County arrest records are available online through several official platforms, reflecting the county's implementation of digital record-keeping systems in accordance with South Carolina's public records laws. The online availability of these records represents the county's commitment to modernizing access to public information while maintaining compliance with state regulations regarding record disclosure.

The Orangeburg County Public Safety Records Division maintains electronic databases that contain arrest information. These online resources provide the following benefits to county residents and other interested parties:

24/7 accessibility without requiring in-person visits to government offices
Reduced administrative burden on county staff
Streamlined search capabilities for locating specific records
Immediate access to public safety information
Cost-effective distribution of public records

Online arrest records typically include basic information about arrests but may not contain complete case files or court dispositions. For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may need to utilize the SLED Catch system maintained by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, which provides statewide criminal background check services for a nominal fee.

How to Look Up Orangeburg County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Orangeburg County have multiple methods available to obtain this information. Each method offers different advantages depending on the requester's specific needs and circumstances.

Online Search Options:

The digital infrastructure for accessing Orangeburg County arrest records includes:

Orangeburg County Court Records Search - The county's official public index system provides case information for matters processed through the county's court system.
South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search - For individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state custody.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division - Provides statewide criminal history information for a fee of $25 per search.

In-Person Requests:

For direct assistance or certified copies, individuals may visit:

Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office
1520 Ellis Avenue
Orangeburg, SC 29115
Phone: (803) 531-4647
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Orangeburg County Clerk of Court
151 Docket Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
Phone: (803) 533-6243
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Mail Requests:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to either the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court at the addresses listed above. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30, mail requests should include:

Full name of the subject
Date of birth (if known)
Approximate date of arrest
Case number (if available)
Requestor's contact information
Check or money order for applicable fees
Self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents

Contents of an Orangeburg County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Orangeburg County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by South Carolina law enforcement protocols. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system beginning at the point of apprehension.

Standard information contained in Orangeburg County arrest records includes:

Biographical information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
Arrest details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location where the arrest occurred
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Agency responsible for the arrest
Criminal charges:
- Specific statute violations
- Classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
- Brief description of alleged criminal activity
Case processing information:
- Booking number and facility
- Court docket number
- Initial appearance date
- Bail or bond information
- Detention status

The City of Orangeburg Public Safety Department maintains records for arrests within city limits, while the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office maintains records for arrests in unincorporated areas of the county. Both agencies follow South Carolina Criminal Justice Information System protocols for record creation and maintenance.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Orangeburg County

South Carolina law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records in Orangeburg County under specific circumstances. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, physically destroyed. This process is governed by S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910 through § 17-22-950.

Eligibility Criteria:

Individuals may qualify for expungement in Orangeburg County under the following circumstances:

Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed (not prosecuted)
The person was found not guilty or acquitted at trial
The arrest did not result in a conviction
Successful completion of a Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program
First-offense conviction for certain minor crimes after specified waiting periods
Juvenile records meeting statutory requirements

Expungement Process:

The procedure for expunging arrest records in Orangeburg County requires:

Filing an application with the Solicitor's Office of the First Judicial Circuit
Payment of a $310 expungement fee ($250 to SLED, $35 to the Clerk of Court, and $25 to the Solicitor's Office)
Verification of eligibility by the Solicitor's Office
Judicial review and approval
Distribution of expungement orders to all agencies holding records

First Circuit Solicitor's Office
140 North Main Street
Summerville, SC 29483
Phone: (843) 871-2640
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Expunged records are removed from public databases, including those maintained by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. However, certain government agencies may retain access to expunged records for limited purposes as specified by state law.

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