>Union County Arrest Records Online

Union County, South Carolina Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Union County, South Carolina?

Arrest records are public in Union 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 that records created, maintained, or controlled by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, shall be available for public inspection. The South Carolina FOIA operates under the presumption that government records are open to the public unless specifically exempted by statute.

Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Union County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the jurisdiction. These records typically document instances where individuals have been taken into custody by law enforcement officials on suspicion of criminal activity. While the majority of arrest information is accessible, certain details may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections outlined in S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-40, particularly when involving juvenile offenders, victims of certain crimes, or ongoing investigations.

The Union County Clerk of Court also maintains records related to arrests as part of the county's judicial system documentation. These records form part of the public record and contribute to the transparency of the criminal justice system in Union County and throughout South Carolina.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Union County?

Union County arrest records are accessible online through several official digital platforms. The South Carolina Judicial Branch maintains a public index system that allows citizens to search for case information, including arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This online accessibility is authorized under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(A)(1), which permits public bodies to establish reasonable systems for fulfilling public records requests.

The SLED CATCH system (Citizens Access To Criminal Histories) provides another online resource for obtaining criminal history information, including arrest data. This statewide database, maintained by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, compiles records from various jurisdictions, including Union County. Users must register and pay applicable fees to access comprehensive criminal history information through this portal.

Additionally, the Union County Sheriff's Office provides limited arrest information through their official website, including recent booking information and a current inmate roster. This online access facilitates public awareness and transparency regarding law enforcement activities within the county, while adhering to state regulations concerning the dissemination of criminal justice information.

How to Look Up Union County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining Union County arrest records in 2025, each offering varying levels of detail and convenience. Individuals seeking this information may utilize the following official channels:

Visit the Union County Sheriff's Office in person to request arrest records. The office is located at:

Union County Sheriff's Office
210 West Main Street
Union, SC 29379
(864) 429-1611
Official Website
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Submit a written request to the Union County Clerk of Court, which maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings:

Union County Clerk of Court
210 West Main Street
Union, SC 29379
(864) 429-1630
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Access the South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index to search for case information online. This resource provides basic case information but may not include complete arrest details.
Utilize the SLED CATCH system for comprehensive criminal history information, including arrest data. Fees apply for this service, and users must register for an account.
Contact the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services for information regarding individuals under supervision following an arrest and conviction.

Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(C), agencies may charge reasonable fees for the search, retrieval, and redaction of records. These fees must reflect the actual cost of the response to the records request and may include a deposit requirement for requests estimated to exceed $100 in processing costs.

Contents of a Union County Arrest Record

Union County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals suspected of criminal activity. These records typically include the following elements as required by South Carolina law enforcement protocols:

Subject identification information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and other physical identifiers
Arrest details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Criminal charges: Specific violations of South Carolina Code of Laws or local ordinances, including statute numbers and charge descriptions
Booking information: Fingerprints, mugshot photographs, and personal property inventory
Case processing data: Booking number, court case number, bond/bail information, and initial court appearance details
Detention status: Whether the individual was released or remanded to custody pending further proceedings

In accordance with S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-120, all law enforcement agencies in South Carolina, including those in Union County, must collect and submit specific arrest information to the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for inclusion in state and federal criminal history databases. This information becomes part of the individual's official criminal history record and may be accessed by authorized entities for legitimate purposes, including background checks and criminal investigations.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Union County

The expungement process in Union County allows for the removal of certain arrest records from public access under specific circumstances prescribed by South Carolina law. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910 through § 17-22-950, individuals may petition for expungement when:

Charges were dismissed, nolle prossed, or the person was found not guilty
The person completed a pre-trial intervention program
The person completed an alcohol education program
The arrest was for a first-offense, low-level crime and the individual has no other convictions within a specified time period

To initiate an expungement in Union County, eligible individuals must:

Obtain and complete the appropriate expungement application from the Union County Solicitor's Office
Submit the application with required documentation and applicable fees
Await review by the Solicitor's Office and SLED
If approved, the expungement order is forwarded to all relevant agencies

The expungement process typically requires payment of a $310 administrative fee, which includes a $250 SLED verification fee, a $35 filing fee, and a $25 administrative processing fee. Fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants upon proper showing of financial hardship.

Once an expungement order is issued by the court, all records related to the arrest must be destroyed or sealed by all agencies possessing such records, including the Union County Sheriff's Office, detention facilities, and court offices. Following expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except in certain circumstances specified by statute.