Orangeburg County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Orangeburg County
Arrest records in Orangeburg County are considered public information under South Carolina law. Pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in § 30-4-10 et seq., government records, including arrest records, are generally accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The law establishes that citizens have the right to inspect or copy public records maintained by public bodies in South Carolina, including law enforcement agencies.
It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of the offense in a court of law. Under South Carolina law, both types of records are generally public, though certain exceptions may apply.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which maintains the central repository of criminal history information for the state, provides access to criminal history records in accordance with § 23-3-120 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. This statute authorizes SLED to disseminate criminal history information to the public, subject to certain restrictions and fees.
In Orangeburg County, arrest records are primarily maintained by the following agencies:
Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office
1520 Ellis Avenue
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 531-4647
Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office
Orangeburg Department of Public Safety
1320 Middleton Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 533-5900
Orangeburg Department of Public Safety
What's in Orangeburg County Arrest Records
Arrest records in Orangeburg County contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Address at time of arrest
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance numbers violated
- Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
- Multiple charges if applicable
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Date warrant was issued
- Issuing judge or magistrate
- Probable cause statement
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number/case number
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Whether bond was posted
- Bond hearing date
- Conditions of release if applicable
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court disposition if available
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained
- Release date if applicable
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status at time of arrest
- Immigration status
- Emergency contact information
- Medical information relevant to detention
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Records maintained by the Orangeburg County Detention Center may contain additional information related to the individual's incarceration.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Orangeburg County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Orangeburg County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining arrest records:
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In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies
Individuals may visit the records division of the appropriate law enforcement agency to request arrest records in person. The primary agencies maintaining these records include:
Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office
1520 Ellis Avenue
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 531-4647
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Orangeburg County Sheriff's OfficeOrangeburg Department of Public Safety
1320 Middleton Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 533-5900
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Orangeburg Department of Public SafetyRequestors should bring government-issued photo identification and be prepared to complete a records request form. Fees may apply for copies of records.
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Written Requests
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted by mail to the appropriate agency. Requests should include:
- Full name of the subject of the record
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date or approximate date of arrest
- Requestor's contact information
- Copy of requestor's identification
- Check or money order for applicable fees
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State-Level Criminal History Records
For comprehensive criminal history information, including arrests throughout South Carolina, requests may be submitted to:
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
Criminal Records Department
P.O. Box 21398
Columbia, SC 29221
(803) 737-9000
South Carolina Law Enforcement DivisionSLED charges a fee of $25 per record check, pursuant to § 23-3-115 of the South Carolina Code.
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Court Records Related to Arrests
Records of court proceedings resulting from arrests may be obtained from:
Orangeburg County Clerk of Court
151 Docket Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 533-6200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Orangeburg County Clerk of Court
Requestors should note that while arrest records are generally public information, certain records may be restricted or redacted in accordance with state law, particularly those involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or cases that have been expunged.
How To Find Orangeburg County Arrest Records Online
Orangeburg County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests. The following online methods are currently available:
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Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that allows the public to search for currently incarcerated individuals and recent arrests. This resource provides basic information including:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Court dates
This information can be accessed through the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office website by navigating to the inmate search function.
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South Carolina Judicial Branch Case Search
The South Carolina Judicial Branch offers an online case search system that provides information on criminal cases resulting from arrests. Users can search by name to find:
- Case numbers
- Charges
- Court dates
- Case status
- Disposition information
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South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search
For individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state prison, the South Carolina Department of Corrections Incarcerated Inmate Search provides information on current inmates including:
- Full name
- SCDC number
- Current location
- Sentence information
- Projected release date
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South Carolina Sex Offender Registry
The Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office Sex Offender Registry provides information on registered sex offenders residing in the county. This database includes:
- Offender photographs
- Addresses
- Conviction information
- Risk level
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Third-Party Aggregator Websites
Various commercial websites compile public record information, including arrest records from Orangeburg County. While these sites may offer convenient access, the information may not be as current or accurate as official government sources. Users should verify any information obtained from third-party sources with official records.
When using online resources to access arrest records, users should be aware that not all records may be available electronically. Some records, particularly older cases or those with special circumstances, may require in-person requests. Additionally, online records may not contain complete information available in the official record.
How To Search Orangeburg County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Orangeburg County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods provide free access to arrest record information:
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Online Public Resources
Several government websites offer free access to basic arrest information:
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The Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office website provides a free inmate lookup tool that displays current inmates and recent arrests.
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The South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index allows free searches of court cases, including criminal cases resulting from arrests.
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The South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search provides free access to information about individuals currently serving sentences in state correctional facilities.
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Public Access Terminals
Free public access terminals are available at the following locations:
Orangeburg County Courthouse
151 Docket Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PMOrangeburg County Library
1645 Russell Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 531-4636
Hours vary by dayThese terminals allow users to search court records related to arrests without paying fees.
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Viewing Records In Person
Pursuant to § 30-4-30(a) of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, public bodies must make records available for inspection during normal business hours. While copying fees may apply, simply viewing records is free. Individuals may visit:
Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1520 Ellis Avenue
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 531-4647
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PMOrangeburg County Clerk of Court
151 Docket Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 533-6200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM -
Local Media Resources
Local news outlets often report on significant arrests and maintain searchable online archives:
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The Times and Democrat newspaper regularly publishes police reports and arrest information.
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Local television station websites may include crime reports featuring arrest information.
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When utilizing free resources, requestors should be aware that the information provided may be limited compared to official records obtained through formal requests. Additionally, some specialized searches or certified copies will still require payment of statutory fees.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Orangeburg County
The process of removing arrest records from public access in South Carolina involves either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These processes are governed by specific state statutes and require compliance with strict legal criteria.
Expungement vs. Sealing
Expungement is the process by which arrest records are completely removed from public access and, in some cases, physically destroyed. When a record is expunged, the arrest is treated as if it never occurred. Sealing, by contrast, restricts public access to records but preserves them for limited official use by law enforcement and the courts.
In South Carolina, the primary mechanism for removing arrest records from public view is expungement, which is governed by § 17-22-910 through § 17-22-950 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
Eligibility for Expungement
Under current South Carolina law, the following types of arrest records may be eligible for expungement:
- Arrests that did not result in conviction (charges dismissed, not prosecuted, or found not guilty)
- First-offense convictions for certain minor offenses after specified waiting periods
- Successful completion of Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), Alcohol Education Program (AEP), or similar diversion programs
- Certain first-time drug offenses committed by persons under 25 years of age
- Certain minor offenses after specified waiting periods (typically 3-5 years)
Notably, most violent offenses, sexual offenses, and serious felonies are not eligible for expungement under South Carolina law.
Expungement Process in Orangeburg County
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Obtain Application Forms
Expungement applications are available from:
Orangeburg County Solicitor's Office
151 Docket Street, Suite 1
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 533-6260
First Circuit Solicitor's Office -
Complete Required Documentation
Applicants must submit:
- Completed expungement application
- Certified disposition of the case
- SLED verification form
- Application fee ($310 for most expungements)
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Submit to Appropriate Agency
Completed applications must be submitted to the Solicitor's Office, which will review the application and forward it to:
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
P.O. Box 21398
Columbia, SC 29221
(803) 737-9000
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division -
Judicial Review
If approved by the Solicitor and SLED, the application is forwarded to a Circuit Court judge for final approval. If granted, expungement orders are sent to all agencies holding records of the arrest.
Legal Assistance
Due to the complexity of expungement laws, applicants may benefit from legal assistance. Resources include:
South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Legal Services
P.O. Box 608
Columbia, SC 29202
(803) 799-6653
SC Bar Pro Bono Program
Orangeburg County Bar Association
P.O. Box 1268
Orangeburg, SC 29116
Individuals should be aware that expungement is not automatic and requires affirmative action by the arrestee. Additionally, even expunged records may remain accessible to certain government agencies for specific purposes, such as law enforcement hiring.
What Happens After Arrest in Orangeburg County?
Following an arrest in Orangeburg County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by South Carolina law. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:
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Booking and Initial Processing
After physical arrest, individuals are transported to the Orangeburg County Detention Center for booking, which includes:
- Photographing (mugshot)
- Fingerprinting
- Personal information collection
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Criminal history check
Orangeburg County Detention Center
1520 Ellis Avenue
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 533-5822
Orangeburg County Detention Center -
Bond Hearing
Within 24 hours of arrest, defendants appear before a magistrate judge for a bond hearing. At this proceeding:
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bond amount and conditions are determined
- Public defender may be appointed if defendant qualifies
Bond may be granted in various forms including personal recognizance (PR), cash, or surety bonds. Certain serious offenses may not be eligible for bond at the magistrate level.
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Preliminary Hearing
For felony charges, defendants may request a preliminary hearing within 10 days of the bond hearing. This proceeding:
- Determines if probable cause exists to support the charges
- Is conducted by a magistrate judge
- May result in charges being dismissed or bound over to the grand jury
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Grand Jury Indictment
Felony cases proceed to the Orangeburg County Grand Jury, which meets monthly to:
- Review evidence presented by the prosecutor
- Determine if sufficient evidence exists to issue an indictment
- Issue a "true bill" (approve indictment) or "no bill" (reject charges)
Grand jury proceedings are closed to the public and defendants do not participate.
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Arraignment
Following indictment, defendants appear for arraignment in General Sessions Court where they:
- Are formally informed of charges
- Enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere)
- May have trial dates scheduled
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Pre-Trial Proceedings
Before trial, several proceedings may occur:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Pre-trial motions (suppress evidence, dismiss charges, etc.)
- Plea negotiations
- Diversion program placement (if eligible)
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Trial
If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial in the Orangeburg County Court of General Sessions. Trials may be:
- Bench trials (judge decides verdict)
- Jury trials (12 jurors decide verdict)
The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Sentencing
If convicted, sentencing follows either immediately or at a later hearing. Factors considered include:
- Statutory guidelines
- Criminal history
- Victim impact statements
- Mitigating circumstances
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
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Appeals
Convicted defendants have the right to appeal to:
- South Carolina Court of Appeals
- Supreme Court of South Carolina (in certain cases)
Appeals must typically be filed within 10 days of sentencing.
Throughout this process, defendants' arrest records are updated to reflect their current status in the criminal justice system. These records become part of the public record accessible through the methods previously described, subject to any applicable restrictions.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Orangeburg County?
Arrest records in Orangeburg County are maintained according to retention schedules established by South Carolina law and administrative regulations. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History, pursuant to § 30-1-90 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, establishes records retention schedules for all public records, including arrest records.
Standard Retention Periods
Law enforcement agencies in Orangeburg County typically retain arrest records according to the following guidelines:
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Active Criminal Investigation Records
- Retained until case is closed or statute of limitations expires
- For unsolved major crimes (homicide, rape), records may be kept permanently
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Arrest Reports and Booking Information
- Retained for a minimum of 10 years from date of arrest
- For felony arrests, records are typically kept 25 years or longer
- For misdemeanor arrests, records are typically kept 10-15 years
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Fingerprint Cards and Photographs
- Digital records are maintained permanently in the state's central repository
- Physical records may be destroyed after digitization according to agency policy
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Incident Reports Related to Arrests
- Retained for a minimum of 5 years
- Reports involving felonies are kept for 25 years or longer
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Juvenile Arrest Records
- Subject to different retention requirements under § 63-19-2050
- May be sealed or destroyed when juvenile reaches age 18 or 21, depending on offense
Agency-Specific Retention
Different agencies maintain separate records with varying retention periods:
Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office
Maintains arrest records according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule, typically 10 years minimum for most records.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
As the central repository for criminal history information in South Carolina, SLED maintains criminal history records permanently, including fingerprints and arrest data from all jurisdictions in the state.
Orangeburg County Clerk of Court
Court records related to arrests are typically maintained for 15 years after case disposition, with records of serious felony convictions kept permanently.
South Carolina Department of Corrections
For arrested individuals who are subsequently convicted and incarcerated, records are maintained for 7 years after final release from supervision.
It is important to note that even after physical records may be destroyed according to retention schedules, electronic records and database entries may be maintained for longer periods or permanently. Additionally, records that have been expunged pursuant to court order are destroyed or sealed regardless of standard retention periods.
The retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes, including:
- Preserving evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Maintaining accurate criminal history information for law enforcement
- Ensuring accountability in the criminal justice system
- Supporting statistical analysis of crime patterns
- Facilitating background checks authorized by law
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies may contact the records division of the relevant agency directly.
How to Find Mugshots in Orangeburg County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the arrest and booking process. These images serve to document the physical appearance of arrested individuals at the time they enter the criminal justice system. In Orangeburg County, mugshots are typically taken at the Orangeburg County Detention Center as part of the standard booking procedure.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots in Orangeburg County are primarily maintained by the following agencies:
Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office
1520 Ellis Avenue
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 531-4647
Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office
Orangeburg County Detention Center
1520 Ellis Avenue
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 533-5822
Orangeburg County Detention Center
Additionally, mugshots may be shared with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for inclusion in state criminal history records.
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshots in Orangeburg County have several options:
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In-Person Requests
Individuals may submit requests for mugshots in person at the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM). Requestors should:
- Provide the full name of the subject
- Provide approximate date of arrest if known
- Complete a records request form
- Present identification
- Pay applicable fees
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Written Requests
Written requests for mugshots may be submitted by mail to the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office. Requests should include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth if known
- Approximate date of arrest
- Requestor's contact information
- Check or money order for applicable fees
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FOIA Requests
Formal Freedom of Information Act requests may be submitted to obtain mugshots. These requests should cite § 30-4-10 et seq. of the South Carolina Code and include specific information about the records sought.
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
Currently, Orangeburg County law enforcement agencies do not maintain a public-facing online database of mugshots. However, mugshots may be available online through:
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Third-Party Websites
Various commercial websites collect and publish mugshots obtained from public records. These sites may charge fees for access or removal of images.
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Media Outlets
Local news organizations sometimes publish mugshots of individuals arrested for newsworthy crimes. These may be available in online archives of local news sources.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
To ensure accuracy and legitimacy, the recommended method for obtaining mugshots is through official channels:
- Submit a records request directly to the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office
- Provide specific identifying information about the subject
- Pay any required fees (typically $5-15 per photograph)
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:
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Juvenile Records: Mugshots of juveniles (under 18) are generally not public records under § 63-19-2030 of the South Carolina Code.
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Expunged Records: If an arrest record has been expunged pursuant to § 17-22-910 et seq., the associated mugshot is no longer accessible to the public.
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Ongoing Investigations: Mugshots related to active, ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld.
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Privacy Considerations: In some cases, release of mugshots may be restricted if it would constitute an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy that outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
Individuals concerned about their own mugshots being publicly available should consult with an attorney regarding potential expungement options if they qualify under South Carolina law.
Lookup Arrest Records in Orangeburg County
Orangeburg County Arrest Records