Kershaw County Public Records / Kershaw County Arrest Records

Kershaw County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Kershaw County

Arrest records in Kershaw County are considered public information under South Carolina law. Pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq.), arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies are subject to public disclosure with certain limitations. The statute defines public records to include "all books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, or other documentary materials regardless of physical form or characteristics prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body."

It is important to distinguish 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 § 30-4-40 of the South Carolina Code, certain information in arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in specific circumstances.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) serves as the central repository for criminal history information in the state, including arrest data from Kershaw County. Law enforcement agencies in Kershaw County, including the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office, are required to report arrest information to SLED within established timeframes.

Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these records are generally accessible, certain restrictions may apply based on the status of investigations, juvenile records (which are typically confidential under § 63-19-2010), and other statutory exemptions.

What's in Kershaw County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Kershaw County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with South Carolina criminal procedure requirements and generally includes the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
Residential address
Photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statutory citations of alleged violations
Classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing authority
Date of issuance
Probable cause statement

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Processing officer information
Property inventory (items in possession at time of arrest)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted or not posted)
Bond conditions

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Name of assigned judge

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Known associates
Vehicle information
Employment information
Emergency contact information
Medical alerts or special needs

The specific content of arrest records may vary slightly depending on the arresting agency within Kershaw County and the nature of the alleged offense. All information is collected and maintained in accordance with South Carolina law enforcement protocols and the South Carolina Criminal Justice Records Retention Schedule.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Kershaw County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Kershaw County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest record information:

Submit a request to the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office:
- Complete an official records request form, available at the Sheriff's Office or downloadable from their website
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying

Kershaw County Sheriff's Office
821 Ridgeway Road
Lugoff, SC 29078
Phone: (803) 425-1512
Kershaw County Sheriff's Office

Request records from the arresting agency:
- If the arrest was made by a municipal police department within Kershaw County, contact that specific agency
- Follow their established records request procedures
- Provide required identification and pay applicable fees
Submit a request to the Kershaw County Clerk of Court:
- For cases that have proceeded to court, court records related to arrests may be available
- Visit the Clerk's office in person or submit a written request
- Provide case number if known, or name and date of birth of the individual

Kershaw County Clerk of Court
1121 Broad Street
Camden, SC 29020
Phone: (803) 425-1500
Kershaw County Clerk of Court

Request a statewide criminal history check through SLED:
- Complete a Criminal Records Check form
- Submit the form with required identification and payment
- Records can be requested by mail or in person

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
4400 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
Phone: (803) 737-9000
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division

When requesting arrest records, requestors should be prepared to provide:

Full name of the subject
Date of birth
Approximate date of arrest (if known)
Case or booking number (if known)
Requestor's contact information
Proof of identity

Pursuant to § 30-4-30 of the South Carolina Code, agencies have 10 business days to respond to public records requests, though this period may be extended under certain circumstances.

How To Find Kershaw County Arrest Records Online

Kershaw County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information through various online platforms maintained by state and local agencies. The following digital resources are currently available for conducting arrest record searches:

SLED CATCH (Citizens Access To Criminal Histories):
- The SLED CATCH system provides public access to criminal history information
- Users must create an account and pay a fee per search (currently $25)
- Searches require the subject's full name and date of birth
- Results include arrest records reported to SLED by Kershaw County law enforcement agencies
Kershaw County Sheriff's Office Website:
- The Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster on their official website
- This resource displays individuals currently in custody at the Kershaw County Detention Center
- Information typically includes name, booking date, and charges
- The roster is updated regularly but does not include historical arrest data
South Carolina Judicial Branch Case Search:
- The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides online access to court records
- Users can search by name to locate cases associated with arrests in Kershaw County
- The system provides case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and disposition information
- Not all cases may be available online, particularly older records
South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search:
- The SCDC Inmate Search allows users to locate individuals who have been sentenced to state prison
- Search by name or SCDC number
- Results include current location, sentence information, and projected release date
- This resource only includes individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state custody
South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services:
- The SCDPPPS Offender Search provides information on individuals under community supervision
- Search by name or SCDPPPS ID number
- Results include supervision status, supervising county, and supervision end date

When utilizing online resources, users should be aware that:

Information may not be comprehensive or completely up-to-date
Some records may be restricted from online access
Positive identification cannot always be established without additional verification
Online records should not be used as the sole basis for making employment or housing decisions

For the most complete and accurate information, individuals are encouraged to contact the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court directly.

How To Search Kershaw County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to arrest records in Kershaw County have several options available. While some comprehensive searches may require payment of fees, the following methods provide free access to certain arrest record information:

Visit the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office in person:
- The Sheriff's Office maintains public terminals for searching basic arrest information
- No fee is charged for self-service searches
- Staff assistance with complex searches may incur fees
- Viewing records is free, though copying fees may apply (typically $0.25 per page)

Kershaw County Sheriff's Office
821 Ridgeway Road
Lugoff, SC 29078
Phone: (803) 425-1512
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Kershaw County Sheriff's Office

Check the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office website:
- The current inmate roster is available online at no cost
- Recent arrest reports may be posted in the news or press release section
- This information is limited to recent arrests and current incarcerations
Visit the Kershaw County Clerk of Court:
- Public access terminals are available for searching court records related to arrests
- No fee is charged for terminal use
- Staff can assist with locating specific case files
- Viewing records is free, though copying fees may apply

Kershaw County Clerk of Court
1121 Broad Street
Camden, SC 29020
Phone: (803) 425-1500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Kershaw County Clerk of Court

South Carolina Public Sex Offender Registry:
- The SC Sex Offender Registry provides free access to information about registered sex offenders
- Search by name, location, or non-compliant status
- Results include arrest and conviction information related to qualifying offenses
Local newspaper archives:
- The Camden Chronicle-Independent and other local publications report on significant arrests
- Many libraries provide free access to newspaper archives
- Coverage is limited to newsworthy arrests and may not be comprehensive

Camden Archives and Museum
1314 Broad Street
Camden, SC 29020
Phone: (803) 425-6050
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Camden Archives and Museum

When utilizing free resources, requestors should be aware that:

Information may be limited in scope compared to paid searches
Records may not include complete arrest histories
Some information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
Older records may not be available through free online resources

Pursuant to § 30-4-30(B) of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the search, retrieval, and redaction of records, but viewing records in person is typically available at no cost.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Kershaw County

Under South Carolina law, individuals with arrest records in Kershaw County may be eligible to have those records expunged (legally erased) or sealed (restricted from public access) under specific circumstances. The distinction between these two remedies is significant:

Expungement: The complete destruction of criminal records, making them inaccessible to the public and most government agencies.

Sealing: The restriction of public access to records while maintaining them for limited official use.

South Carolina's expungement provisions are primarily governed by § 17-22-910 through § 17-22-950 of the South Carolina Code. The following categories of arrest records may be eligible for expungement:

Charges that did not result in conviction:
- Charges dismissed, nolle prossed, or not prosecuted
- Cases resulting in not guilty verdicts
- Cases dismissed through pre-trial intervention programs
First-time, non-violent offenses:
- Certain first offense convictions after completion of sentence
- Successful completion of Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), Alcohol Education Program (AEP), or Traffic Education Program (TEP)
- First-time simple possession of controlled substances
Juvenile records:
- Juvenile records may be eligible for expungement under § 63-19-2050

The process for seeking expungement in Kershaw County involves the following steps:

Determine eligibility:
- Review arrest record and case disposition
- Consult with an attorney or the Solicitor's Office to confirm eligibility
Obtain and complete expungement application:
- Forms are available from the Solicitor's Office or online
- Different forms apply to different types of expungements

Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office - Kershaw County
1121 Broad Street, Room 406
Camden, SC 29020
Phone: (803) 425-7575
Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office

Submit application with required documentation:
- Certified disposition of the case
- SLED verification of eligibility (for certain expungements)
- Application fee (varies by expungement type, typically $250-$310)
Obtain necessary approvals:
- Solicitor's Office review and approval
- Arresting agency approval (in some cases)
- Judicial approval
Distribution of expungement order:
- Once approved, the expungement order is sent to all relevant agencies
- Agencies must destroy or seal records as directed

Individuals should be aware that certain expungements require waiting periods after case disposition or sentence completion. Additionally, some serious offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement under any circumstances.

For arrests that do not qualify for expungement, individuals may consider seeking a pardon through the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. While a pardon does not expunge or seal records, it constitutes official forgiveness of the offense and may restore certain civil rights.

What Happens After Arrest in Kershaw County?

Following an arrest in Kershaw County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by South Carolina law. This process typically progresses through the following stages:

Booking and Processing:
- The arrestee is transported to the Kershaw County Detention Center
- Personal information is recorded and verified
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
- The arrestee is placed in appropriate housing

Kershaw County Detention Center
101 Bramblewood Plantation Road
Camden, SC 29020
Phone: (803) 425-1513
Kershaw County Detention Center

Bond Hearing:
- Occurs within 24 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
- Conducted by a Magistrate Judge
- Bond amount and conditions are set
- Types of bond may include personal recognizance, surety, or cash
- If bond is posted, the arrestee is released pending court appearances
Preliminary Hearing (for felony charges):
- Must be requested within 10 days of bond hearing
- Determines if probable cause exists to support the charges
- If probable cause is found, the case proceeds to the next stage
- If no probable cause is found, charges may be dismissed
Formal Charging:
- For misdemeanors, charges are typically filed via arrest warrant
- For felonies, the Solicitor's Office presents evidence to a Grand Jury
- Grand Jury determines whether to issue an indictment
- Without an indictment, felony cases cannot proceed to trial
Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Court dates are established
- Counsel status is determined (private attorney, public defender, or self-representation)
Pre-Trial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pre-trial motions (e.g., motions to suppress evidence)
- Plea negotiations may occur
- Diversionary programs may be offered to eligible defendants
Trial:
- Jury selection (or bench trial if jury is waived)
- Presentation of evidence by prosecution and defense
- Jury deliberation and verdict
- If found not guilty, the defendant is released
- If found guilty, the case proceeds to sentencing
Sentencing:
- May occur immediately after verdict or at a later date
- Judge imposes sentence within statutory guidelines
- Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, or alternative sanctions
- Victim impact statements may be presented
Post-Conviction:
- Right to appeal within 10 days of sentencing
- Potential transfer to South Carolina Department of Corrections for felony sentences
- Probation supervision by SC Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services
- Payment of fines, restitution, and court costs

Throughout this process, defendants maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, the right to a speedy trial, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Kershaw County?

Arrest records in Kershaw County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History under the authority of the Public Records Act (S.C. Code § 30-1-10 through § 30-1-140). These schedules mandate specific retention periods based on record type, case disposition, and other factors.

The primary retention periods for arrest-related records are as follows:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information:
- For arrests resulting in conviction: 75 years from date of arrest
- For arrests not resulting in conviction: 3 years from date of arrest
- For arrests of juveniles: Until subject reaches age 21, then destroyed (unless transferred to adult court)
Fingerprint Cards and Photographs:
- For felony arrests: Permanent retention by SLED
- For misdemeanor arrests resulting in conviction: 75 years
- For arrests not resulting in conviction: Returned to the individual or destroyed upon court order
Incident Reports:
- For felony cases: 75 years from date of incident
- For misdemeanor cases: 10 years from date of incident
- For unsolved cases: Permanent retention
Investigative Case Files:
- For homicide cases: Permanent retention
- For other felony cases: 75 years from case closure
- For misdemeanor cases: 10 years from case closure
Court Records Related to Arrests:
- General Sessions (felony) court records: Permanent retention
- Magistrate Court records: 10 years after case disposition
- Municipal Court records: 10 years after case disposition

These retention periods ensure that records are available for legitimate law enforcement purposes, while also providing for eventual destruction or archiving based on the severity of the offense and case outcome. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule provides comprehensive guidance to all law enforcement agencies in the state.

It is important to note that expunged records are destroyed or sealed according to court order, regardless of standard retention periods. Additionally, electronic records maintained in databases may persist beyond physical record destruction, particularly in statewide systems maintained by SLED.

Law enforcement agencies in Kershaw County, including the Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments, are required to adhere to these retention schedules. Failure to properly maintain or dispose of records according to schedule may result in administrative penalties.

How to Find Mugshots in Kershaw County

Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered public records in Kershaw County with certain limitations. The following information outlines what mugshots are and how they may be accessed by members of the public:

What Mugshots Are: Mugshots are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process after an arrest. Typically, these photographs include frontal (face-forward) and profile (side) views of the arrested individual. The primary purpose of mugshots is to maintain a visual record of arrested individuals for identification purposes within the criminal justice system.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In Kershaw County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Kershaw County Sheriff's Office
Kershaw County Detention Center
Municipal police departments within the county
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) as part of the central state repository

Finding Mugshots: Members of the public seeking access to mugshots in Kershaw County may utilize the following methods:

Submit a request to the arresting agency:
- Complete a records request form specifying the mugshot being sought
- Provide identifying information about the subject (name, date of birth, date of arrest)
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction (typically $5-15 per photograph)

Kershaw County Sheriff's Office
821 Ridgeway Road
Lugoff, SC 29078
Phone: (803) 425-1512
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Kershaw County Sheriff's Office

Check recent booking information:
- The Kershaw County Detention Center maintains current inmate information
- Recent booking photos may be available through their inmate roster
- This information is typically limited to individuals currently in custody

Can Mugshots Be Found Online: Some mugshots from Kershaw County may be available online through:

The Kershaw County Sheriff's Office website (for recent arrests)
Third-party websites that aggregate booking information
Local media outlets that publish arrest information

However, online availability is inconsistent and not comprehensive. Additionally, South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 17-1-40) prohibits the continued publication of mugshots for individuals whose charges have been dismissed, expunged, or who have been found not guilty.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially: For the most reliable access to mugshots, individuals should:

Contact the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest
Submit a formal records request under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act
Provide as much identifying information as possible
Be prepared to pay reproduction fees

Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to mugshots may be restricted in the following circumstances:

Cases involving juveniles (under 17 years of age)
Cases that have been expunged by court order
Cases where charges were dismissed or resulted in not guilty verdicts
Active investigations where release could compromise public safety
Cases sealed by judicial order

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these photographs are generally considered public records, their use for commercial purposes (particularly websites requiring payment for removal) may be restricted under South Carolina law.