Clarendon County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Clarendon County in 2026

ClarendonRecords.us provides publicly available data and information related to arrest records in Clarendon County, South Carolina. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and supplementary channels include arrest logs, booking records, mugshots, bond information, criminal court case filings, and detention center rosters. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the requesting agency and the disposition of the underlying case.

Members of the public may search arrest records through the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office, the Clarendon County Detention Center, the South Carolina Judicial Department's online case search portal, and state-level law enforcement databases. In-person access is available at the Sheriff's Office records division and the Clerk of Court. Online tools provide real-time or near-real-time access to current booking and custody information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Clarendon County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and arrest records for individuals processed through the county detention facility. The Clarendon County Detention Center booking process captures personal identification data, charge information, and custody status at the time of intake. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmate status or recent arrests. The detention center roster is subject to update as individuals are booked, transferred, or released.

2. Local Police Departments

The Manning Police Department serves the county seat and issues press releases and public notices regarding arrests made within city limits. Arrest information from municipal agencies is forwarded to the Clarendon County Detention Center upon booking. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from city police departments may submit a written public records request to the respective agency's records division.

Manning Police Department
29 East Boyce Street
Manning, SC 29102
Phone: (803) 435-2411
Manning Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The South Carolina Judicial Department operates a statewide online case search system that allows members of the public to locate criminal court cases by defendant name. Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings, and searching by an individual's name may return associated charges, case numbers, hearing dates, and disposition information. This system is accessible through the South Carolina Courts public portal.

Clarendon County Clerk of Court
21 North Brooks Street
Manning, SC 29102
Phone: (803) 435-4443
South Carolina Judicial Department

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains the state's central criminal records repository. Members of the public may access name-based criminal history searches through the SLED CATCH portal, which allows individuals to view and print South Carolina criminal records. A fee applies to CATCH searches. SLED records include arrests, charges, and dispositions reported by law enforcement agencies statewide. The S.C. Department of Public Safety also maintains traffic-related enforcement records accessible through separate channels.

For individuals currently incarcerated in a state correctional facility, the South Carolina Department of Corrections inmate search provides custody status information. As noted by SCDC, the inmate search "does not provide information for offenders released from SCDC, sentenced to county detention facilities, or those under parole, probation or community supervision."

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Clarendon County Sheriff's Office
411 Sunset Drive
Manning, SC 29102
Phone: (803) 435-4527
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Clarendon County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting the records division in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Copy fees apply per page for printed records.

Clerk of Court:

Clarendon County Clerk of Court
21 North Brooks Street
Manning, SC 29102
Phone: (803) 435-4443
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
South Carolina Judicial Department

Criminal case files are available for inspection at the Clerk of Court's office. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with state fee schedules.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office at 411 Sunset Drive, Manning, SC 29102. Each written request should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.

By Phone:

• Clarendon County Sheriff's Office: (803) 435-4527
• Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
• Detailed record information is not released by phone; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Detailed police reports, witness statements, and investigative files are accessible through the discovery process in active litigation.

Information Needed for Search:

• Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
• Date of birth or approximate age
• Approximate date of arrest
• Booking number (if known)
• Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Manning Police, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Clarendon County

Arrest records in Clarendon County are public records under South Carolina law. Pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, codified at § 30-4-10 et seq. of the South Carolina Code of Laws, all public bodies are required to make their records available for public inspection and copying unless a specific exemption applies. Arrest records fall within the category of public records because they document the exercise of governmental authority and serve the interests of transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalism, research, background screening, and legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

• Arrestee name and aliases
• Date and time of arrest
• Location of arrest
• Arresting agency
• Charges filed at time of arrest
• Booking number
• Mugshot/booking photograph
• Bond and bail information
• Current custody status
• Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

• Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under South Carolina law)
• Expunged arrest records (removed from public access following court order)
• Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
• Active investigation information that would compromise law enforcement operations
• Undercover officer identities
• Confidential informant information
• Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
• Witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

South Carolina's public records framework reflects a balance between governmental transparency and individual privacy. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction, as an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

• General public
• Media organizations
• Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
• Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
• Licensing agencies
• Background check companies
• Attorneys and legal professionals
• Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions made through consumer reporting agencies. Employers and landlords using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. South Carolina does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest without a resulting conviction carries no legal finding of guilt.

What's in Clarendon County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

• Full legal name
• Aliases or "also known as" names
• Date of birth and age at time of arrest
• Sex/gender
• Race/ethnicity
• Height and weight
• Eye color and hair color
• Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
• Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

• Arrest date and time
• Location of arrest (street address or general area)
• Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, or other)
• Arresting officer name and badge number (where included)
• Booking date and time
• Booking number or arrest number
• Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

• Specific criminal charges
• South Carolina statute numbers violated
• Charge descriptions and classifications (felony or misdemeanor)
• Number of counts per charge
• Domestic violence designation, if applicable
• Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

• Booking facility name and location
• Intake process timestamp
• Booking photograph (mugshot)
• Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
• Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

• Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
• Bond amount set by the court
• Bond type:
  • Cash bond
  • Surety bond
  • Personal recognizance (PR bond)
  • No bond
• Release date and time, if released
• Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

• Court case number assigned
• Court jurisdiction
• Scheduled arraignment or hearing date
• Court location
• Judge assignment, where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

• Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
• Witness statements
• Victim identifying information
• Evidence collected during investigation
• Investigative techniques or methods
• Medical or mental health information
• Social Security number (redacted by law)
• Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

• Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not included in booking records
• Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest
• Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
• Background checks: Aggregate information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Clarendon County?

Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge during regular business hours at the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of Court. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under § 30-4-30 of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, public bodies may charge fees for the search, retrieval, and copying of public records, provided those fees do not exceed the actual cost of the service.

Record Type	Inspection Fee	Copy Fee (Per Page)	Certification Fee
Arrest/Booking Record	None	$0.25–$1.00	Varies
Court Case File	None	$0.25–$1.00	Varies
SLED CATCH Criminal History	N/A	Included	$25.00 per search
Certified Court Document	None	$0.25–$1.00	$1.00–$5.00

Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective agency. The SLED CATCH portal accepts credit and debit card payments online. Fee waiver provisions may apply to indigent requestors or members of the media in certain circumstances; requestors should inquire directly with the records custodian. Electronic copies, where available, may be provided at reduced or no cost depending on the agency's current policy.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Clarendon County

South Carolina law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the destruction or removal of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Expungement is the more complete remedy and is governed by § 17-22-910 et seq. of the South Carolina Code of Laws.

Eligibility for expungement in South Carolina depends on the outcome of the underlying case and the nature of the offense. The following circumstances may qualify an individual for expungement:

• Charges that were dismissed or nolle prossed (not prosecuted)
• Acquittals (not guilty verdicts at trial)
• Arrests where no charges were filed
• First-offense convictions for certain misdemeanors after completion of sentence and a waiting period
• Successful completion of a pretrial intervention or diversion program
• Youthful offender dispositions meeting statutory criteria

Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the Clarendon County Clerk of Court. The Solicitor's Office for the Third Judicial Circuit reviews the petition and may object. If approved, the order is forwarded to SLED, the arresting agency, and other relevant repositories for record destruction or notation. Processing time varies but is typically several months from the date of filing.

Clarendon County Clerk of Court
21 North Brooks Street
Manning, SC 29102
Phone: (803) 435-4443
South Carolina Judicial Department

Third Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office
Manning, SC 29102
Phone: (803) 435-4036
South Carolina Commission on Prosecution Coordination

Expungement does not guarantee removal from third-party commercial databases, which are not subject to court orders in the same manner as government repositories. Individuals whose records have been expunged may need to contact commercial background check companies separately to request updates.

What Happens After Arrest in Clarendon County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Clarendon County Detention Center, the county's primary holding facility. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before departure.

Clarendon County Detention Center
411 Sunset Drive
Manning, SC 29102
Phone: (803) 435-4527
Detention Center Information

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Clarendon County Detention Center, the booking process is initiated. According to the county's official detention center documentation, "when an individual arrives at Clarendon County Detention Center, the following will typically take place: the paperwork justifying their arrest" is reviewed and processed. The booking process includes:

• Recording of personal identification information
• Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously administered
• Photograph (mugshot) taken
• Fingerprints collected and submitted to SLED and the FBI
• Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
• Personal property inventoried and secured
• Exchange of personal clothing for jail-issued clothing
• Medical screening
• Brief mental health screening
• Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under South Carolina law, individuals arrested without a warrant must be brought before a magistrate for a probable cause determination within 48 hours of arrest. At the first appearance, the court formally notifies the defendant of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the defendant of the right to counsel, and, where applicable, appoints a public defender for indigent defendants. First appearances may be conducted via video conference.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the detention facility. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable administrative fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant. The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is set by state regulation.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The court may deny bond for serious violent offenses, individuals assessed as a danger to the community, those with active probation or parole violations, individuals subject to immigration holds, or those with outstanding out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which may take one to eight hours depending on facility volume. Written conditions of release and the next court date are provided at the time of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant. Individuals who do not post bond remain in custody, receive a housing assignment, and are oriented to facility rules, commissary access, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender's Office:

Clarendon County Public Defender
Manning, SC 29102
Phone: (803) 435-4036
South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Defendants must complete an application at or before the first appearance hearing.

Charging Decision:

The Third Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment. The arraignment follows, at which the defendant enters a formal plea. The majority of defendants enter an initial plea of not guilty.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may address suppression of evidence, dismissal of charges, or other legal issues. Plea negotiations may result in a resolution prior to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

• Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects
• Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal
• Plea Agreement: Defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea in exchange for an agreed-upon sentence or sentencing recommendation
• Trial: Jury or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty; sentencing hearing follows a guilty verdict

Sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination thereof. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.

Important Contacts:

Clarendon County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
411 Sunset Drive
Manning, SC 29102
Phone: (803) 435-4527
Clarendon County Sheriff's Office

Clarendon County Clerk of Court
21 North Brooks Street
Manning, SC 29102
Phone: (803) 435-4443
South Carolina Judicial Department

Third Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office
Manning, SC 29102
Phone: (803) 435-4036
South Carolina Commission on Prosecution Coordination

Clarendon County Public Defender
Manning, SC 29102
Phone: (803) 435-4036
South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense

What to Do If You're Arrested:

1. Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
2. Do not physically resist arrest
3. Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
4. Request an attorney immediately and do not waive that right
5. Do not discuss the case with anyone other than legal counsel
6. Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
7. Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
8. Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Clarendon County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Clarendon County is governed by South Carolina law and the records retention schedules established by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. Under state policy, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for minimum periods that vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the underlying case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

• Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, SLED, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
• Part of the individual's permanent criminal history record

Misdemeanor Convictions:

• Retained permanently or for extended periods by local law enforcement and the Clerk of Court
• Reported to SLED's state criminal history repository

Dismissed Charges:

• May remain in local law enforcement databases unless expunged
• Court records are retained according to the applicable retention schedule
• Eligible for expungement under South Carolina law, which removes the record from public access

Acquittals:

• Local law enforcement and court records are retained according to schedule
• May be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed / No-Information:

• Booking records are retained for a minimum period before potential purging
• Often eligible for expungement; individuals may petition for removal

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing platforms are retained for extended or permanent periods. Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are subject to the applicable retention schedule. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule. Investigative files are retained based on case outcome and offense classification.

Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and traffic case files are retained for periods specified in the state retention schedule. Electronic court records are retained permanently in the statewide case management system.

SLED State Repository: SLED maintains criminal history records for all arrests reported by South Carolina law enforcement agencies. Retention is permanent for convictions; non-conviction records may be updated or removed following expungement.

FBI Database: The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, accessible to law enforcement nationwide. Federal retention is permanent for most offense categories.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all relevant databases. A dismissal or acquittal may remain in databases unless the individual successfully petitions for expungement. Following a valid expungement order, local agencies are required to destroy or seal the physical record, and SLED updates the state repository. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement. Third-party commercial background check companies are not bound by expungement orders in the same manner and may not update their records automatically.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumer reporting agencies may report convictions indefinitely. Non-conviction arrest records are subject to restrictions under FCRA and applicable state law. South Carolina does not currently impose a blanket prohibition on reporting non-conviction arrest records, though employers and landlords must comply with FCRA adverse action requirements when using third-party background check services.

How to Check Retention Status:

• Contact the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (803) 435-4527
• Submit a written public records request specifying the arrest date and subject information
• Fees may apply for copies of responsive records

Lookup Arrest Records in Clarendon County

• Clarendon County Detention Center booking process and arrest information
• South Carolina Law Enforcement Division – criminal records and investigations
• SLED CATCH – name-based South Carolina criminal history search
• South Carolina Department of Corrections inmate search
• S.C. Department of Public Safety – statewide law enforcement records