Clarendon County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Clarendon County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Clarendon County may access publicly available information through a combination of official county, state, and online resources. ClarendonRecords.us aggregates publicly available data that may relate to criminal history, court proceedings, and related records originating from Clarendon County, South Carolina. The information available through such resources may include, but is not limited to, the following record categories:
- Arrest and booking records
- Court case filings and dispositions
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Inmate and detention records
- Sex offender registry entries
- Warrant information
- Probation and sentencing records
Records may be searched through official county offices, public access terminals at the courthouse, and state-level online portals. The following five methods outline the primary avenues through which members of the public may obtain criminal records in Clarendon County.
1. County Court Records
The Clarendon County Clerk of Court maintains records of cases heard in the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions Court. Members of the public may inspect court records in person at the Clerk of Court's office. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for certain requests. Public access terminals are available during regular business hours for case lookups.
Clarendon County Clerk of Court
21 Mill Street
Manning, SC 29102
Phone: (803) 435-4443
Clerk of Court
2. Sheriff's Office
The Clarendon County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and jail rosters. Members of the public may submit records requests directly to the Sheriff's Office. Fees may apply for copies of records. The Sheriff's Office processes requests in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
Clarendon County Sheriff's Office
411 Sunset Drive
Manning, SC 29102
Phone: (803) 435-4527
Clarendon County Sheriff's Office
3. Online Court Search
The South Carolina Judicial Department provides an online case search portal through which members of the public may search court records by name, case number, or filing date. Users should enter the full legal name of the subject and review all associated case numbers. The portal reflects records from General Sessions and Common Pleas courts across the state, including Clarendon County.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains the state's central criminal history repository. Members of the public may submit a name-based criminal history request through the SLED CATCH portal, which allows users to view and print South Carolina criminal records. Fingerprint-based requests are available for official background checks and require submission through an authorized channeler. Processing times and fees vary by request type.
SLED – South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
4400 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
Phone: (803) 737-9000
SLED Criminal Records
5. Written/Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests for criminal records to the Clarendon County Clerk of Court or the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office at the addresses listed above. Requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth, and the specific records sought. Under § 30-4-30 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within ten business days of receipt.
What Is Clarendon County Criminal Record
A criminal record in Clarendon County is an official compilation of documented interactions between an individual and the criminal justice system, encompassing records generated at the point of arrest through final case disposition. Under South Carolina law, criminal records are created and maintained by multiple agencies throughout the criminal justice process, including law enforcement agencies, the courts, and the state criminal history repository.
The distinction between record types is significant for purposes of public access and legal interpretation:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents the fact of an arrest and booking but does not indicate guilt. A conviction record reflects a formal finding or plea of guilt and the resulting sentence.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felonies are the more serious classification of criminal offense under South Carolina law and carry greater penalties. Misdemeanor records reflect less serious offenses but remain part of an individual's criminal history.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Records pertaining to individuals adjudicated as juveniles are sealed by operation of law and are not accessible to the general public under § 63-19-2020 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect outstanding judicial orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal proceedings regardless of current warrant status.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Clarendon County include the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office (arrest and jail records), the Clarendon County Clerk of Court (court case files and dispositions), SLED (statewide criminal history repository), and local municipal police departments. Records are created at the point of arrest, updated through each stage of court proceedings, and finalized upon sentencing or dismissal. A complete criminal record may include charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing details, and probation or parole status.
Are Criminal Records Public In Clarendon County
Criminal records in Clarendon County are subject to public disclosure under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, codified at § 30-4-10 et seq. of the South Carolina Code of Laws. The Act establishes that public records maintained by state and local government bodies are presumptively open to inspection by any member of the public. As stated in the statute, "it is vital in a democratic society that public business be performed in an open and public manner so that citizens shall be advised of the performance of public officials and of the decisions that are made by such officials on their behalf."
Adult conviction records, court case filings, and records of criminal proceedings are accessible to the public under this framework. The following categories of records are subject to restriction or exemption:
- Juvenile adjudication records (sealed by statute)
- Expunged or sealed records (removed from public access by court order)
- Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records subject to protective orders issued by a court
Federal criminal records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation are governed by separate federal statutes and are not subject to South Carolina's open records law. The South Carolina Attorney General's Office provides guidance on the application of the Freedom of Information Act to criminal records requests.
How To Find Criminal Records in Clarendon County Online
Official County Resources
The Clarendon County Clerk of Court maintains court case records accessible through in-person public terminals. The Clarendon County Detention Center provides booking and inmate information for individuals currently held at the facility. No registration is required for in-person terminal access during regular business hours.
State-Level Resources
- The SLED CATCH portal allows members of the public to conduct name-based searches of South Carolina criminal history records and print results.
- The South Carolina Department of Corrections inmate search provides photographs and public information on individuals currently sentenced to and incarcerated in state correctional facilities.
- The South Carolina Public Sex Offender Registry is maintained by SLED and updated regularly by county sheriff's offices to reflect current registrant information.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name as well as known aliases or name variations.
- Searching by case number yields the most precise results when the number is known.
- Cross-reference multiple databases, as records may be distributed across county, state, and federal systems.
- Be aware that records subject to expungement or sealing will not appear in public search results.
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks following a court event or booking. Historical records predating the digitization of county court files may not be available through online portals and may require an in-person request. Online search results do not constitute an official background check for employment, licensing, or housing purposes.
Can You Search Clarendon County Criminal Records for Free
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection: Under § 30-4-30 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge. Copying fees may apply for physical reproductions. In-person inspection is available at the Clarendon County Clerk of Court and the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.
2. Free Online Databases: The following resources are available at no cost:
| Resource | What's Available | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| SLED CATCH | Name-based SC criminal history | Free to view |
| SC DOC Inmate Search | Current state inmates | Free |
| SC Sex Offender Registry | Registered sex offenders | Free |
| Clarendon County Clerk of Court | Court case records (in-person terminal) | Free to inspect |
3. Sheriff's Logs: Daily arrest and booking reports maintained by the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office may be inspected in person at no charge, subject to applicable exemptions.
What Costs Money
- Certified copies of court records: fees set by the Clerk of Court
- Official state criminal history background checks through SLED: fee required per request
- Staff-assisted record searches beyond routine inspection
- Expedited processing requests
- Electronic copies provided by county offices
The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for the search, retrieval, and copying of records but prohibits fees for in-person inspection of records that do not require staff assistance.
What's Included in a Clarendon County Criminal Record
Identifying Information
A Clarendon County criminal record at present may include the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, State Identification Number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records document the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond information, and the jail facility where the individual was held. The Clarendon County Detention Center processes bookings and maintains associated documentation.
Court Case Information
Court records maintained by the Clarendon County Clerk of Court include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, charges and applicable statutes (classified as felony or misdemeanor), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition
Disposition records reflect the verdict or outcome of the case, conviction date where applicable, sentencing details (type, length, fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision), any appeals filed, and probation or parole status.
Additional Record Elements
- Outstanding warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status (searchable via the South Carolina Public Sex Offender Registry)
- DUI/DWI adjudications
- Pending charges
NOT Included in Public Records
- Juvenile adjudication records
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Records from completed diversion programs where expungement has been granted
Accuracy Note
Members of the public who identify errors in their own criminal records may submit a challenge to the maintaining agency. SLED provides a formal process for disputing inaccurate criminal history information held in the state repository.
How Long Does Clarendon County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements
South Carolina law and the South Carolina Department of Archives and History establish retention schedules for public records maintained by county agencies. Criminal records retention is governed by both state statute and applicable court rules.
Retention by Record Type
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Retained; may be subject to expungement |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Retained with disposition noted |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 17 or upon completion of sentence; subject to destruction per statute |
| Pending cases | Retained until final resolution |
Agency Differences
County courts retain case files on a permanent basis in accordance with state court retention rules. The Clarendon County Sheriff's Office and Detention Center retain booking and jail records pursuant to the county's records retention schedule. SLED retains conviction records permanently in the state criminal history repository.
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records in many instances. Paper records may be destroyed following scanning and digitization, provided the electronic copy is preserved in accordance with applicable retention schedules.
Expungement
South Carolina law provides for the expungement of certain criminal records under § 17-22-910 et seq. of the South Carolina Code of Laws. Eligibility depends on the nature of the offense, the outcome of the case, and the time elapsed since disposition. Upon the granting of an expungement order, the record is removed from public access; however, expunged records may remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for specified purposes. Expungement forms and eligibility information are available through the South Carolina Judicial Department and the Solicitor's Office.
Federal Records
Criminal records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation are subject to federal retention rules and are maintained separately from state and county records. Federal records are not affected by state expungement orders.
Practical Implications
Felony and misdemeanor convictions that remain in the state repository will appear on background checks conducted through SLED. Employment background checks conducted by private entities are subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which limits reporting of certain records to seven to ten years depending on the position sought. Professional licensing boards in South Carolina may require full disclosure of criminal history regardless of the age of the record. Even where a county agency has destroyed physical records, electronic copies may persist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged pursuant to applicable statute.