Dorchester County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Dorchester County
Arrest records in Dorchester County, South Carolina are considered public records under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10). This statute establishes the public's right to access government records, including those related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The law presumes that all records created or maintained by public bodies are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.
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 South Carolina law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain restrictions may apply.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains the central repository of criminal history information for the state, including arrest data from Dorchester County. According to SLED's records policy, arrest records remain public information even if the arrest did not result in a conviction, though individuals may have certain rights to expungement under specific circumstances.
Dorchester County Sheriff's Office
212 Deming Way
Summerville, SC 29483
843-832-0300
Dorchester County Sheriff's Office
What's in Dorchester County Arrest Records
Dorchester County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Home address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance numbers for each charge
- Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
- Victim information (may be redacted in certain cases)
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Date warrant was issued
- Issuing authority
- Warrant type (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Booking facility
- Processing officer information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained (if applicable)
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status at time of arrest
- Immigration status
- Property seized during arrest
- Medical information relevant to custody
- Emergency contact information
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-40, certain information may be redacted from public records to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or sensitive information.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Dorchester County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Dorchester County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains systems that allow for both in-person and remote access to these public records. The following procedures outline the current process for accessing arrest records:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Complete a Public Records Request Form, which requires the requestor's contact information and specific details about the records being sought.
- Present a valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying (currently $15 for a basic record search and $0.25 per page for copies).
- Records staff will conduct the search and provide available documents, typically within 10 business days as required by S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(C).
Written Requests:
- Submit a formal written request to the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office Records Division.
- Include the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
- Provide requestor's contact information and purpose for the request.
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Mail the request to:
Dorchester County Sheriff's Office Records Division
212 Deming Way
Summerville, SC 29483
843-832-0300
Dorchester County Sheriff's Office
Email Requests:
- Send a completed Public Records Request Form to the designated email address for records requests.
- Include all relevant identifying information about the subject of the search.
- Records staff will respond with payment instructions and estimated completion time.
For arrest records related to incidents handled by municipal police departments within Dorchester County, requestors should contact the specific agency directly:
Summerville Police Department
300 W 2nd North Street
Summerville, SC 29483
843-871-2463
Summerville Police Department
St. George Police Department
305 Ridge Street
St. George, SC 29477
843-563-3643
St. George Police Department
Requestors should note that certain information may be redacted from arrest records in accordance with privacy laws and ongoing investigation exemptions under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
How To Find Dorchester County Arrest Records Online
Dorchester County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official online channels. The following methods allow members of the public to search for and retrieve arrest information electronically:
The Dorchester County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search portal that provides information about currently incarcerated individuals and recent arrests. This searchable database includes:
- Arrestee name and booking photo
- Charges filed
- Booking date
- Bond information
- Court dates
- Custody status
To access this information, users may visit the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search page. The system allows searches by name, booking number, or date range.
For more comprehensive criminal history information, including past arrests, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains the state's central repository through their Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. This database contains arrest records from all law enforcement agencies in South Carolina, including those in Dorchester County. To request records through SLED:
- Visit the SLED Criminal Records Check portal
- Create a user account
- Submit the required identifying information
- Pay the statutory fee ($25 per record check)
- Receive results electronically
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
4400 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
803-737-9000
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
Additionally, the South Carolina Judicial Branch provides the Public Index which contains court records related to arrests in Dorchester County. This system allows users to search for:
- Criminal case information
- Court dates and times
- Case status
- Disposition information
- Sentencing details
Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete arrest history information, particularly for older records or cases that have been expunged or sealed by court order. For the most comprehensive search, combining online resources with formal written requests is recommended.
How To Search Dorchester County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Dorchester County arrest records without incurring fees. These no-cost methods provide basic arrest information, though they may not offer the comprehensive detail available through paid searches:
The Dorchester County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible inmate search function on their website that provides information about current inmates and recent arrests at no charge. This resource includes:
- Names of arrestees
- Booking photos
- Charges
- Arrest dates
- Bond information
This free service can be accessed through the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office website.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch offers a free Public Index that allows users to search court records by name. While this system does not provide arrest records directly, it contains information about criminal cases resulting from arrests, including:
- Case numbers
- Charges filed
- Court dates
- Case status
- Disposition information
Local public libraries in Dorchester County provide free internet access and assistance with navigating public records websites. Library staff can help patrons locate and use online resources for arrest record searches:
Dorchester County Library - Summerville Branch
76 Old Trolley Road
Summerville, SC 29485
843-871-5075
Dorchester County Library
Dorchester County Library - St. George Branch
506 N Parler Avenue
St. George, SC 29477
843-563-9189
Dorchester County Library
Individuals may also inspect arrest records in person at the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours at no cost, though fees apply for copies of documents. According to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(B), "The public body may establish and collect fees not to exceed the actual cost of searching for or making copies of records."
Local newspapers and media outlets often publish arrest reports and booking information as part of their regular crime reporting. These publications can be accessed for free through:
- Online news websites
- Social media pages of local news organizations
- Print editions available at public libraries
How To Delete Arrest Records in Dorchester County
South Carolina law provides specific mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access through expungement or record sealing processes. These legal remedies differ significantly in their effect and eligibility requirements:
Expungement completely removes an arrest record from public access and official databases. Once expunged, the record is destroyed and treated as if the arrest never occurred. By contrast, record sealing restricts public access to the record but preserves it for limited official use by law enforcement and the courts.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910, individuals may be eligible for expungement of arrest records in Dorchester County under the following circumstances:
- The charges were dismissed
- The person was found not guilty
- The prosecution decided not to pursue charges (nolle prosequi)
- The arrest was made in error
- The charges were discharged through completion of a pre-trial intervention program
- The person received a pardon
The expungement process in Dorchester County requires the following steps:
- Obtain an Expungement Application from the Dorchester County Solicitor's Office
- Complete the application with all required information about the arrest
- Submit the application along with supporting documentation to:
First Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office
101 Ridge Street
St. George, SC 29477
843-871-2640
First Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office
-
Pay the required expungement application fee (currently $310)
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The Solicitor's Office will review the application and, if approved, forward it to:
- The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
- The Dorchester County Sheriff's Office
- The arresting agency
- The Dorchester County Clerk of Court
-
Upon final approval, all agencies will remove the record from their systems
For certain first-time, non-violent offenses, individuals may qualify for expungement under S.C. Code Ann. § 22-5-910, which allows for the removal of records after a waiting period (typically three years for misdemeanors and five years for felonies) following completion of the sentence.
Individuals with questions about their eligibility for expungement should consult with the Dorchester County Public Defender's Office or a private attorney, as the laws governing record removal are complex and subject to specific statutory requirements.
Dorchester County Public Defender's Office
5200 E Jim Bilton Boulevard
St. George, SC 29477
843-832-0420
Dorchester County Public Defender
What Happens After Arrest in Dorchester County?
The criminal justice process in Dorchester County follows a structured sequence of events after an individual is taken into custody. This process includes several key stages that determine how a case proceeds through the system:
Initial Arrest and Booking: When law enforcement officers make an arrest, the individual is transported to the Dorchester County Detention Center for booking. This process includes:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Collection of personal information
- Recording of arrest details
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Placement in holding cell
Bond Hearing: Within 24 hours of arrest, the defendant appears before a Dorchester County Magistrate for a bond hearing. During this proceeding:
- The charges are formally presented
- The judge determines if bond will be granted
- Bond amount and conditions are set
- The defendant is informed of their right to counsel
- A preliminary hearing date may be scheduled
Formal Charging: The Dorchester County Solicitor's Office reviews the case and determines whether to pursue formal charges. This may occur through:
- Indictment by a grand jury (for felonies)
- Filing of an information (for misdemeanors)
- Decision not to prosecute (nolle prosequi)
Arraignment: If formally charged, the defendant appears in court for arraignment where:
- Charges are read
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial dates may be set
- Discovery process begins
Pre-Trial Proceedings: Before trial, several legal proceedings may occur:
- Pre-trial motions (to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, etc.)
- Status conferences
- Plea negotiations
- Diversion program consideration (for eligible defendants)
Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, it will be heard in either:
- Dorchester County Magistrate Court (for minor offenses)
- Dorchester County Court of General Sessions (for serious misdemeanors and felonies)
The trial process includes:
- Jury selection (except in bench trials)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation
- Verdict
Sentencing: Following a guilty plea or conviction:
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Sentencing hearing is scheduled
- Judge imposes sentence according to South Carolina sentencing guidelines
- Defendant is informed of appeal rights
Post-Conviction: After sentencing, the defendant may:
- Begin serving the imposed sentence
- File an appeal
- Apply for alternative sentencing programs
- Eventually seek expungement (if eligible)
Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights protected under both South Carolina and federal law, including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair trial.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Dorchester County?
Arrest records in Dorchester County are maintained according to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History's Records Retention Schedule for law enforcement agencies. This schedule, authorized under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-1-90, establishes mandatory retention periods for various types of records created by public safety agencies.
Under current retention requirements, arrest records are subject to the following retention periods:
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Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Permanent retention required. These records document the fundamental law enforcement function of taking individuals into custody and must be maintained indefinitely.
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Arrest Warrants: Must be retained for 10 years after execution or expiration of the warrant.
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Fingerprint Cards and Photographs: Permanent retention required unless the record is expunged by court order.
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Incident Reports Related to Arrests:
- Felony cases: 30 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
- Non-criminal incidents: 5 years after creation
-
Criminal History Records: Maintained permanently in the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division's central repository.
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Juvenile Arrest Records: Subject to special confidentiality provisions under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-19-2010 and typically sealed when the individual reaches age 18, unless the offense would have been a felony if committed by an adult.
Different agencies within Dorchester County's criminal justice system maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:
- The Dorchester County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, and investigation files.
- The Dorchester County Detention Center keeps booking records, inmate files, and custody information.
- The Dorchester County Clerk of Court preserves court records related to criminal cases.
- Municipal police departments within the county maintain their own arrest records.
The retention of these records serves several important public purposes:
- Preservation of evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Documentation of law enforcement activities for accountability
- Support for criminal investigations and prosecution
- Statistical analysis of crime patterns and trends
- Background checks for employment and licensing
Records that have reached the end of their retention period may be destroyed only after approval from the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, pursuant to established records management procedures. However, records subject to pending litigation, investigation, or Freedom of Information Act requests must be preserved regardless of their scheduled destruction date.
How to Find Mugshots in Dorchester County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process following an arrest. In Dorchester County, these photographs serve as visual identification records of individuals who have been taken into custody. Mugshots typically include:
- Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
- Side profile view (in some cases)
- Booking information board showing the date of arrest and booking number
- Agency identification information
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots taken in Dorchester County are primarily maintained by the arresting agency and the detention facility where the individual was processed. These photographs are stored in:
- The Dorchester County Sheriff's Office records management system
- The Dorchester County Detention Center inmate database
- Municipal police department records (for arrests by city police)
- The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division's (SLED) central repository
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshots from Dorchester County arrests have several official channels through which these records may be obtained:
- Submit a formal public records request to the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office Records Division:
Dorchester County Sheriff's Office Records Division
212 Deming Way
Summerville, SC 29483
843-832-0300
Dorchester County Sheriff's Office
-
Check the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office online inmate search portal, which often includes booking photographs of recently arrested individuals.
-
Contact the specific municipal police department if the arrest occurred within city limits:
Summerville Police Department
300 W 2nd North Street
Summerville, SC 29483
843-871-2463
Summerville Police Department
Can They Be Found Online
Some mugshots from Dorchester County arrests may be available through official online sources:
- The Dorchester County Sheriff's Office inmate search function
- The South Carolina Department of Corrections offender search (for convicted individuals)
- Court records databases that may include booking photos as part of case files
It should be noted that South Carolina law does not prohibit third-party websites from publishing mugshots obtained through public records requests. However, the South Carolina General Assembly has considered legislation to restrict commercial websites that charge fees for removing mugshots.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
To officially request a mugshot from Dorchester County authorities:
- Complete a Public Records Request Form specifying the individual's name and approximate date of arrest
- Submit the form in person, by mail, or via email to the appropriate agency
- Pay any applicable fees (typically $5-15 per photograph)
- Provide a valid form of identification
- Allow 10-15 business days for processing as required by the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrest records (including photographs) are generally confidential under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-19-2010
- Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Mugshots that have been expunged by court order are removed from public access
- Records related to certain domestic violence or sexual assault cases may have restricted access
- Photographs of individuals arrested but not charged may be subject to removal from public websites under agency policies
Requestors should be aware that while mugshots are generally considered public records, their use for commercial purposes or harassment may raise legal and ethical concerns.