Dorchester County Criminal Records
What Is Dorchester County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Dorchester County, South Carolina, constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-4-30, which establishes requirements for the maintenance and accessibility of public records.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office or local police departments. These records exist whether or not charges are ultimately filed.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of criminal cases resulting in guilty verdicts or pleas, representing the most commonly accessed criminal records.
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year and/or substantial fines.
- Misdemeanor Records: Documentation of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year in jail and smaller fines.
- Juvenile Records: Documentation of offenses committed by minors under 18 years of age, which are generally sealed from public view under South Carolina Code § 63-19-2010.
- Warrant Information: Documentation of active warrants for arrest as well as historical warrant records.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Dorchester County:
Dorchester County Sheriff's Office
212 Deming Way
Summerville, SC 29483
843-832-0300
Dorchester County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.
Dorchester County Clerk of Court
5200 East Jim Bilton Boulevard
St. George, SC 29477
843-563-0181
Dorchester County Clerk of Court
The Clerk's Office maintains court case records, including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing information.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
4400 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
803-737-9000
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
SLED maintains the central repository of criminal history information for the entire state, including Dorchester County records.
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of arrests, charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing details, and probation/parole information. The specific content varies based on the nature and disposition of each case.
Are Criminal Records Public In Dorchester County
Criminal records in Dorchester County are generally considered public information under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically South Carolina Code § 30-4-10 et seq. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
According to § 30-4-15 of the South Carolina Code: "The General Assembly finds that 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 reached in public activity and in the formulation of public policy."
The following criminal record categories are typically available to the public:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and case files for adult offenders
- Conviction records
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, as protected under § 30-4-40(a)(3)
- Juvenile records (for offenders under 18), which are sealed pursuant to § 63-19-2010
- Records that have been expunged by court order
- Records sealed by judicial directive
- Information that would constitute an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy under § 30-4-40(a)(2)
- Grand jury proceedings and related documents
The Dorchester County Clerk of Court maintains public criminal court records, while the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and incarceration records. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) serves as the central repository for criminal history information statewide.
Public access to these records serves multiple purposes, including promoting transparency in the criminal justice system, facilitating background checks for employment and housing, and enabling research on criminal justice trends. However, the right to access must be balanced against privacy concerns and the potential for rehabilitation of former offenders.
Individuals seeking access to criminal records in Dorchester County must follow established procedures, which may include submitting formal requests, paying applicable fees, and providing proper identification. Certain specialized criminal record information may require court orders or other authorization for access.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Dorchester County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Dorchester County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record retrieval, each with specific procedures and limitations.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk of Court:
- Visit the Dorchester County Clerk of Court during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM).
- Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $25 for record searches plus $1 per page for copies).
- For certified copies, an additional fee of $5 per document applies.
Dorchester County Clerk of Court
5200 East Jim Bilton Boulevard
St. George, SC 29477
843-563-0181
Dorchester County Clerk of Court
Mail Requests to the Clerk of Court:
- Prepare a written request including the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), approximate case date, and your contact information.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Mail the request to the Dorchester County Clerk of Court at the address listed above.
Sheriff's Office Records Requests:
For arrest records, booking photos, and incident reports:
- Visit the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM).
- Complete a records request form.
- Provide identification and pay applicable fees.
Dorchester County Sheriff's Office
212 Deming Way
Summerville, SC 29483
843-832-0300
Dorchester County Sheriff's Office
State-Level Criminal History Records:
For comprehensive criminal history information:
- Submit a request to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
- Complete SLED's Criminal Records Check form.
- Include a $25 processing fee per record.
- Provide fingerprints if requesting a full background check.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
4400 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
803-737-9000
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 23-3-115, SLED is authorized to disseminate criminal history information in accordance with state and federal regulations.
For court-appointed attorney records or public defender information, contact:
Dorchester County Public Defender's Office
5200 East Jim Bilton Boulevard
St. George, SC 29477
843-871-2810
Dorchester County Public Defender
When requesting criminal records, be prepared to provide as much identifying information as possible to ensure accurate results. Processing times vary based on request volume and complexity.
How To Find Criminal Records in Dorchester County Online?
Dorchester County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information varies by system.
South Carolina Judicial Branch Case Search:
The South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index provides searchable access to court records, including criminal cases in Dorchester County.
- Navigate to the Public Index website.
- Select "Dorchester" from the county dropdown menu.
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.).
- Review results, which include case numbers, filing dates, charges, and case status.
- Note that this system does not provide full case documents, only docket information.
Dorchester County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:
The Sheriff's Office maintains an online Inmate Lookup Portal for current detention center inmates.
- Access the portal through the Sheriff's Office website.
- Search by name or booking number.
- View booking information, charges, bond amounts, and scheduled court dates.
- Note that this database only includes currently incarcerated individuals.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) CATCH System:
SLED's Citizens Access to Criminal Histories (CATCH) system provides name-based criminal history searches.
- Create an account on the SLED CATCH portal.
- Pay the required fee ($25 per search).
- Enter the subject's name and date of birth.
- Receive results showing South Carolina criminal history information.
South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search:
For individuals sentenced to state prison:
- Visit the SC Department of Corrections Inmate Search.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- Search by name or SCDC number.
- View current incarceration status, location, and projected release date.
South Carolina Sex Offender Registry:
For sex offender information:
- Access the SC Sex Offender Registry.
- Accept the terms of use.
- Search by name, location, or other criteria.
- View registration details, offense information, and current address.
When using online systems, users should be aware of several limitations:
- Not all criminal records are available online; some require in-person requests.
- Historical records may not be digitized.
- Some online systems require registration or fees.
- Record accuracy should be verified through official sources.
- Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-4-30(B), agencies may establish reasonable fees for record searches and copies.
Online access to criminal records is continually evolving, with Dorchester County working to expand digital availability while maintaining compliance with privacy laws and security requirements.
Can You Search Dorchester County Criminal Records for Free?
Dorchester County provides several options for free access to criminal records, though certain limitations apply. Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-4-30(a), "Any person has a right to inspect or copy any public record of a public body, except as otherwise provided by § 30-4-40, in accordance with reasonable rules concerning time and place of access."
Free In-Person Inspection:
The following locations offer free public inspection of criminal records during regular business hours:
Dorchester County Clerk of Court
5200 East Jim Bilton Boulevard
St. George, SC 29477
843-563-0181
Dorchester County Clerk of Court
- Public terminals are available for searching court records.
- No fee is charged for viewing records on-site.
- Staff assistance is limited due to workload constraints.
- Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
Dorchester County Law Library
5200 East Jim Bilton Boulevard
St. George, SC 29477
843-563-0204
Dorchester County Law Library
- Public access computers are available for legal research.
- Court records can be accessed through the Judicial Branch Public Index.
- Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
Free Online Resources:
Several online platforms provide free access to limited criminal record information:
- South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index - Free access to basic case information, including criminal cases in Dorchester County.
- Dorchester County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup - Free access to current inmate information.
- South Carolina Sex Offender Registry - Free access to registered sex offender information.
Fee-Based Services:
While inspection of records may be free, fees apply for:
- Copies of documents ($1 per page)
- Certified copies ($5 per document)
- Record searches requiring staff assistance ($25 per name)
- Complete criminal history reports from SLED ($25 per search)
These fees are established under the authority of South Carolina Code § 30-4-30(B), which states: "The public body may establish and collect fees not to exceed the actual cost of searching for or making copies of records."
For individuals with limited financial resources, fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances, particularly for those with court-appointed counsel or those who file an affidavit of indigency with the court.
While free access options exist, they typically provide more limited information than fee-based services. Complete criminal history information generally requires payment of established fees to the appropriate agencies.
What's Included in a Dorchester County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Dorchester County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The specific content varies based on the nature and disposition of each case, but typically includes several standard categories of information.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Incident report number
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Circuit Court or Magistrate Court)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Charges filed by the prosecutor with corresponding statute numbers
- Classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney information (prosecutor and defense)
- Hearing dates and outcomes
- Motions filed and rulings
Disposition Information:
- Final verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution ordered
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI offenses
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
Criminal records maintained by the Dorchester County Clerk of Court are organized according to the South Carolina Court Administration Records Retention Schedule, which establishes standardized formats and retention periods for court documents.
Law enforcement records maintained by the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office follow standardized formats established by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to ensure consistency across jurisdictions.
Access to certain elements of criminal records may be restricted based on privacy laws, ongoing investigations, or court orders. Juvenile records are subject to stricter confidentiality requirements under South Carolina Code § 63-19-2010.
How Long Does Dorchester County Keep Criminal Records?
Dorchester County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by state law and administrative policies. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History oversees records retention requirements for all government agencies in the state, including those in Dorchester County.
Court Records Retention:
The South Carolina Judicial Department establishes retention periods for court records through South Carolina Court Administration Directive. Key retention periods include:
- Felony Case Files: Permanently maintained for serious offenses (murder, manslaughter, criminal sexual conduct, armed robbery)
- Other Felony Cases: 15 years after case disposition
- Misdemeanor Case Files: 10 years after case disposition
- Traffic Offenses: 10 years after case disposition
- Domestic Violence Cases: 25 years after case disposition
- Court Docket Books: Permanently maintained
- Bench Warrants: Until served or recalled by the court
- Bond Records: 10 years after case disposition
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
The Dorchester County Sheriff's Office follows the South Carolina Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule, which includes:
- Incident Reports: 5 years after creation
- Arrest Reports: 10 years after creation
- Investigation Case Files:
- Homicide: Permanently maintained
- Other felonies: 30 years after case closure
- Misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure
- Booking Records: 10 years after creation
- Fingerprint Cards: Permanently maintained
- Mug Shots: 10 years after creation
- Sex Offender Registry Information: Permanently maintained
Expungement Considerations:
Under South Carolina Code § 17-22-910, certain criminal records may be eligible for expungement, which removes them from public access. Expungement eligibility includes:
- First-offense convictions for certain misdemeanors after 3-5 years
- Non-conviction records (dismissals, not guilty verdicts)
- Juvenile records upon reaching age 18 (with certain exceptions)
- First-time drug offenses after successful completion of a drug court program
When records are expunged, physical documents are destroyed and electronic records are removed from public databases. However, law enforcement agencies may retain expunged records for internal use only, though these records cannot be disclosed to the public.
Digital Records Considerations:
While physical records may be destroyed according to retention schedules, digital records and database entries may persist longer due to backup systems and information sharing networks. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains the central repository of criminal history information indefinitely, even after local records may have been destroyed according to retention schedules.
Records retention practices are subject to change based on legislative updates, administrative directives, and technological capabilities. Individuals seeking specific information about the retention of particular records should contact the Dorchester County Clerk of Court or Sheriff's Office directly.