Beaufort County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Beaufort County
Arrest records in Beaufort County are considered public information under South Carolina law. Pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in § 30-4-10 et seq. of the South Carolina Code of Laws, government records, including arrest records, are generally accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute.
The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under South Carolina law. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings. Under South Carolina law, both types of records are considered public, though arrest records that did not lead to conviction may be eligible for expungement under certain circumstances.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) serves as the central repository for criminal history information in the state and maintains policies governing the dissemination of such records. Law enforcement agencies in Beaufort County, including the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, maintain arrest records in accordance with state regulations and make them available to the public as required by law.
Beaufort County Sheriff's Office
2001 Duke Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-3200
Beaufort County Sheriff's Office
What's in Beaufort County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Beaufort County law enforcement agencies contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race
- Height and weight
- Address at time of arrest
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- 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
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance numbers of alleged violations
- Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing authority
- Date of issuance
- Serving officer
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Processing officer
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted or not)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court outcomes if available
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration if detained
- Release date if applicable
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation or parole status
- Risk assessment information
- Medical screening notes (non-confidential)
- Behavioral notes during custody
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Information in these records is subject to the provisions of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act and other applicable state laws governing public records.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Beaufort County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Beaufort County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining arrest records:
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office Records Division to request arrest records. Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and date of birth if available.
Beaufort County Sheriff's Office Records Division
2001 Duke Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-3200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Beaufort County Sheriff's Office -
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department. Requests should include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Subject's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Specific information being requested
- Purpose of the request
- Signature and date
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FOIA Requests: Formal requests under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act may be submitted using the Beaufort County FOIA Request Form. Pursuant to § 30-4-30, public bodies must respond to FOIA requests within 10 business days for records less than 24 months old, and within 20 business days for older records.
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Detention Center Inquiries: For information about currently incarcerated individuals, the public may utilize the Beaufort County Detention Center Inmate Inquiry System.
Beaufort County Detention Center
100 Ribaut Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-5010
Beaufort County Detention Center -
Statewide Records: For comprehensive criminal history information, requests may be submitted to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
4400 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 737-9000
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
Fees may apply for record searches and copies in accordance with established fee schedules. Identification is typically required when requesting records in person.
How To Find Beaufort County Arrest Records Online
Beaufort County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records electronically. The following digital platforms are available for conducting arrest record searches:
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Beaufort County Detention Center Inmate Inquiry System: This online database allows users to search for currently incarcerated individuals in the Beaufort County Detention Center. The system provides basic information including charges, booking date, and bond information. This resource is accessible through the Beaufort County Detention Center website.
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South Carolina Judicial Branch Case Records Search: The South Carolina Judicial Branch maintains an online portal for searching public court records, which may include information about arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This system can be accessed through the South Carolina Judicial Branch website.
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South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search: For individuals who have been sentenced to state prison, the South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search provides information about their current status, location, and projected release date.
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South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services: The Offender Search database maintained by this department allows users to search for individuals currently under supervision.
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South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Criminal Records Check: SLED provides an online service for requesting criminal history information, including arrest records. This service requires payment of a fee and can be accessed through the SLED website.
When using these online resources, users should note that:
- Information may not be comprehensive or completely up-to-date
- Some systems may require creation of an account or payment of fees
- Certain identifying information about the subject may be required
- Records may be subject to restrictions based on privacy laws
- Online systems typically do not provide certified copies of records
For the most complete and current information, direct contact with the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office Records Division or the appropriate municipal police department is recommended.
How To Search Beaufort County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Beaufort County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods are currently available for conducting free searches of arrest information:
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Beaufort County Detention Center Inmate Inquiry System: This free online resource provides information about individuals currently held in the Beaufort County Detention Center. The system can be accessed at no cost through the Beaufort County government website.
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Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals available for public use at the Beaufort County Courthouse provide free access to certain court records that may contain arrest information. These terminals are available during regular business hours.
Beaufort County Courthouse
102 Ribaut Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-5050
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM -
Public Library Resources: The Beaufort County Library system provides free internet access that can be used to search publicly available online resources for arrest information.
Beaufort County Library - Main Branch
311 Scott Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-6430
Beaufort County Library -
Local Newspaper Archives: The Beaufort Gazette and other local publications often report on arrests and may maintain searchable online archives. These can sometimes be accessed for free through the Beaufort County Library system.
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Court Docket Review: Attending public court proceedings or reviewing public court dockets at the courthouse can provide information about arrests without cost. Court dockets are typically posted in public areas of the courthouse.
When utilizing these free resources, individuals should be aware that:
- Information may be limited compared to official record searches
- Records may not include complete arrest histories
- Recent arrests may not be immediately available in all systems
- Some systems may only provide basic information rather than complete records
- Free resources typically do not provide certified copies of records
For comprehensive criminal history information, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) remains the authoritative source, though their services typically involve fees.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Beaufort County
The process of removing arrest records from public access in Beaufort County involves either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These processes are governed by South Carolina state law rather than county ordinances.
Expungement vs. Sealing: Expungement in South Carolina refers to the complete destruction of criminal records, making them inaccessible to the public and most government agencies. Sealing, while not explicitly provided for in South Carolina law in the same manner as some other states, effectively occurs through expungement processes that restrict access to certain records.
Eligibility for Expungement: Under § 17-22-910 through § 17-22-950 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, certain arrest records may be eligible for expungement, including:
- Charges that were dismissed, nolle prossed (not prosecuted), or resulted in not guilty verdicts
- First-offense simple possession of marijuana or other specified drug charges after completion of pre-trial intervention
- First-offense convictions for certain minor offenses after specified waiting periods
- Juvenile records under specific circumstances
- First-offense alcohol or drug offenses committed by persons under 21 years of age
Expungement Process in Beaufort County:
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Determine Eligibility: Review the specific provisions of South Carolina expungement law to determine if the arrest record qualifies for expungement.
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Obtain Application: Request an expungement application from the Beaufort County Solicitor's Office.
14th Circuit Solicitor's Office
P.O. Box 1880
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 255-5880
14th Circuit Solicitor's Office -
Complete Application: Fill out the application completely, providing all requested information about the arrest and subsequent disposition.
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Submit Application and Fees: Submit the completed application along with required fees to the Solicitor's Office. Fees typically include:
- Administrative fee to the Solicitor's Office
- Filing fee to the Clerk of Court
- Verification fee to SLED
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SLED Verification: The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division will verify eligibility for expungement.
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Judicial Review: If approved by SLED, the application will be forwarded to a judge for review and approval.
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Implementation: If granted, the expungement order will be sent to all relevant agencies, including the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, the arresting agency, and SLED, directing them to destroy or seal the records.
It is important to note that expunged records may still be accessible to certain government agencies for specific purposes, such as law enforcement hiring or prosecution of subsequent offenses. Additionally, private companies that previously collected and disseminated arrest information may not automatically remove expunged records from their databases.
Due to the complexity of expungement law and procedures, individuals seeking to delete arrest records are advised to consult with an attorney experienced in criminal record expungement in South Carolina.
What Happens After Arrest in Beaufort County?
The criminal justice process in Beaufort County follows a structured sequence of events from the point of arrest through final disposition. This process adheres to South Carolina state law and includes the following key stages:
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Arrest: Law enforcement officers take an individual into custody based on probable cause that a crime has been committed. The arrest may occur with or without a warrant, depending on the circumstances.
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Booking: Following arrest, the individual is transported to the Beaufort County Detention Center for processing. This includes:
- Recording personal information
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Conducting a search
- Inventorying personal property
- Medical screening
- Assignment to a holding cell
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Initial Appearance/Bond Hearing: Within 24 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a magistrate judge who:
- Informs the arrestee of charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Determines eligibility for pretrial release
- Sets bond amount and conditions if applicable
- Appoints counsel if the defendant qualifies for public defender services
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Pretrial Release or Detention: Depending on the bond hearing outcome, the individual may be:
- Released on personal recognizance
- Released after posting bail
- Released with monitoring conditions
- Detained until trial due to flight risk or public safety concerns
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Preliminary Hearing: For felony cases, defendants may request a preliminary hearing within 10 days of the bond hearing. At this hearing, a magistrate determines if probable cause exists to support the charges.
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Grand Jury Indictment: Felony cases proceed to the grand jury, which reviews evidence presented by the prosecutor and determines whether to issue an indictment. This process is not public, and defendants do not participate.
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Arraignment: Following indictment, defendants appear in General Sessions Court for formal reading of charges and enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
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Pretrial Proceedings: This phase may include:
- Discovery exchanges between prosecution and defense
- Filing and hearing of pretrial motions
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
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Trial: If the case is not resolved through plea negotiations, it proceeds to trial, which may be:
- Bench trial (judge only)
- Jury trial (for most misdemeanors and all felonies)
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Sentencing: Upon conviction, either through guilty plea or trial verdict, the court imposes a sentence, which may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines
- Restitution
- Community service
- Treatment programs
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Appeals: Defendants have the right to appeal convictions or sentences to higher courts, beginning with the South Carolina Court of Appeals.
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Post-Conviction Relief: After exhausting direct appeals, defendants may pursue post-conviction relief based on constitutional violations or newly discovered evidence.
Throughout this process, cases may be diverted to alternative programs such as Drug Court, Veterans Court, or Mental Health Court, which focus on treatment and rehabilitation rather than traditional punishment.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Beaufort County?
Arrest records in Beaufort County are maintained according to retention schedules established by South Carolina state law and regulations. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History, pursuant to § 30-1-90 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, establishes records retention schedules that govern how long law enforcement agencies must preserve various types of records.
Standard Retention Periods:
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Arrest Reports and Booking Information: These records are typically retained permanently by law enforcement agencies. Even after cases are resolved, the basic arrest information remains in agency databases and archives.
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Fingerprint Records: Fingerprints collected during booking are maintained permanently in both local and state databases, including those maintained by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
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Mugshot Photographs: Booking photographs are generally retained permanently unless specifically ordered to be destroyed through an expungement process.
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Incident Reports: Reports documenting the circumstances of arrests are typically retained for a minimum of 10 years, with many agencies maintaining them permanently.
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Investigation Files: Files related to criminal investigations that led to arrests are generally retained for 30 years for solved cases and permanently for unsolved cases.
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Juvenile Records: Records pertaining to juvenile arrests have special retention requirements and may be sealed or destroyed when the individual reaches adulthood, depending on the nature of the offense and subsequent record.
Different agencies within Beaufort County may have varying retention practices within the framework of state requirements:
- The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office maintains its own records management system with retention periods that meet or exceed state requirements.
- Municipal police departments within the county (Beaufort, Bluffton, Port Royal) may have their own retention schedules that comply with state minimums.
- The Beaufort County Detention Center maintains booking and incarceration records according to jail record retention schedules.
- Court records related to arrests are maintained by the Clerk of Court according to judicial record retention requirements.
The preservation of arrest records serves several important purposes:
- Maintains evidence that may be needed for future legal proceedings
- Provides documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Supports law enforcement investigations of related or subsequent crimes
- Ensures accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
- Preserves historical information for statistical and research purposes
Individuals seeking to limit the retention of their arrest records may pursue expungement as described in the previous section, which can result in the destruction of records in accordance with state law.
How to Find Mugshots in Beaufort County
What Mugshots Are: Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement agencies during the booking process following an arrest. These photographs typically include front-view and profile (side-view) images of the arrested individual and are used for identification purposes within the criminal justice system.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In Beaufort County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
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Beaufort County Detention Center
100 Ribaut Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-5010
Beaufort County Detention Center -
Beaufort County Sheriff's Office
2001 Duke Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-3200
Beaufort County Sheriff's Office -
Municipal Police Departments within Beaufort County also maintain mugshots for individuals they arrest.
Finding Mugshots: Members of the public seeking mugshots in Beaufort County have several options:
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Records Division of the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department to request copies of mugshots. A formal request may be required, and fees typically apply for copies.
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FOIA Requests: Formal requests under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act may be submitted to obtain mugshots. These requests should be directed to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest or the detention center where booking occurred.
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Court Records: In some cases, mugshots may be included in court files, which can be accessed through the Clerk of Court's office.
Beaufort County Clerk of Court
102 Ribaut Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-5050
Beaufort County Clerk of Court
Can Mugshots Be Found Online: Currently, Beaufort County law enforcement agencies do not maintain public-facing online databases specifically for mugshots. However, limited information may be available through:
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Inmate Inquiry System: The Beaufort County Detention Center Inmate Inquiry System provides information about currently incarcerated individuals but may not include mugshots.
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Third-Party Websites: Various commercial websites aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records. These sites are not officially affiliated with Beaufort County government agencies and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially: To obtain official copies of mugshots, individuals should:
- Provide specific identifying information about the subject (full name, date of birth, date of arrest if known)
- Submit a written request to the appropriate agency
- Pay any applicable fees for record search and reproduction
- Present identification when picking up requested records
Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Juvenile mugshots are generally not available to the public
- Mugshots related to expunged arrests are not accessible
- Certain sensitive cases (e.g., those involving victims of sexual crimes) may have restricted access
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
Individuals should be aware that while mugshots are generally considered public records in South Carolina, their publication and use, particularly by commercial websites, has been the subject of ongoing legal and ethical debates.
Lookup Arrest Records in Beaufort County
Beaufort County Detention Center Inmate Inquiry System
South Carolina Freedom of Information Act Request Form
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Criminal Records
South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search
South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services Offender Search