Lexington County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lexington County

Arrest records in Lexington 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 South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains the central repository of criminal history information for the state, including arrest data from Lexington County.

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 on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under South Carolina law, both arrest and conviction records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division's records policy, pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-120, governs the dissemination of criminal history information, including arrest records. While most arrest records are public, access may be restricted for records that:

• Relate to ongoing investigations
• Involve juvenile offenders (under 17 years of age)
• Have been expunged by court order
• Are sealed pursuant to specific statutory provisions

Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these records are generally accessible, they reflect only that an arrest occurred and not a determination of guilt.

What's in Lexington County Arrest Records

Lexington 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
• Gender
• Race/ethnicity
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
• Residential address
• Photograph (mugshot)
• Fingerprints

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 citations
• Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
• Charge severity level
• Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

• Warrant number
• Issuing authority
• Date issued
• Warrant type (arrest, bench, search)
• Serving officer information

Booking Information:

• Booking number
• Date and time of booking
• Booking facility
• Processing officer information
• Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

• Bond amount
• Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
• Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
• Bond conditions
• Release date (if applicable)

Court Information:

• Court of jurisdiction
• Case number
• Scheduled court appearances
• Judge assigned

Custody Status:

• Current detention status
• Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
• Expected release date (if sentenced)

Additional Information May Include:

• Prior arrest history
• Probation/parole status
• Risk assessment scores
• Medical alerts or special needs
• Emergency contact information
• Immigration status or holds

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency's policies and the nature of the arrest. All information is collected and maintained in accordance with South Carolina law enforcement standards and procedures.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Lexington County in 2026

Members of the public may access arrest records in Lexington County through several established channels. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining these records:

In-Person Requests at the Lexington County Sheriff's Department:

1. Visit the Records Division during regular business hours.
2. Complete a Records Request Form, providing specific information about the record being sought.
3. Present valid government-issued photo identification.
4. Pay applicable fees (currently $5.00 per record).
5. Records staff will process the request while you wait for simple requests, or provide an estimated completion time for more complex searches.

Lexington County Sheriff's Department
521 Gibson Road
Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: (803) 785-8230
Lexington County Sheriff's Department

Mail Requests:

1. Download and complete the Records Request Form from the Sheriff's Department website.
2. Include a copy of valid government-issued photo identification.
3. Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
4. Mail the request package to the Records Division address.
5. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Requests:

For comprehensive criminal history information that may include arrests across multiple jurisdictions:

1. Submit a request through SLED's Criminal Records Check Department.
2. Complete the required SLED Criminal Records Check Form.
3. Include payment of the required fee (currently $25 per record check).
4. Provide a signed consent form if requesting records on behalf of another individual.

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
4400 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
Phone: (803) 737-9000
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division

Court Records Requests:

Arrest information may also be obtained through related court records:

1. Contact the Lexington County Clerk of Court.
2. Provide case number or name of the individual.
3. Pay applicable search and copy fees.
4. Review records on-site or request certified copies.

Lexington County Clerk of Court
205 East Main Street
Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: (803) 785-8212
Lexington County Clerk of Court

Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30, government agencies must respond to records requests within 10 business days, indicating whether the request will be fulfilled, denied, or requires additional time for processing.

How To Find Lexington County Arrest Records Online

Lexington County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. The following methods are currently available for electronic access:

Lexington County Sheriff's Department Inmate Search:

The Sheriff's Department maintains an online inmate search portal that provides information about individuals currently in custody or recently released:

1. Navigate to the Lexington County Sheriff's Department website.
2. Locate the "Inmate Search" or "Detention Center" section.
3. Enter the individual's name or booking number in the search fields.
4. Review the results, which typically include booking information, charges, bond amounts, and custody status.
5. Note that this system only includes current inmates and those released within the past 30 days.

Lexington County Public Index:

The South Carolina Judicial Department maintains a public index that includes criminal case information:

1. Visit the South Carolina Judicial Department website.
2. Select "Lexington County" from the county dropdown menu.
3. Choose "Criminal Records" as the search type.
4. Enter the individual's name or case number.
5. Review case information, including charges, court dates, and disposition information.

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Online Records Check:

For comprehensive criminal history information:

1. Access the SLED CATCH (Citizens Access To Criminal Histories) system.
2. Create a user account if you don't already have one.
3. Pay the required fee (currently $25 per search).
4. Enter the subject's full name and date of birth.
5. Review the results, which include arrest records from across South Carolina.

Third-Party Aggregator Websites:

Several commercial websites compile public records information, including arrest data:

1. Be aware that these sites may charge fees and the information may not be current or complete.
2. Verify any information obtained through these sources with official county records.
3. Understand that using these services for employment screening may be subject to additional legal requirements under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

When accessing arrest records online, users should be aware that the information provided may be limited compared to official records obtained directly from the Sheriff's Department or Clerk of Court. Additionally, pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-40, certain information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy interests.

How To Search Lexington County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Lexington County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods are currently available for free searches:

Lexington County Detention Center Inmate Search:

The Lexington County Sheriff's Department provides a free online inmate lookup tool:

1. Visit the Lexington County Sheriff's Department website.
2. Navigate to the "Detention Center" or "Inmate Search" section.
3. Enter the individual's name in the search fields.
4. Review current inmate information at no cost.
5. Note that this database only includes current inmates and those released within the past 30 days.

Public Access Terminals at Government Offices:

Several county facilities offer free on-site access to public records:

1. Visit the Lexington County Judicial Center during regular business hours.
2. Use the public access computer terminals in the Clerk of Court's office.
3. Search for criminal cases by name or case number.
4. View basic case information at no charge (printing may incur fees).

Lexington County Judicial Center
205 East Main Street
Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: (803) 785-8212
Lexington County Judicial Center

Lexington County Public Library System:

The county library system offers free internet access that can be used to search public records:

1. Visit any Lexington County library branch.
2. Use the public computers to access the Sheriff's Department website or SC Judicial Department Public Index.
3. Search for arrest information using the free online resources.

Lexington County Public Library - Main Branch
5440 Augusta Road
Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: (803) 785-2600
Lexington County Public Library

Court Docket Review:

Criminal court proceedings are open to the public:

1. Contact the Lexington County Clerk of Court for the criminal court schedule.
2. Attend public court sessions.
3. Review the daily court docket, which includes defendant names and charges.
4. Observe arraignments, preliminary hearings, or trials to obtain information about arrests.

Local Newspaper Archives:

Many local news outlets report on significant arrests:

1. Visit the Lexington County Public Library.
2. Access free newspaper archives.
3. Search for news reports about arrests and criminal cases.

While these free methods provide access to basic arrest information, they may not offer the comprehensive detail available through official record requests. Additionally, pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(B), while examination of public records is free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for searching and copying records when requested.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Lexington County

In Lexington County, as in all of South Carolina, arrest records cannot be "deleted" in the conventional sense, but they may be eligible for expungement or sealing under specific circumstances. Expungement legally destroys the record, while sealing restricts public access while maintaining the record for limited official purposes.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Under S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910, the following arrest situations may qualify for expungement:

1. Charges that were dismissed, nolle prossed (not prosecuted), or resulted in not guilty verdicts
2. First-offense simple possession of marijuana or hashish (after completion of pre-trial intervention)
3. First-offense convictions for certain non-violent crimes after specified waiting periods
4. Juvenile records for certain offenses
5. First-time alcohol or drug offenses by youthful offenders

Expungement Process:

1. Obtain an Expungement Application from the Lexington County Solicitor's Office.
2. Complete the application with accurate case information.
3. Submit the application along with required documentation.
4. Pay the administrative fee (currently $310, which includes a $250 filing fee, $25 SLED verification fee, and $35 Solicitor's Office administrative fee).
5. The Solicitor's Office will verify eligibility and forward approved applications to the appropriate court.
6. If granted, the expungement order will be sent to all agencies with records of the arrest.

Lexington County Solicitor's Office
205 East Main Street, Suite 105
Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: (803) 785-8352
Lexington County Solicitor's Office

Record Sealing:

Certain records may be sealed rather than expunged:

1. Juvenile records may be sealed pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 63-19-2050
2. Records related to victims of human trafficking under specific circumstances
3. Records in certain domestic violence cases after treatment program completion

Pardons:

A pardon does not expunge or seal an arrest record but does restore civil rights:

1. Apply through the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.
2. Attend a pardon hearing before the Parole Board.
3. If granted, the pardon forgives the crime but does not remove it from public records.

South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services
2221 Devine Street, Suite 600
Columbia, SC 29205
Phone: (803) 734-9220
SC Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services

Individuals should be aware that expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes, and certain expunged offenses may still count toward habitual offender status if subsequent crimes are committed. Additionally, certain professions and licensing bodies may have access to expunged records through special statutory provisions.

What Happens After Arrest in Lexington County?

Following an arrest in Lexington County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases:

Initial Custody and Booking:

1. The arrestee is transported to the Lexington County Detention Center.
2. During booking, officials collect personal information, fingerprints, photographs, and conduct a search.
3. Personal property is inventoried and secured.
4. A preliminary health screening is conducted.
5. The arrestee is placed in a holding cell pending the next steps.

Bond Hearing:

1. Within 24 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a Lexington County Magistrate for a bond hearing.
2. The Magistrate informs the defendant of the charges and their rights.
3. Bond is set based on factors including the nature of the charges, criminal history, and flight risk.
4. Types of bond may include personal recognizance, surety, or cash bonds.
5. If bond is posted, the defendant is released pending court appearances.

Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases):

1. For felony charges, defendants may request a preliminary hearing within 10 days of the bond hearing.
2. At this hearing, a Magistrate determines if probable cause exists to support the charges.
3. If probable cause is found, the case proceeds to the grand jury.
4. If no probable cause is found, charges may be dismissed or reduced.

Grand Jury Indictment (Felony Cases):

1. The Lexington County Solicitor's Office presents evidence to the grand jury.
2. The grand jury determines whether sufficient evidence exists to formally charge the defendant.
3. If indicted, the case moves to the Court of General Sessions.
4. Without indictment, charges may be dismissed or the prosecutor may pursue alternative charges.

Arraignment:

1. The defendant appears in court to be formally charged.
2. The charges are read, and the defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
3. If pleading not guilty, the case is scheduled for trial or plea negotiations.

Pre-Trial Proceedings:

1. Discovery process where evidence is exchanged between prosecution and defense.
2. Pre-trial motions may be filed to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
3. Plea negotiations may occur between the defense attorney and prosecutor.
4. Pre-trial intervention programs may be available for first-time, non-violent offenders.

Trial:

1. For misdemeanors, trials typically occur in Magistrate or Municipal Court.
2. Felony trials take place in the Court of General Sessions.
3. Defendants may choose a jury trial or bench trial (judge only).
4. The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
5. If found guilty, sentencing may occur immediately or at a later date.

Sentencing:

1. The judge determines the appropriate sentence based on state law, sentencing guidelines, and case factors.
2. Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, or community service.
3. For certain offenses, mandatory minimum sentences apply.

Appeals:

1. Defendants have the right to appeal convictions or sentences.
2. Appeals from Magistrate or Municipal Court go to the Circuit Court.
3. Appeals from Circuit Court go to the South Carolina Court of Appeals.

Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right against self-incrimination, and the right to confront witnesses. The Lexington County Public Defender's Office provides legal representation for those who cannot afford private counsel.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Lexington County?

Arrest records in Lexington County are maintained according to South Carolina's records retention requirements, primarily governed by S.C. Code Ann. § 30-1-90, which establishes the legal framework for public records retention. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History, through its Records Management Program, provides specific retention schedules that law enforcement agencies must follow.

Standard Retention Periods:

• Arrest reports for adults are typically maintained permanently by the arresting agency.
• Booking records and photographs are retained for a minimum of 10 years after the subject's last interaction with the criminal justice system.
• Fingerprint cards are maintained permanently in both local and state databases.
• Incident reports related to arrests are generally kept for a minimum of 5 years.
• Juvenile arrest records are subject to different retention requirements and may be sealed or destroyed when the individual reaches adulthood, depending on the nature of the offense.

Agency-Specific Retention:

Different agencies within Lexington County maintain arrest records for varying periods:

1. Lexington County Sheriff's Department retains arrest records permanently in their records management system, though older records may be archived.

2. South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains the central repository of criminal history information indefinitely, including all fingerprint-supported arrests.

3. Lexington County Clerk of Court preserves court records related to criminal cases according to the Judicial Department's retention schedule, with most felony case files retained permanently and misdemeanor cases kept for 10 years after case disposition.

4. Lexington County Detention Center maintains booking and incarceration records for a minimum of 10 years after release.

Electronic Records Retention:

With the transition to digital record-keeping, many arrest records are now maintained electronically, which has implications for retention:

• Digital fingerprint records and photographs are stored indefinitely in law enforcement databases.
• Electronic booking systems retain data according to the same schedules as paper records.
• Backup systems ensure that electronic records are preserved even if primary systems fail.

Records Retention Rationale:

The extended retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:

• Preserves evidence that may be needed for future criminal investigations
• Supports prosecution of repeat offenders and habitual criminals
• Provides documentation for background checks required by law
• Maintains historical documentation for statistical and research purposes
• Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies

It is important to note that even when physical records reach the end of their retention period, information about arrests may still exist in various databases and indices. Only through the legal process of expungement, as provided in S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910, can arrest records be legally destroyed before the end of their retention period.

How to Find Mugshots in Lexington 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 Lexington County, these photographs serve as visual identification records of individuals who have been arrested and processed into the criminal justice system. Mugshots typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrestee, often with identifying information such as a booking number or date visible in the image.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots in Lexington County are primarily maintained by the following agencies:

1. The Lexington County Sheriff's Department maintains booking photographs as part of their arrest records.
2. The Lexington County Detention Center keeps mugshots in their inmate management system.
3. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains a central repository of booking photographs from across the state.
4. Municipal police departments within Lexington County maintain mugshots for arrests they process.

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Lexington County have several options:

1. Submit a formal records request to the Lexington County Sheriff's Department:

   • Complete a Records Request Form specifying the mugshot being sought
   • Provide the name and approximate arrest date of the individual
   • Pay applicable fees (currently $5.00 per photograph)
   • Allow processing time as required by law

2. Visit the Lexington County Sheriff's Department Records Division in person:

   • Bring identification and complete the required request form
   • Provide specific information about the arrest
   • Pay the required fee
   • Some recent mugshots may be available while you wait

Lexington County Sheriff's Department Records Division
521 Gibson Road
Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: (803) 785-8230
Lexington County Sheriff's Department

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

The Lexington County Sheriff's Department currently provides limited online access to mugshots:

1. The department's website features a searchable inmate database that includes booking photographs of current inmates.
2. This database typically only includes individuals currently in custody or recently released.
3. Historical mugshots are generally not available through this online system.
4. The search function requires the individual's name and may require additional identifying information.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

For official copies of mugshots, particularly for older arrests or specific legal purposes:

1. Submit a written request to the Records Division of the arresting agency.
2. Include the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
3. Explain the purpose for which the mugshot is being requested.
4. Pay any applicable fees for reproduction and certification.
5. Allow the statutorily required time for processing (typically up to 10 business days).

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots in Lexington County is subject to certain limitations:

1. Juvenile mugshots (under age 17) are generally not public records under South Carolina law.
2. Mugshots associated with expunged arrests are not available to the public.
3. Booking photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld.
4. Commercial use of mugshots, particularly for "mugshot websites" that charge removal fees, has been restricted by S.C. Code Ann. § 17-1-60.
5. Law enforcement agencies may redact certain identifying information from mugshots in response to specific security or privacy concerns.

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these images are generally considered public records, their publication and use may have significant impacts on the subjects' privacy, reputation, and employment prospects, even in cases where charges were ultimately dismissed or the individual was found not guilty.

Lookup Arrest Records in Lexington County