Lexington Public Records /Lexington County Inmate Search

Lexington County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Lexington County?

Inmate records in Lexington County are official government documents maintained by local correctional facilities and the Lexington County Sheriff's Department that document individuals in custody within the county's detention system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of information pertaining to persons who have been arrested, booked, and detained in Lexington County facilities.

Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 24-21-5, inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects. While court records document judicial proceedings and are maintained by the Lexington County Clerk of Court, inmate records specifically track custody status and are maintained by correctional authorities. The Lexington County Sheriff's Department serves as the primary custodian of these records for county-level detainees.

The creation of inmate records follows a standardized process:

Initial creation occurs during the booking and intake process following arrest
Records are continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration
Documentation includes administrative, behavioral, and programmatic information
Records are finalized upon release, transfer, or other disposition of the case

The South Carolina Department of Corrections and local detention facilities maintain these records in accordance with South Carolina Code § 24-3-20, which establishes requirements for inmate record-keeping and management. These records serve multiple purposes including administrative tracking, security management, and public safety information.

Are Inmate Records Public In Lexington County?

Inmate records in Lexington County are generally considered public information under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in S.C. Code § 30-4-10 et seq. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including those pertaining to inmates, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The South Carolina Department of Corrections and county detention facilities maintain certain inmate information as public record, though specific limitations apply to protect safety, security, and privacy interests. According to S.C. Code § 24-21-290, which governs public access to offender information, the following inmate record components are typically publicly accessible:

Current inmate roster and custody status
Booking and intake information
Criminal charges filed
Mugshot photographs
Bond/bail amounts when applicable
Scheduled court appearances
Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
Current housing facility location

However, certain information is explicitly exempted from public disclosure, including:

Medical and mental health records
Disciplinary reports containing sensitive security information
Information that would compromise facility security
Records pertaining to juvenile offenders (subject to additional confidentiality protections)
Personal identifying information beyond what is necessary for identification

Members of the public seeking inmate information may access basic details through the Lexington County Sheriff's Department's online inmate search portal or by submitting formal records requests in accordance with established procedures.

What's Included Inmate Records in Lexington County

Inmate records maintained by Lexington County detention facilities contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the correctional system. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints and other biometric identifiers
State identification number and/or booking number

Custody Information:

Date and time of arrest and booking
Arresting agency and officer information
Current custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
Housing assignment within the facility
Classification level and special housing needs
Disciplinary incidents and administrative actions
Participation in work programs or educational activities

Charge Information:

Current criminal charges (statute numbers and descriptions)
Warrant numbers and issuing authorities
Charge severity (misdemeanor/felony classification)
Case numbers associated with pending charges
Prior booking history within the county system

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (personal recognizance, surety, cash)
Bond amount set by court
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Bond conditions imposed by court
Bail hearing dates and outcomes

Court Information:

Jurisdiction handling the case
Assigned judge or magistrate
Scheduled court appearance dates
Court case numbers
Attorney of record (public defender or private counsel)

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction offense(s)
Sentence length and terms
Sentence start date
Projected release date
Parole eligibility date (if applicable)
Good time/work credits earned
Post-release supervision requirements

Release Information:

Scheduled or actual release date
Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
Release conditions
Receiving agency if transferred
Post-release supervision requirements

These records are maintained in compliance with South Carolina Department of Corrections standards and local detention facility policies, with certain elements accessible to the public and others restricted based on privacy and security considerations.

Lexington County Prison System

The Lexington County correctional system operates under a tiered structure that distinguishes between local detention facilities and state correctional institutions. The primary local detention facility is operated by the Lexington County Sheriff's Department and houses individuals who are awaiting trial, serving sentences of less than one year, or awaiting transfer to state facilities.

Under South Carolina law, specifically S.C. Code § 24-3-30, county detention facilities are authorized to house individuals serving sentences of up to 365 days. Those with longer sentences are typically transferred to the custody of the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) to serve their time in state prison facilities.

The Lexington County detention system is administered by:

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

The Sheriff's Department maintains responsibility for the operation of the Lexington County Detention Center, which serves as the primary holding facility for individuals arrested within the county. This facility processes approximately 10,000 bookings annually and maintains an average daily population of approximately 700 inmates, according to county records.

Individuals requiring specialized housing or serving longer sentences may be transferred to appropriate state facilities operated by the South Carolina Department of Corrections. The coordination between county and state correctional systems is governed by interagency agreements and state statutes regarding inmate custody and transfer protocols.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Lexington County

Lexington County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various custody levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves specific functions within the county's overall correctional system:

Lexington County Detention Center
521 Gibson Road
Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: (803) 785-8230
Lexington County Detention Center

This is the primary detention facility in Lexington County, housing both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving terms of less than one year. The facility includes:

Maximum security housing units
Medium security housing units
Minimum security housing units
Special management units for inmates requiring protective custody or disciplinary segregation
Medical housing for inmates with health concerns
Intake and booking center for processing new arrests

Lexington County Work Release Center
521 Gibson Road
Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: (803) 785-8230

This specialized facility houses minimum security inmates who qualify for work release programs. Eligible inmates may leave the facility during daytime hours to work at approved employment sites, returning to custody during non-working hours. The program aims to:

Facilitate rehabilitation through employment
Allow inmates to maintain employment and support dependents
Provide transitional preparation for release
Reduce recidivism through vocational stability

Lexington County Juvenile Detention Facility
309 Ballpark Road
Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: (803) 785-2740

This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders (under 17 years of age) who are awaiting adjudication or placement. The facility operates under different regulations than adult facilities, with enhanced focus on:

Educational programming
Age-appropriate supervision
Separation from adult offenders
Enhanced privacy protections

In addition to these county-operated facilities, some Lexington County residents who are sentenced to terms exceeding one year are housed in state correctional institutions operated by the South Carolina Department of Corrections. These state facilities are classified by security level (minimum, medium, maximum) and house inmates based on classification criteria including offense severity, criminal history, and institutional behavior.

Who's in Prison In Lexington County

The Lexington County detention facilities house diverse populations of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The inmate population typically consists of the following categories:

Pre-trial Detainees:

Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
Persons awaiting arraignment, preliminary hearings, or trial
Individuals held on probation or parole violations pending hearings

According to data from the Lexington County Sheriff's Department, pre-trial detainees constitute approximately 60-70% of the total jail population at any given time.

Sentenced Inmates:

Individuals serving sentences of less than one year for misdemeanor convictions
Those serving sentences for probation violations
Persons awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Inmates participating in work release or other alternative sentencing programs

Special Populations:

Individuals with mental health needs requiring specialized housing
Those with medical conditions requiring enhanced care
Protective custody cases (inmates at risk in general population)
Administrative segregation cases (disciplinary or security concerns)

Temporary Holds:

Individuals held for other jurisdictions (federal, state, or other counties)
Immigration detainees awaiting processing by federal authorities
Persons in transit to court appearances or other facilities

The demographic composition of the Lexington County inmate population generally reflects broader criminal justice trends in South Carolina. According to the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, which supervises many individuals before and after incarceration, the county's correctional population includes individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, age groups, and communities within the county.

Individuals housed in Lexington County facilities are subject to classification procedures that determine their housing assignments, programming eligibility, and supervision requirements based on factors including criminal history, current charges, institutional behavior, and special needs assessments.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Lexington County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Lexington County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains current systems that allow for efficient record searches through both electronic and in-person channels:

Online Inmate Search:

Visit the Lexington County Sheriff's Department website
Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Detention Center" section
Enter the required search criteria (name, booking number, or date of birth)
Review the results, which typically include:
- Inmate name and booking photograph
- Current charges
- Booking date
- Bond information
- Housing facility
- Next court date (if scheduled)

In-Person Record Requests:

Visit the Lexington County Detention Center during normal business hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Excluding county holidays
Complete an inmate information request form at the public information desk
Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID required)
Specify the information being requested
Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction

Written Record Requests:

Submit a formal written request to:
- Lexington County Sheriff's Department
- Records Division
- 521 Gibson Road
- Lexington, SC 29072
Include the following information:
- Full name of the inmate
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate booking date (if known)
- Specific records being requested
- Requestor's contact information
Enclose any required fees (typically $5-25 depending on record type)

For individuals seeking information about inmates who have been transferred to state custody, the South Carolina Department of Corrections inmate search provides a separate database of state prisoners. Additionally, information about individuals under community supervision may be available through the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services offender search.

Requests for historical inmate records or those pertaining to released inmates may require submission of a formal Freedom of Information Act request in accordance with South Carolina law.

How To Find an Inmate in Lexington County for Free?

Lexington County provides several no-cost options for locating individuals currently in custody within the county detention system. These free resources are designed to provide basic custody information to family members, legal representatives, and other interested parties:

Lexington County Sheriff's Department Online Inmate Locator:

Access the Lexington County Sheriff's Department website
Navigate to the "Inmate Search" function
Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
Review search results showing current inmates
Access basic information including:
- Current custody status
- Booking date
- Primary charges
- Bond information
- Next court date

Telephone Information Line:

Call the Lexington County Detention Center at (803) 785-8230
Follow automated prompts for inmate information
Provide the name of the person you are inquiring about
Receive basic custody status information

Recently Released Inmate Information: For individuals recently released from custody, the South Carolina Department of Corrections released inmate list provides a searchable database of persons discharged from state custody, including those who may have been transferred from Lexington County facilities.

In-Person Inquiry:

Visit the Lexington County Detention Center public lobby:
- 521 Gibson Road
- Lexington, SC 29072
Speak with staff at the information desk
Provide the name of the person you are inquiring about
Receive basic custody information at no charge

For individuals who may be under community supervision rather than in physical custody, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services maintains a free online offender search tool that provides information about supervision status and assigned office.

These free resources provide basic custody information only. More detailed records may require formal requests and associated fees in accordance with South Carolina public records laws.

How To Visit an Inmate In Lexington County

Visitation with inmates housed in Lexington County detention facilities is subject to established protocols designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. The following guidelines apply to all visits:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must pre-register through the Lexington County Sheriff's Department visitation system
Registration requires providing personal identifying information and relationship to the inmate
Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Minors (under 18) must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor
All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification

Visit Schedule:

General population inmates: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Maximum security inmates: Saturday-Sunday only, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Special housing units: By appointment only
Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week
Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Visitor registration confirmation
Vehicle keys (to be stored in provided lockers)
Medications needed during visit (must be declared and approved)

What NOT to Bring:

Cell phones or electronic devices
Cameras or recording equipment
Weapons of any kind
Food or beverages
Tobacco products or vaping devices
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $20

Dress Code:

Conservative attire required
No revealing clothing (no shorts above mid-thigh, no tank tops, no low-cut tops)
No clothing with offensive language or images
No gang-related colors or symbols
No uniforms resembling law enforcement or corrections attire
Shoes and shirts required at all times

Visit Types:

In-person contact visits (limited to certain classification levels)
Non-contact visits through glass partitions
Video visitation (available for all classification levels)
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)

Visit Rules:

Physical contact limited to brief embrace at beginning and end of visit
No passing of items between visitor and inmate
Conversations must be at reasonable volume
Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
All areas under video surveillance

Visit Restrictions:

Persons with active warrants may be subject to arrest
Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
Persons on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervising officer
Visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry

All visitation policies are subject to modification based on facility security needs and public health considerations. Current visitation procedures are maintained on the Lexington County Sheriff's Department website.

How To Send Money to a Lexington County Inmate

Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in Lexington County detention facilities have several approved methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds can be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and other approved expenses.

Approved Deposit Methods:

Online Deposits:
- Visit the TouchPay payment portal through the Lexington County Sheriff's Department website
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Enter the inmate's full name and booking number
- Select payment amount
- Complete payment using credit/debit card or electronic check
- Service fees apply (typically 3-5% of deposit amount)
Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the Lexington County Detention Center lobby
- Use the self-service kiosk located in the public area
- Follow on-screen instructions to identify the inmate
- Insert cash or credit/debit card
- Obtain receipt confirming transaction
- Service fees apply for credit/debit transactions
Mail-In Money Orders:
- Purchase money order from approved provider (USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram)
- Make payable to "Lexington County Detention Center"
- Write inmate's full name and booking number in memo line
- Mail to: Lexington County Detention Center Inmate Accounts 521 Gibson Road Lexington, SC 29072
- No personal checks accepted
- No service fees for money orders

Deposit Limits:

Minimum deposit: $5.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposits per inmate: $500.00
Maximum monthly deposits per inmate: $1,500.00

Processing Timeframes:

Online deposits: Available within 24 hours
Kiosk deposits: Available immediately
Money order deposits: Available within 3-5 business days after receipt

Prohibited Transactions:

Third-party checks
Personal checks
Cash sent through mail
Transfers from other inmates
Deposits from unapproved sources

Approved Fund Uses:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
Telephone account funding
Medical co-pays
Haircuts and other personal services
Educational materials

Prohibited Fund Uses:

Payment of fines or restitution (separate process required)
Bail or bond payments
Transfer to other inmates
Payment for prohibited services or items

All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with South Carolina Code § 24-3-80, which governs inmate accounts and financial management in correctional facilities. Questions regarding inmate accounts may be directed to the Inmate Accounts Office at (803) 785-8230.

How To Send Jail Mail In Lexington County

Correspondence with inmates housed in Lexington County detention facilities must adhere to established guidelines designed to maintain security while facilitating important communication with family, friends, and legal representatives.

General Mail Guidelines:

All non-legal mail must be sent through the U.S. Postal Service to:

Inmate Full Name, Booking Number
Lexington County Detention Center
521 Gibson Road
Lexington, SC 29072

Approved Mail Items:

Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
Greeting cards (non-musical, no glitter, no padding)
Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, 4x6 inches or smaller)
Money orders (following financial deposit procedures)
Religious materials (soft-cover only, from approved publishers)
Legal documents (from attorneys of record)

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages or padded envelopes
Hardcover books or magazines
Stickers, labels, or adhesive materials
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Polaroid photographs
Cash or personal checks
Stamps or envelopes
Clothing or personal items
Food items or cosmetics
Any items containing biohazards or contraband

Mail Processing Procedures:

All non-legal mail is opened and inspected by facility staff
Contraband items are removed and documented
Approved contents are delivered to inmates
Mail containing contraband may be:
- Returned to sender
- Held as evidence if illegal
- Destroyed with notification to sender

Legal Mail Procedures:

Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
Must include attorney bar number and return address
Opened only in presence of inmate
Subject to physical inspection but not content review

Publication Delivery:

Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
Soft-cover publications only
Subject to content review for security concerns
Maximum of 3 publications per inmate at any time

E-Communications: Lexington County Detention Center also offers electronic messaging through the inmate tablet system:

Create an account on the approved vendor platform
Purchase messaging credits
Compose and send messages through the secure system
Messages are subject to monitoring and review
Photos may be attached following system guidelines

All mail procedures are established in accordance with South Carolina Department of Corrections Policy PS-10.08 regarding inmate correspondence. Questions regarding mail procedures may be directed to the Lexington County Detention Center at (803) 785-8230.

Lookup Inmate Records in Lexington County

Lexington County Sheriff's Department Jail Information

South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search

Lexington County Probation, Parole and Pardon Services

South Carolina Offender Search Database

South Carolina Department of Corrections Released Inmate List

Other Categories in South Carolina

Criminal Records Court Records Inmate Records Arrest records Warrant Search Property Records Divorce Records