Berkeley County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Berkeley County
Arrest records in Berkeley County are considered public records under South Carolina law. Pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq.), arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies are generally accessible to members of the public. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including those documenting arrests, shall be available for inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains the central repository of criminal history information for the state, including arrest data from Berkeley County. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-120, law enforcement agencies throughout the state, including the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office, are required to report arrest information to SLED within 24 hours of an arrest.
It is important for requesters to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause that they committed a crime
- Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings
An arrest alone does not constitute proof of guilt, as individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The South Carolina Judicial Branch maintains records of court proceedings that follow arrests, including case dispositions.
Some arrest record information may be exempt from disclosure under specific provisions of state law, particularly if release would interfere with an active investigation or prosecution, as outlined in S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-40.
What's in Berkeley County Arrest Records
Berkeley County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records are standardized in accordance with South Carolina criminal procedure requirements and generally include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender and race
- Home address or last known residence
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprints and, in most cases, photographs (mugshots)
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency (e.g., Berkeley County Sheriff's Office, Moncks Corner Police)
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Whether arrest was made pursuant to warrant or probable cause
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed (including statute numbers)
- Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, or violation)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
- Incident report number
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number and issuing authority
- Date warrant was issued
- Judge or magistrate who signed the warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking date, time, and location
- Booking number or identification number
- Processing officer information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount set
- Bond type (personal recognizance, surety, cash)
- Whether bond was posted
- Bond hearing details
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearance dates
- Case number assigned by the court
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where individual is being held
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history in Berkeley County
- Probation or parole status at time of arrest
- Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
- Property seized during arrest
- Victim information (often redacted in public versions)
- Witness information (often redacted in public versions)
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the nature of the offense. Records maintained by the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office adhere to state recordkeeping requirements established by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Berkeley County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Berkeley County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval, each with specific procedures and requirements.
To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Berkeley County Sheriff's Office
223 North Live Oak Drive
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
(843) 719-4412
Berkeley County Sheriff's Office
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
When requesting arrest records in person, requesters should:
- Complete the official public records request form available at the front desk
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name of arrestee, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees (currently $25 for a record search plus copying fees of $0.25 per page)
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing, though some requests may be fulfilled immediately
For written requests by mail, individuals should send a completed records request form to:
Berkeley County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
P.O. Box 6122
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
The request form must include:
- Requester's full name, address, and contact information
- Specific information about the record being sought
- Requester's signature and date
- Payment by check or money order for applicable fees
For arrest records related to specific municipalities within Berkeley County, requesters may contact the respective police departments directly:
Moncks Corner Police Department
118 Carolina Avenue
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
(843) 719-7930
Moncks Corner Police Department
Goose Creek Police Department
519 N. Goose Creek Boulevard
Goose Creek, SC 29445
(843) 863-5200
Goose Creek Police Department
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30, public bodies 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 Berkeley County Arrest Records Online
Berkeley County provides several digital platforms through which members of the public may access arrest record information electronically. These online resources offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests while maintaining compliance with state public records laws.
The primary online resource for Berkeley County arrest records is the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search. This database provides real-time information about individuals currently detained in county facilities, including:
- Inmate name and booking photo
- Booking date and charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled court dates
- Expected release date (when applicable)
To use this system effectively:
- Navigate to the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office website
- Select the "Inmate Search" option from the menu
- Enter search criteria (last name, first name, or booking number)
- Review the results displayed
For historical arrest records or more comprehensive criminal history information, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division maintains the state's central repository. SLED's Criminal Records Check system allows authorized users to conduct name-based criminal history searches for a fee of $25 per record.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index provides another valuable online resource for tracking cases that result from arrests. This searchable database includes:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Charges and offense dates
- Court appearances and hearing schedules
- Case dispositions and sentencing information
When using online systems to access arrest records, users should note that:
- Some information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases
- Complete criminal history information typically requires fingerprint-based searches
- Online records should be verified through official channels for legal purposes
For specialized searches or records not available through public interfaces, requesters may need to submit formal written requests in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act procedures outlined in S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30.
How To Search Berkeley County Arrest Records for Free?
Berkeley County residents and other interested parties have several options for accessing arrest record information without incurring fees. These no-cost resources provide basic information about arrests and detentions while complying with state public disclosure requirements.
The most comprehensive free resource is the Berkeley County Detention Center Inmate Lookup, which provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody. This publicly accessible database includes:
- Inmate name and identification number
- Current charges
- Booking date
- Bond status and amount
- Next scheduled court appearance
To utilize this resource:
- Visit the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the Detention Center section
- Select the Inmate Search function
- Enter the individual's name in the search field
For broader criminal case information resulting from arrests, the South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index offers free access to court records searchable by name. This system includes:
- Criminal and civil case records
- Case status and scheduled hearings
- Judgment information
- Court documents (though some may require in-person viewing)
Local news outlets and their websites often report on significant arrests in Berkeley County, providing another free source of basic arrest information. The Berkeley Independent and other local publications regularly feature police blotter sections with recent arrest information.
The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office also maintains social media accounts where they occasionally post information about notable arrests and public safety concerns:
While these free resources provide valuable information, they have limitations:
- Historical arrest records may not be available
- Detailed arrest reports typically require formal requests and fees
- Some case information may be sealed or redacted
- Information is provided for public awareness and should not be used for official purposes without verification
Individuals seeking comprehensive criminal history information for employment, housing, or other official purposes should utilize the formal records request process through the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office or the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division criminal records check service.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Berkeley County
Under South Carolina law, individuals with arrest records in Berkeley County have limited options for removing or restricting access to these records. The state provides specific legal mechanisms for record expungement or sealing under certain circumstances as outlined in S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910 through § 17-22-950.
Expungement refers to the legal process of destroying or removing arrest and criminal records from public access, while record sealing restricts access to these records without completely destroying them. The distinction is important, as expunged records are treated as if they never existed, while sealed records remain accessible to certain government agencies.
In Berkeley County, expungement eligibility generally includes:
- Arrests that did not result in conviction
- Successful completion of pretrial intervention programs
- First-offense convictions for certain minor crimes after specified waiting periods
- Juvenile records meeting specific criteria
- Fraudulent check charges resolved through payment
- First-offense simple possession of marijuana or alcohol-related offenses
The expungement process in Berkeley County requires:
- Obtaining and completing the appropriate expungement application from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division or the Berkeley County Solicitor's Office
- Gathering supporting documentation (court records, disposition information)
- Submitting the application to the Berkeley County Solicitor's Office
- Paying applicable fees (currently $310 for most expungements)
- Awaiting review and approval by the Solicitor's Office, SLED, and the court
Berkeley County Solicitor's Office
300-B California Avenue
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
(843) 719-4530
Berkeley County Solicitor's Office
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 17-1-40, individuals who were arrested but not convicted are entitled to expungement of those records. The process for these "not guilty" expungements differs slightly and may involve reduced fees.
For individuals seeking to seal records rather than expunge them, South Carolina law provides limited options. Certain juvenile records may be sealed upon reaching adulthood, and some domestic violence records may be subject to restricted access under specific circumstances.
It is important to note that expungement in South Carolina:
- Does not automatically remove records from private databases or websites
- May not affect federal records or those held by agencies outside the state
- Typically requires legal assistance for complex cases
- May have different requirements based on the specific offense
Individuals with questions about their eligibility for expungement should consult with an attorney familiar with South Carolina expungement law or contact the Berkeley County Solicitor's Office for guidance.
What Happens After Arrest in Berkeley County?
Following an arrest in Berkeley County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by South Carolina law and local court procedures. This process includes several distinct phases from initial custody through case disposition.
The post-arrest sequence typically proceeds as follows:
-
Booking and Processing: Upon arrival at the Berkeley County Detention Center, arrestees undergo booking procedures including:
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Assignment of inmate identification number
-
Bond Hearing: Within 24 hours of arrest, defendants appear before a Berkeley County Magistrate for a bond hearing where:
- Charges are formally presented
- Bond amount and conditions are determined
- Defendants may request court-appointed counsel if financially eligible
- Initial court dates may be scheduled
-
Pretrial Detention or Release: Depending on the bond determination, defendants either:
- Remain in custody at the Berkeley County Detention Center pending trial
- Are released on bond with specific conditions (e.g., no contact orders, travel restrictions)
- May be placed under electronic monitoring or other supervision
-
Formal Charging: The Berkeley County Solicitor's Office reviews the case and determines whether to:
- File formal charges through an indictment or information
- Modify the original charges
- Decline prosecution
-
Preliminary Hearing: For felony cases, defendants may request a preliminary hearing within 10 days of the bond hearing to:
- Challenge whether probable cause exists to support the charges
- Obtain early discovery information
- Potentially negotiate plea agreements
-
Arraignment: Defendants appear in court to:
- Hear formal charges read
- Enter an initial plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Confirm legal representation
-
Pretrial Proceedings: Before trial, various hearings may occur including:
- Motions to suppress evidence
- Discovery conferences
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
-
Trial or Plea Resolution: Cases conclude through either:
- Jury or bench trial in the appropriate court (Magistrate, Municipal, or Circuit)
- Guilty plea agreement
- Dismissal of charges
-
Sentencing: If convicted, defendants receive sentences that may include:
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison
- Probation or parole
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution to victims
- Community service
- Treatment programs
-
Post-Conviction: Following case disposition, individuals may:
- Serve imposed sentences
- Appeal convictions or sentences
- Apply for early release programs
- Seek expungement of records (if eligible)
Throughout this process, cases are tracked through the South Carolina Judicial Case Management System, and individuals have constitutional rights to due process, legal representation, and protection against self-incrimination as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and South Carolina law.
The Berkeley County criminal justice system operates in accordance with S.C. Code Ann. § 17-1 et seq., which establishes procedures for criminal proceedings throughout the state.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Berkeley County?
Arrest records in Berkeley County are maintained according to South Carolina's records retention requirements, which establish specific timeframes for preserving law enforcement documentation. The primary governing authority for these retention periods is the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, which publishes retention schedules for government records, including those related to law enforcement activities.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-1-90, public records must be maintained according to approved retention schedules, with criminal records subject to specialized requirements. For Berkeley County law enforcement agencies, arrest records are generally retained as follows:
- Active Criminal Investigation Records: Maintained until case closure plus 30 years
- Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Permanent retention
- Incident Reports Leading to Arrest: 10 years after case closure
- Arrest Warrants: 10 years after execution or expiration
- Fingerprint Cards and Identification Records: 75 years from date of creation
- Mugshot Photographs: Permanent retention
- Juvenile Arrest Records: Until subject reaches age 21, then subject to restricted access
The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule, which specifies minimum retention periods. In practice, many records are maintained longer than required, particularly those related to serious offenses.
Digital arrest records maintained in the county's records management system are typically preserved indefinitely, though access may be restricted based on:
- Case status (open vs. closed)
- Court orders for expungement
- Statutory confidentiality provisions
- Juvenile status of the arrestee
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division maintains the central repository of criminal history information for the state, including Berkeley County arrests. These records are preserved permanently unless modified by court order through expungement proceedings.
It is important to note that different agencies within the criminal justice system maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:
- Court records of proceedings following arrests are maintained by the Clerk of Court
- Prosecution records are maintained by the Berkeley County Solicitor's Office
- Detention records are maintained by the Berkeley County Detention Center
Records retention serves several critical public interests, including:
- Preserving evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Supporting public safety through access to criminal history information
- Maintaining statistical data for law enforcement planning
- Ensuring accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
Individuals seeking information about specific arrest records should contact the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office Records Division for the most current information about record availability and access procedures.
How to Find Mugshots in Berkeley County
Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Berkeley County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the arrest record maintained by law enforcement agencies.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side-view) photographs taken against a standardized background with identifying information visible. These photographs are created primarily for law enforcement identification purposes and are distinct from other types of police photography such as crime scene or evidence documentation.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Berkeley County, booking photographs are officially maintained by:
Berkeley County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
223 North Live Oak Drive
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
(843) 719-4412
Berkeley County Sheriff's Office
Municipal police departments within Berkeley County also maintain mugshots for arrests they process, including the Goose Creek Police Department and Moncks Corner Police Department.
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking access to mugshot photographs in Berkeley County have several options:
-
Online Inmate Search: The Berkeley County Detention Center Inmate Search provides booking photographs of currently incarcerated individuals. This resource is updated regularly and includes basic identifying information alongside the mugshot.
-
Public Records Request: For mugshots not available online or for historical booking photographs, individuals may submit a formal public records request to the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office Records Division. Requests should include:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's contact information
-
Third-Party Websites: Various commercial websites aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records. However, these sites may:
- Contain outdated or inaccurate information
- Charge fees for removal of photographs
- Not reflect expunged or sealed records
- Operate outside county or state jurisdiction
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
While mugshots are generally considered public records under South Carolina law, access may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile mugshots (under age 17) are confidential pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 63-19-2030
- Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Mugshots that have been expunged through court order are removed from public access
- Certain victim-related arrests may have restricted photograph access
The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act provides the legal framework for mugshot access, balancing public information rights with privacy considerations. Law enforcement agencies may charge reasonable fees for reproduction of mugshot photographs, typically $5-25 per image depending on format and delivery method.
Individuals concerned about their mugshots appearing online should be aware that South Carolina law does not currently prohibit commercial websites from publishing booking photographs obtained through public records requests, though some restrictions on charging for removal have been implemented in recent years.
Lookup Arrest Records in Berkeley County
S.C. Department of Public Safety