Horry Public Records / Horry County Arrest Records

Horry County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Horry County

Arrest records in Horry County are considered public information under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq. This legislation establishes that records created, maintained, or controlled by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, 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. Arrest records document the initial apprehension and charging of an individual, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of the charged offense. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-40(a)(3), certain law enforcement records may be withheld if their disclosure would:

Interfere with a prospective law enforcement proceeding
Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial
Constitute an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy
Disclose confidential sources
Disclose investigative techniques
Endanger the life or physical safety of an individual

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains the state's central repository of criminal history information and provides guidance on records access. In Horry County, arrest records are primarily maintained by the Horry County Sheriff's Office and the Horry County Police Department, with booking information available through the J. Reuben Long Detention Center.

What's in Horry County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Horry County 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 (including aliases or 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
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Circumstances of arrest
Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
Statute or ordinance citation
Charge description
Multiple charges (if applicable)

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing authority
Date issued
Serving officer

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number
Processing officer
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted or not)
Bond conditions
Release eligibility

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Expected release date (if applicable)
Facility location

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation/parole status
Risk assessment scores
Medical alerts
Special housing needs

The Horry County Sheriff's Office Detention Center maintains these records as part of their booking and release process.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Horry County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Horry County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems that allow for efficient record retrieval through the following procedures:

Online Database Search
- Visit the Horry County Bookings and Releases portal
- Enter search criteria (name, booking date, etc.)
- Review results which include recent arrests and booking information
- Note that online records typically cover only recent bookings and releases
In-Person Request at Sheriff's Office
- Visit the Horry County Sheriff's Office Records Division
Horry County Sheriff's Office
1301 2nd Avenue
Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5450
Horry County Sheriff's Office
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide specific information about the record sought
- Present valid identification
- Pay applicable fees (typically $5-25 per record)
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Written FOIA Request
- Submit a formal written request citing the SC Freedom of Information Act
- Include specific details about the records sought
- Address request to the Records Custodian
- Allow up to 10 business days for initial response as required by law
- Be prepared to pay reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying
Statewide Criminal History Check
- For comprehensive criminal history information, contact the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
- Complete SLED's record request form
- Submit fingerprints if required
- Pay applicable fees ($25 for standard check)
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing

When requesting records, individuals should provide as much identifying information as possible, including full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate accurate record retrieval.

How To Find Horry County Arrest Records Online

Horry County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient access to booking information and custody status. The following methods are available for online arrest record searches:

Horry County Bookings and Releases Database
- The Horry County Bookings and Releases portal provides current information on individuals processed through the J. Reuben Long Detention Center
- Search by name, booking date, or release date
- Results include mugshots, charges, and booking details
- Information is typically updated daily
- No account creation or fees required for basic searches
Horry County Public Index
- Visit the South Carolina Judicial Department's Public Index
- Select Horry County from the jurisdiction menu
- Search by name to locate criminal case information
- Records include charges, court dates, and case disposition
- Note that this system shows court records, not arrest records specifically
SLED CATCH System
- The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division's CATCH system (Citizens Access To Criminal Histories) provides statewide criminal history information
- Create an account and pay required fees ($25 per search)
- Provides comprehensive criminal history beyond just Horry County
- Results include arrest records, charges, and dispositions
- Official record checks require fingerprint submission
Horry County Sheriff's Office Website
- The Sheriff's Office detention center section provides information on current inmates
- Search by name to locate custody status
- Limited to individuals currently in custody
- Updated regularly throughout the day

When using online systems, users should be aware that the information provided may not be comprehensive or completely up-to-date. For the most accurate and complete records, a formal request through the Sheriff's Office Records Division is recommended.

How To Search Horry County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public may access certain Horry County arrest records without payment through several authorized channels. The following free resources are available to search arrest information:

Horry County Bookings and Releases Online Portal
- The county maintains a free public database of bookings and releases at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center
- Search parameters include name, booking date range, and release date range
- Results display mugshots, charges, and basic booking information
- Information is typically updated daily
- No registration or payment required
In-Person Viewing at Public Terminals
- Visit the Horry County Sheriff's Office lobby
J. Reuben Long Detention Center
4150 J. Reuben Long Avenue
Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5140
Horry County Sheriff's Office Detention Center
- Use public access terminals to view current inmate information
- Available during normal business hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday)
- No fee for viewing, though printing may incur charges
Horry County Clerk of Court Public Access
- Visit the Horry County Courthouse
Horry County Clerk of Court
1301 2nd Avenue
Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5080
- Request to view public criminal case files
- Available during normal business hours
- No charge for viewing records, though copying fees may apply
Public Records Request
- Submit a FOIA request to the Horry County Police Department or Sheriff's Office
- Specify that you are requesting to inspect records in person rather than receive copies
- Schedule an appointment to view records
- No fee for inspection, though search and retrieval fees may apply for extensive requests

When utilizing free search options, requestors should note that:

Information may be limited to recent arrests or current inmates
Detailed criminal history information typically requires payment
Records may not include case disposition or court outcomes
Some personal identifying information may be redacted

How To Delete Arrest Records in Horry County

The process of removing arrest records from public access in Horry County involves either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These procedures are governed by S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910 through § 17-22-950, which establishes specific eligibility criteria and procedures.

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Expungement physically destroys records or removes them from public indices
Sealing maintains records but restricts access to authorized personnel only
South Carolina law primarily uses expungement rather than sealing

Eligibility for Expungement: Under South Carolina law, arrest records may be eligible for expungement in the following circumstances:

Charges Dismissed or Not Prosecuted
- Charges were dismissed, nolle prossed, or not filed
- No conviction resulted from the arrest
- Application can be made immediately after case conclusion
Not Guilty Verdict/Acquittal
- Individual was found not guilty at trial
- Application can be made immediately after acquittal
Successful Completion of Diversion Program
- Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI)
- Alcohol Education Program
- Traffic Education Program
- Drug Court Program
- Application can be made after program completion
First-Time, Non-Violent Offenses
- Certain first-time, non-violent misdemeanors
- Must wait 3-5 years after completion of sentence
- No subsequent convictions during waiting period

Expungement Process:

Obtain and complete the appropriate expungement application from the Horry County Solicitor's Office

15th Circuit Solicitor's Office
1301 2nd Avenue
Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5460
Pay the required application fee ($310 for most expungements)
Submit the application with supporting documentation
Application is reviewed by the Solicitor's Office, SLED, and the arresting agency
If approved, an expungement order is issued by the court
The order is distributed to all agencies holding records
Agencies must destroy or seal records within 30 days

Records Not Eligible for Expungement:

Most felony convictions
Violent crime convictions
Sexual offenses
DUI convictions
Multiple offenses that don't qualify individually

Individuals seeking expungement should consult with an attorney as the process can be complex and eligibility requirements are strictly interpreted under South Carolina law.

What Happens After Arrest in Horry County?

Following an arrest in Horry County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases. This process adheres to procedures established by South Carolina law and local court rules.

Initial Custody and Booking:

Arrestee is transported to the J. Reuben Long Detention Center
Booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and personal information collection
Property inventory is conducted and stored
Medical screening is performed
Initial charges are formally documented

Bond Hearing:

Occurs within 24 hours of arrest
Conducted by a magistrate judge
Defendant is informed of charges
Bond amount and conditions are set
Options include personal recognizance, surety, or cash bonds
Some serious charges may result in bond denial

Pretrial Release or Detention:

If bond is posted, defendant is released pending court appearances
If unable to post bond, defendant remains in custody at J. Reuben Long Detention Center
Pretrial services may monitor released defendants

Preliminary Hearing:

Available upon request within 10 days of bond hearing
Determines if probable cause exists to support charges
Not required if grand jury indictment has been issued
Magistrate may dismiss charges or forward case to General Sessions Court

Grand Jury Proceedings:

Prosecutor presents evidence to grand jury
Grand jury determines if sufficient evidence exists to indict
Proceedings are closed to the public and defendant
Indictment formally initiates prosecution in General Sessions Court

Arraignment:

Formal reading of charges in court
Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
Court dates are established
Counsel is appointed if defendant qualifies for public defender

Pretrial Conferences and Motions:

Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
Pretrial motions may address evidence admissibility
Plea negotiations may occur
Case scheduling is determined

Trial or Plea Resolution:

Most cases resolve through plea agreements
If no plea agreement, case proceeds to bench or jury trial
Prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
Jury trials require unanimous verdict in South Carolina

Sentencing:

Follows conviction by plea or trial verdict
Judge determines sentence within statutory guidelines
May include incarceration, probation, fines, or alternative sanctions
Victim impact statements may be presented

Post-Conviction:

Defendant may appeal conviction or sentence
Incarcerated individuals transfer to South Carolina Department of Corrections
Probationers report to South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services

Throughout this process, arrest records are created and maintained by various agencies including the Horry County Police Department, Sheriff's Office, Detention Center, and court system.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Horry County?

Arrest records in Horry County are maintained according to retention schedules established by S.C. Code Ann. § 30-1-90 and the South Carolina Department of Archives and History's Public Records Information Leaflet #20. These regulations establish minimum retention periods for various categories of law enforcement records.

Standard Retention Periods:

Arrest Reports: Minimum 10 years from date of arrest
Booking Records: Permanent retention
Incident Reports: 5 years from date of incident
Criminal History Information: Permanent retention
Fingerprint Cards: Permanent retention
Mugshot Photographs: Permanent retention
Warrant Documentation: 10 years after service or recall
Investigation Files: 30 years for major crimes; 5 years for minor offenses

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division maintains the central repository of criminal history information indefinitely unless records are expunged through court order. Local agencies including the Horry County Sheriff's Office and Police Department maintain their own records according to these minimum standards, though many records are kept permanently.

Agency-Specific Retention Practices:

Horry County Sheriff's Office: Maintains booking records and arrest documentation permanently in electronic format
Horry County Police Department: Retains arrest reports for minimum of 10 years; major case files permanently
J. Reuben Long Detention Center: Maintains inmate records for minimum of 10 years after release
Horry County Clerk of Court: Maintains criminal case files permanently

These retention periods serve several critical public functions:

Preservation of evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Documentation of law enforcement activities for accountability
Maintenance of criminal history information for public safety
Statistical analysis and crime pattern recognition
Administrative reference for law enforcement agencies

Records that have met their retention requirements may be destroyed only after approval from the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. Digital conversion of paper records is permitted provided the electronic systems meet state standards for security and accessibility.

How to Find Mugshots in Horry County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, or booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records of individuals processed through the criminal justice system. In Horry County, mugshots are captured as part of standard booking procedures at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center and are considered public records under South Carolina law, subject to certain limitations.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

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

J. Reuben Long Detention Center
4150 J. Reuben Long Avenue
Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5140
Horry County Sheriff's Office Detention Center
Horry County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1301 2nd Avenue
Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5450
Horry County Sheriff's Office
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
4400 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
803-737-9000
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public may locate mugshots through several authorized channels:

Online Booking Database
- The Horry County Bookings and Releases portal provides public access to recent booking photos
- Search by name, booking date, or release date
- Results include mugshots along with basic booking information
- Database typically includes only recent bookings (past 90 days)
In-Person Request
- Visit the Horry County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide specific information about the individual
- Pay applicable fees for copies ($5 per mugshot)
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Written FOIA Request
- Submit a formal written request citing SC Freedom of Information Act
- Include specific details about the mugshot sought
- Address request to the Records Custodian
- Pay applicable fees for search and copies

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

While current mugshots are available through the county's official booking database, older mugshots may not be accessible online through official government sources. Several limitations apply to online mugshot availability:

The county's online database typically only displays recent bookings
Historical mugshots require formal records requests
Commercial mugshot websites may publish booking photos, but these are not official sources
South Carolina has enacted legislation (S.C. Code Ann. § 17-1-60) regulating commercial mugshot websites

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

For official copies of mugshots, individuals should:

Contact the Horry County Sheriff's Office Records Division directly
Provide specific identifying information about the subject
Complete required request forms
Pay established fees
Receive certified copies if needed for official purposes

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:

Juvenile arrest records and mugshots are generally confidential
Expunged arrest records and associated mugshots are removed from public access
Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
Certain victim information may be redacted from associated records
Commercial use of mugshots is regulated under South Carolina law

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these images are generally public records, their publication and use may be subject to legal restrictions.

Lookup Arrest Records in Horry County

Booking & Releases - Horry County SC.Gov

Bookings and Releases Database

Horry County Sheriff's Office

Horry County Police Department

Citizens Police Report System

Public Information Office - FOIA Requests

South Carolina Department of Public Safety

South Carolina Department of Corrections

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division

SLED CATCH Criminal History Search

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