Horry County Criminal Records
What Is Horry County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Horry County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-4-30, which establishes requirements for the maintenance and accessibility of public records.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including booking information and mugshots
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Court Records: Documentation of criminal proceedings, including arraignments, motions, and trial transcripts
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding an individual's detention in county jail facilities
The classification of offenses significantly impacts how records are maintained and accessed:
- Felonies: Serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanors: Less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult records are generally public, while juvenile records are typically sealed under South Carolina Code § 63-19-2010
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Horry County:
Horry County Sheriff's Office
1301 2nd Avenue
Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5450
Horry County Sheriff's Office
Horry County Clerk of Court
1301 2nd Avenue
Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5080
Horry County Clerk of Court
Horry County Police Department
2560 N Main Street
Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5350
Horry County Police Department
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
4400 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
803-737-9000
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
Criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation/parole information. The comprehensive nature of these records provides a complete history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in Horry County.
Are Criminal Records Public In Horry County
Criminal records in Horry County are generally accessible to the public under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in South Carolina Code § 30-4-10 et seq. This statute establishes that "all public records of public bodies must be open for inspection and copying" unless specifically exempted by law.
The statute specifically states: "Any person has a right to inspect, copy, or receive an electronic transmission of any public record of a public body, except as otherwise provided by § 30-4-40, or other state and federal laws."
However, important distinctions exist regarding what criminal records are publicly accessible:
Publicly Available Records:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Conviction records
- Booking information and mugshots
- Sex offender registry information
Restricted Records:
- Active criminal investigations
- Grand jury proceedings
- Sealed or expunged records
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records that would constitute an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy
The Horry County Sex Offender Registry provides an example of publicly accessible criminal records maintained for public safety purposes. This registry contains information about registered sex offenders residing in Horry County, including their names, photographs, addresses, and offense information.
Law enforcement agencies may withhold certain records if disclosure would harm an ongoing investigation or reveal confidential sources. Additionally, records related to victims of certain crimes may have personal identifying information redacted to protect privacy.
Court records are presumptively open to public inspection through the Horry County Clerk of Court, though certain sensitive information may be redacted. Criminal records that have been expunged pursuant to South Carolina Code § 17-22-910 are removed from public access and treated as if the offense never occurred.
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records should be aware that while most adult criminal records are public, access methods and restrictions vary by record type and maintaining agency.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Horry County in 2026
Members of the public may access Horry County criminal records through several established channels. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal record information:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Horry County Clerk of Court during regular business hours:
Horry County Clerk of Court
1301 2nd Avenue
Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5080
Horry County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
-
Complete a records request form, providing:
- Subject's full name
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
-
Pay applicable fees:
- $25 for a criminal record search
- $1 per page for copies
- Additional fees may apply for certified copies
Online Access:
The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides online access to court records through the Public Index system. Users may search by name, case number, or filing date to locate criminal case information.
For booking information and recent arrests, the Horry County Sheriff's Office Booking and Releases portal provides current detention center information.
Mail Requests:
- Submit a written request to:
Horry County Clerk of Court
ATTN: Records Request
P.O. Box 677
Conway, SC 29528
- Include:
- Subject's full name and date of birth
- Specific records requested
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Check or money order for applicable fees
Background Checks:
For comprehensive criminal history information, the SLED CATCH (Citizens Access to Criminal Histories) system provides name-based criminal history searches for a fee of $25 per search.
When requesting criminal records, requestors should note that processing times vary based on request volume and complexity. Expedited service may be available for an additional fee. All requests must comply with South Carolina FOIA requirements and applicable privacy laws.
How To Find Criminal Records in Horry County Online?
Horry County provides several online portals for accessing criminal records electronically. These resources allow members of the public to search for specific information without visiting government offices in person.
Horry County Public Index:
The South Carolina Judicial Branch maintains an online case search system that includes Horry County criminal cases. Users may search by:
- Defendant name
- Case number
- Filing date range
- Case type
This system provides case summaries, charge information, scheduled court dates, and disposition information. However, complete case files and documents are not available online and must be requested in person.
Horry County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:
The Horry County Sheriff's Office Booking and Releases portal provides:
- Current inmate roster
- Recent booking information
- Release information
- Charges
- Bond amounts
This resource is updated regularly and provides the most current information on individuals detained at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center.
Sex Offender Registry:
The Horry County Sex Offender Registry allows users to:
- Search for registered sex offenders by name
- View offenders residing in specific geographic areas
- Access offender photographs, addresses, and offense information
- Register for notifications regarding offender updates
SLED CATCH System:
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division's CATCH system provides name-based criminal history searches for a fee of $25 per search. This system requires:
- User registration
- Credit card payment
- Acceptance of terms and conditions
Results include statewide criminal history information, not limited to Horry County.
E-Filing System Access:
Attorneys and registered users can access the South Carolina Court Administration's E-Filing system, which provides more comprehensive access to court documents. Public users have limited access but can view certain case information.
When using online systems, users should note that:
- Some information may be redacted for privacy
- Not all criminal records are available online
- Historical records may require in-person requests
- Technical limitations may affect search functionality
Online access is continuously being expanded to improve public accessibility while maintaining appropriate privacy protections.
Can You Search Horry County Criminal Records for Free?
Pursuant to South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), members of the public have the right to inspect certain criminal records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or extensive searches. The law, codified in South Carolina Code § 30-4-30(B), states that "The public body may establish and collect fees not to exceed the actual cost of searching for or making copies of records."
Free In-Person Inspection:
The following locations provide free public inspection of criminal records during regular business hours:
Horry County Clerk of Court
1301 2nd Avenue
Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5080
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Horry County Law Enforcement Center
2560 N Main Street
Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5350
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
While inspection is free, visitors must:
- Present valid identification
- Complete a records request form
- Specify the records they wish to view
- Adhere to facility rules regarding electronic devices
Free Online Resources:
Several free online resources provide access to limited criminal record information:
-
The Horry County Sheriff's Office Booking and Releases portal provides free access to current inmate information, recent bookings, and releases.
-
The Horry County Sex Offender Registry offers free public access to information about registered sex offenders residing in the county.
-
The South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index provides basic case information at no cost, though functionality is limited.
-
The Horry County Police Department website offers free access to crime reports and statistics.
Fee-Based Services:
For comprehensive criminal history information, fees apply:
- SLED CATCH system: $25 per name-based search
- Certified court records: $5 certification fee plus $1 per page
- Extensive record searches: Hourly fee may apply for searches requiring more than 30 minutes of staff time
Agencies may waive fees for certain governmental or educational purposes, but such waivers are discretionary and must be requested in writing.
What's Included in a Horry County Criminal Record?
Horry County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility location
- Arresting officer information
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned
- Statutory charges (including South Carolina Code citations)
- Classification of offenses (felony/misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Court dates and appearances
- Motions filed and rulings
Disposition Information:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution ordered
- Special conditions
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history summary
The Horry County Solicitor's Office maintains information about expungements, which can remove eligible offenses from an individual's criminal record under certain circumstances.
Criminal records maintained by the South Carolina Department of Corrections may include additional information for individuals who have served state prison sentences, including institutional history, disciplinary actions, and program participation.
The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on case complexity, age of records, and maintaining agency. Records from recent years tend to contain more detailed information due to improved digital record-keeping systems.
How Long Does Horry County Keep Criminal Records?
Horry County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History under authority granted by South Carolina Code § 30-1-90. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records.
Arrest Records:
- Arrest reports: 10 years after date of arrest
- Booking photographs: 10 years after date of arrest
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention
- Arrest warrants (executed): 10 years after execution
- Arrest warrants (unexecuted): Until expiration of statute of limitations
Court Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case disposition
- Traffic case files: 3 years after case disposition
- Court dockets: Permanent retention
- Bench warrants: Until recalled by the court
- Court orders: Permanent retention
Incarceration Records:
- Inmate files (county detention): 10 years after release
- Visitor logs: 3 years
- Inmate medical records: 10 years after release
- Disciplinary reports: 5 years
Sex Offender Registry:
- Registration information: Lifetime for Tier III offenders
- Registration information: 25 years for Tier II offenders
- Registration information: 15 years for Tier I offenders
Expunged Records:
- Records ordered expunged by the court are destroyed or sealed pursuant to South Carolina Code § 17-22-950
It is important to note that while minimum retention periods are established by law, many records—particularly those of historical or legal significance—are retained permanently. Digital conversion has enabled longer retention of records that previously might have been destroyed due to storage limitations.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division maintains permanent criminal history records at the state level, even after county-level records may have been destroyed according to retention schedules.
Records related to unsolved felonies are typically retained indefinitely. Additionally, DNA records and other biological evidence in serious cases may be retained permanently under state evidence preservation laws.
Lookup Criminal Records in Horry County
Booking and Inmate Information
Horry County Sex Offender Registry
Horry County Police Department Records
Horry County Clerk of Court Records