Williamsburg County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Williamsburg County in 2026
WilliamsburgRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Williamsburg County, South Carolina. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge classifications, and court case numbers. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the disposition of the case.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Williamsburg County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and may publish a current jail roster online. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status. The roster is updated on a rolling basis as new bookings occur and releases are processed.
2. Local Police Departments
The Kingstree Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Williamsburg County. Press releases and arrest summaries may be issued through the department's public information office. Members of the public may contact the department directly to inquire about the availability of arrest logs.
Kingstree Police Department
321 N. Longstreet Street
Kingstree, SC 29556
Phone: (843) 355-6333
Kingstree Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The South Carolina Judicial Branch's Public Index allows members of the public to search criminal court cases by name. Searching an arrestee's name will return associated court case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case dispositions. This system links arrest events to formal court proceedings.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may submit a request for a criminal history record check through SLED's online portal. A fee of $25.00 per subject applies to public requests. The database includes arrests from all jurisdictions within South Carolina and reflects dispositions as reported by courts and law enforcement agencies.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Williamsburg County Sheriff's Office
226 W. Main Street
Kingstree, SC 29556
Phone: (843) 355-6381
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Williamsburg County Sheriff's Office
Persons visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full legal name of the subject, the approximate date of arrest, and any known booking number. Copy fees apply as described in the fees section below.
Police Departments:
Kingstree Police Department
321 N. Longstreet Street
Kingstree, SC 29556
Phone: (843) 355-6333
Kingstree Police Department
Records requests at the Kingstree Police Department are processed through the records division. Requestors should submit a written request identifying the subject by full legal name and approximate date of incident.
Clerk of Court:
Williamsburg County Clerk of Court
125 W. Main Street
Kingstree, SC 29556
Phone: (843) 355-9321
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Williamsburg County Clerk of Court
Criminal case files are available for inspection at the Clerk of Court's office. Copy fees are assessed per page as described below.
By Mail:
Written requests submitted by mail to the Williamsburg County Sheriff's Office should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for copies should be enclosed. Processing time for mailed requests is subject to current workload and may range from five to fifteen business days.
By Phone:
The Williamsburg County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (843) 355-6381. Staff can confirm whether a subject is currently in custody and provide general booking information. Detailed record copies require an in-person visit or written request. Callers should have the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records compel production of documents not otherwise available through routine public access. In active criminal proceedings, discovery under the South Carolina Rules of Criminal Procedure governs the exchange of arrest-related materials between parties.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Kingstree Police, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Williamsburg County
Arrest records in Williamsburg County are public records subject to disclosure under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, codified at S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq. Under current law, records created or maintained by public bodies in the exercise of their official functions are presumptively open to inspection by any member of the public. Arrest records fall within this category because they document the exercise of governmental authority by law enforcement agencies.
The public interest in arrest records is grounded in several recognized principles:
- Government transparency and accountability for law enforcement conduct
- Public safety awareness within the community
- Support for journalism and academic research
- Facilitation of background screening by employers and licensing agencies
- Use in civil and criminal legal proceedings
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer identification
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking number
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Bond or bail amount and type
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-19-2020 and are not available to the general public
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
- Undercover officer identities and confidential informant information are exempt from disclosure
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in cases involving certain offenses
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The South Carolina Constitution and the Freedom of Information Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of historical and logical openness. Courts have recognized that the public's right to know about arrests must be balanced against individual privacy interests, particularly where charges are not pursued or result in acquittal.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable fair housing restrictions
- Licensing and regulatory agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance obligations
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and tenant screening contexts. Employers using third-party background check companies must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. An arrest that did not result in conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment action in certain jurisdictions. South Carolina does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements.
What's in Williamsburg County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" designations
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest by street address or general area
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Kingstree Police Department, SLED, or other)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (where included)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information where applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges as filed at time of arrest
- Statute numbers alleged to have been violated
- Charge descriptions in plain language
- Classification as felony or misdemeanor, including degree or class
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation where applicable
Booking Information:
- Name and location of booking facility
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time if the subject has been released
- Conditions of release where made part of the public record
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following arrest
- Court jurisdiction (Magistrate, General Sessions, or Family Court)
- Scheduled arraignment or initial appearance date
- Court location
- Judge assignment where available
Prior Arrest History (may be included):
- Previous arrests recorded within the county
- Historical booking numbers
- Prior charges as reflected in the booking system
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence inventory and descriptions
- Investigative techniques or surveillance information
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted by law)
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative findings not included in booking records
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, including motions, hearings, and dispositions
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences rather than arrests alone
- Background checks: Aggregate information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Williamsburg County?
The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act establishes the framework for fees associated with public records requests. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30, public bodies may charge fees for the search, retrieval, and copying of records, provided those fees do not exceed the actual cost of fulfilling the request.
Current standard fees applicable to arrest record requests in Williamsburg County are as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 per page |
| Certified copies | $1.00–$2.00 per document |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Varies by agency |
| SLED criminal history check (public) | $25.00 per subject |
| Search fee (where applicable) | Actual cost of staff time |
- Inspection of records at the Clerk of Court or Sheriff's Office is available at no charge; fees apply only to copies
- Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective agency
- The SLED online portal accepts credit and debit card payments
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests determined to be in the public interest; requestors seeking a waiver should submit a written explanation with their request
- Fees may vary between the Sheriff's Office, Kingstree Police Department, and Clerk of Court based on each agency's internal policies
Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost. Copies of court case records obtained through the South Carolina Judicial Branch's Public Index are available online at no charge for basic case information, with fees applying to certified copies ordered through the Clerk of Court.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Williamsburg County
South Carolina law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the destruction or removal of the record, and sealing, which restricts access without physical destruction. Expungement is the more complete remedy and is the standard process available under South Carolina law for eligible arrests.
Eligibility for Expungement:
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 17-1-40, certain arrest records may be expunged where the charges were dismissed, the defendant was found not guilty, or the prosecution declined to file charges. Additional eligibility categories include:
- First-offense convictions for certain misdemeanors following completion of sentence and a waiting period
- Convictions under the Youthful Offender Act following successful completion of the program
- Charges resolved through pretrial intervention or conditional discharge programs
- Fraudulent check charges where restitution has been made
Steps to Pursue Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and court disposition from the Williamsburg County Clerk of Court to confirm eligibility
- Complete the expungement application, available through the South Carolina Judicial Branch
- Submit the application to the Solicitor's Office for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, which serves Williamsburg County, along with the required filing fee
- The Solicitor's Office reviews the application and, if approved, forwards the order to the court for a judge's signature
- Upon entry of the expungement order, copies are transmitted to SLED, the arresting agency, and the Clerk of Court for destruction or sealing of the record
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office
1301 Second Avenue, Suite 1C00
Conway, SC 29526
Phone: (843) 915-5300
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office
Williamsburg County Clerk of Court
125 W. Main Street
Kingstree, SC 29556
Phone: (843) 355-9321
Williamsburg County Clerk of Court
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
4400 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
Phone: (803) 737-9000
SLED Criminal Records
Persons who are not eligible for expungement under current law may consult with a licensed South Carolina attorney regarding alternative remedies, including petitions for relief under specific statutory provisions. The South Carolina Bar's Lawyer Referral Service can assist in identifying qualified counsel.
What Happens After Arrest in Williamsburg County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following arrest, the individual is transported to the Williamsburg County Detention Center, which serves as the primary booking and holding facility for the county. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.
Williamsburg County Detention Center
226 W. Main Street
Kingstree, SC 29556
Phone: (843) 355-6381
Williamsburg County Sheriff's Office
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the detention center, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint collection and submission to SLED and the FBI
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
- Inventory and storage of personal property
- Medical and mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under South Carolina law, a person arrested without a warrant must be brought before a magistrate within 24 hours for a probable cause determination. Persons arrested on a warrant are entitled to an initial appearance within a reasonable time. At the initial appearance:
- The subject is formally notified of the charges
- Bond is set or denied by the magistrate
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- The subject is advised of their rights
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: Full payment of the bond amount in cash is required. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus any applicable administrative fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by state regulation. The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The court may deny bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violations of probation or parole, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release:
- Scheduled check-in with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring where ordered
- Pretrial supervision requirements
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted: Processing for release following bond payment typically takes one to eight hours. The defendant receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release.
If Bond Is Not Posted: The defendant remains in custody at the Williamsburg County Detention Center, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules including commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel. Eligibility is determined based on income. The South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense administers public defender services.
South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense
1330 Lady Street, Suite 401
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 734-1343
SC Commission on Indigent Defense
Private Attorney:
Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The South Carolina Bar's Lawyer Referral Service connects individuals with licensed attorneys. Attorney-client consultations at the detention center are confidential.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office reviews arrests and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or modify the charges. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of arrest for misdemeanors and within a longer period for felony matters.
Grand Jury (Felonies):
Felony charges in South Carolina may be presented to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment. Defense counsel is not present during grand jury proceedings.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. The available pleas are not guilty, guilty, or, in some circumstances, no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.
Pretrial Motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled before the assigned judge.
Pretrial Conferences bring attorneys and the judge together to assess case readiness, discuss potential resolution, and manage the court calendar.
Plea Negotiations may result in an offer from the Solicitor's Office to resolve the case through a reduced charge or agreed sentencing recommendation. The defendant retains the right to reject any offer and proceed to trial.
Case Resolution Options:
Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may create eligibility for expungement.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed charges, waiving the right to trial. A sentencing hearing is then scheduled.
Trial: The defendant may elect a jury trial or a bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Sentencing (If Convicted):
The sentencing judge may impose imprisonment, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment requirements, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 24 hours (warrantless arrest)
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by charge complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
- Felonies: May extend to one year or longer depending on complexity
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 14 of the South Carolina Constitution
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to counsel
- Right to a speedy and public trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Williamsburg County Detention Center (Jail)
226 W. Main Street
Kingstree, SC 29556
Phone: (843) 355-6381
Williamsburg County Sheriff's Office
Williamsburg County Clerk of Court
125 W. Main Street
Kingstree, SC 29556
Phone: (843) 355-9321
South Carolina Judicial Branch
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office
1301 Second Avenue, Suite 1C00
Conway, SC 29526
Phone: (843) 915-5300
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office
South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense
1330 Lady Street, Suite 401
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 734-1343
SC Commission on Indigent Defense
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bond if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Williamsburg County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Williamsburg County is governed by state law and the records retention schedules established by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. Public bodies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules and may not destroy records outside of those schedules without authorization.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions: Records of felony convictions are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, the SLED criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). These records form a permanent part of the subject's criminal history and are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Records of misdemeanor convictions are retained permanently at the state repository level. Local law enforcement and court retention periods may vary based on the applicable records retention schedule, but conviction records are not subject to routine destruction.
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges: Arrest records associated with dismissed charges may remain in local law enforcement databases and the state repository unless the subject obtains an expungement order. Court records of dismissed cases are retained according to the applicable court records retention schedule.
Acquittals: Records of arrests resulting in acquittal at trial are retained in court records, which are often maintained permanently in electronic form. Local law enforcement records may be retained for a period of years. These records may be eligible for expungement under South Carolina law.
Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests where the prosecutor declined to file charges are subject to shorter retention periods at the local level and may be eligible for expungement upon application.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable records retention schedule. Physical records may be transferred to archival storage after the active retention period.
Digital Records: Records management systems and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are often retained for longer periods than physical records. Electronic court records maintained by the South Carolina Judicial Branch are generally retained permanently. Mugshot databases maintained by law enforcement agencies are subject to agency-specific retention policies.
Third-Party Databases: Commercial background check companies and third-party websites may retain arrest record information indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and destruction requirements as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information, but enforcement of update obligations following expungement requires affirmative action by the subject.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
Williamsburg County Sheriff's Office
226 W. Main Street
Kingstree, SC 29556
Phone: (843) 355-6381
Williamsburg County Sheriff's Office
Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the South Carolina records retention schedule applicable to law enforcement agencies. Investigative files are retained based on the nature and disposition of the case.
Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and traffic case files are retained according to the applicable court records retention schedule. Electronic records maintained through the South Carolina Judicial Branch's case management system are generally retained permanently.
State Repository: SLED maintains the state criminal history repository and retains records of arrests from all jurisdictions within South Carolina. Retention at the state level is governed by state policy and applicable law. Members of the public may request their own criminal history record through the SLED criminal records portal.
FBI Database: The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records of arrests submitted by South Carolina agencies. Federal retention is effectively permanent. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies for criminal justice purposes and to authorized entities for background check purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
Conviction: Records are retained permanently across all databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.
Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expunged. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks but may appear as arrest records.
Expungement: Following entry of an expungement order, local law enforcement and the Clerk of Court are directed to destroy or seal the record. SLED updates the state repository. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement. Removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed and may require separate action by the subject.
No Charges Filed: Booking records for arrests where no charges were filed are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be eligible for prompt expungement upon application.
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
Recent Arrests: Current and recent arrest records are available through the online resources described above, including the Sheriff's Office jail roster and the South Carolina Judicial Branch's Public Index.
Older Arrests: Arrests occurring several years in the past may require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court. Records that have not been digitized may be stored in physical archives, and retrieval may require additional processing time and fees.
Very Old Arrests: Arrest records from many years ago may have been destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule or may exist only in paper form in archival storage. Members of the public seeking very old records should contact the Sheriff's records division at (843) 355-6381 to determine availability.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. South Carolina does not currently impose a statewide restriction on the reporting period for convictions in private employment background checks. Arrests that did not result in conviction may not be used as the basis for adverse action in certain regulated contexts.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Williamsburg County Sheriff's records division at (843) 355-6381 or submit a written public records request to the Clerk of Court. Fees may apply for copies of records retrieved in response to such requests.