South Carolina Arrest Records: Frequently Asked Questions

For a step-by-step public-index search, see our South Carolina court-record verification guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does an arrest record mean someone was convicted?

No. An arrest describes an event; a charge describes an allegation. A conviction is a separate legal outcome. A person can be arrested without being convicted, and the initial allegation may later change or be dismissed.

What does “ended,” “dismissed,” or “no prosecution” mean?

“Ended” indicates that a court case is closed; it does not, by itself, tell you whether there was a conviction. A dismissal or decision not to prosecute may mean the charge was not pursued to conviction. The court's entries and the particular disposition matter. The South Carolina Judicial Branch criminal-court FAQ explains common terms.

Why can a booking record or photo remain online after a case ends?

Arrest and booking information may be published separately from court-case updates. An older listing may not reflect a later dismissal, plea, conviction, or correction. Do not infer a present criminal status from a photograph or historic booking entry.

Why do two websites show different information for the same event?

Sites can import records at different times, use different source agencies, or omit later updates. A site's published date is not necessarily the arrest date or final case date. Prefer current official records over copied summaries when the information conflicts.

How can I check a South Carolina criminal-history report?

SLED CATCH offers South Carolina name-based criminal-history reports, subject to its published fees and limitations. Name-based searching can produce false matches or omit records. It is not a substitute for matching the court case and verifying identity.

Are all South Carolina court records available online?

No. Availability differs by court and case type. The state's criminal-court FAQ says that General Sessions and Magistrate Court dispositions are generally available online and that most, but not all, municipal dispositions are available. For missing or unclear information, contact the appropriate court clerk.

What if information is incorrect, outdated, or should no longer be displayed?

First confirm the current official record. Then contact the publishing site and provide enough identifying detail to evaluate the issue; avoid sending unnecessary sensitive personal information. For this site, use the correction and removal request page. Questions about expungement or legal eligibility should be directed to appropriate South Carolina official resources or a qualified attorney.

Is Arrest Ledger an official government database?

No. Arrest Ledger is an independently operated index, not a court or law-enforcement agency. Records, charges, photographs, and case statuses must be checked with their original official sources before being used in consequential decisions.

Official sources and further reading

• South Carolina Judicial Branch — court and public-index starting point
• Using the Trial Court Public Index — state court instructions
• Criminal Court FAQ — meanings of case status and disposition
• SLED CATCH — state criminal-history search and limitations
• Arrest Ledger correction/removal process

Educational information only; this page is not legal advice. Last reviewed October 2026. Official sites may update their procedures.