South Carolina Warrant Search

Are Warrants Public Record in South Carolina

Pursuant to South Carolina Code of Laws § 30-4-10 et seq., the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), warrants are considered public record in South Carolina. This transparency is maintained to ensure public safety and inform the community of potential legal actions. The accessibility of warrant records is governed by state laws which stipulate that the public has the right to access certain types of legal documents, including those pertaining to warrants.

The rationale for making these records public is to ensure an open judicial process as mandated by the South Carolina Judicial Branch. This system allows citizens to be informed of legal actions that may affect their communities and personal safety. The transparency is also intended to prevent any misuse of power by providing a system of checks and balances through public scrutiny, in accordance with South Carolina's commitment to open government.

Members of the public should note that while warrant information is generally accessible, certain restrictions may apply to warrants related to ongoing investigations or those sealed by court order. Additionally, juvenile records are typically subject to stricter confidentiality requirements under South Carolina Code § 63-19-2010.

What Is Contents in Warrant Records in South Carolina?

Warrant records in South Carolina typically include several key components as prescribed by the South Carolina Rules of Criminal Procedure. These records contain:

Name of the individual: The full legal name of the person the warrant is issued against.
Date of issue: The specific date on which the warrant was officially issued by the court.
Alleged offense: Details of the crime or legal violation that prompted the issuance of the warrant, including the relevant South Carolina Code section.
Issuing authority: The court or the judge who authorized the warrant, including their jurisdiction.
Law enforcement agency: The police department or sheriff's office tasked with executing the warrant.
Case number: A unique identifier assigned to the warrant for tracking purposes.
Bond information: If applicable, the amount of bail set for the individual named in the warrant.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains a centralized database of warrant information that is accessible to law enforcement agencies statewide.

How to Check For Warrants in South Carolina For Free

Individuals can check for warrants in South Carolina without cost through several official channels. The South Carolina Code § 30-4-30 provides for public access to these records with minimal restrictions.

To check for warrants at no cost, citizens may:

Visit local police departments or sheriff's offices: These institutions maintain records of active warrants and typically allow public access during business hours. For example:

Richland County Sheriff's Department
5623 Two Notch Road
Columbia, SC 29223
Phone: (803) 576-3000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Access county courthouse terminals: Many South Carolina county courthouses offer public access terminals where individuals can search for warrants related to cases processed by that court.
Utilize the Public Index: The South Carolina Judicial Department's Public Index provides online access to court records, which may include information about bench warrants issued for failure to appear in court.

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in South Carolina in 2025

To determine if you have a warrant in South Carolina in 2025, individuals may utilize several official resources as established by state procedures. The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services may also provide information regarding warrants related to probation or parole violations.

Citizens seeking warrant information should consider the following options:

Local Police Department: Visit in person to inquire directly about any active warrants. For example:

Charleston Police Department
180 Lockwood Boulevard
Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: (843) 577-7434
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

County Sheriff's Office: Contact or visit for information on county-specific warrants. The Lexington County Sheriff's Department maintains records of active warrants within their jurisdiction.
State Courts: The South Carolina Judicial Branch offers public access terminals at courthouse locations throughout the state. Some counties may also provide online search capabilities through their respective clerk of court websites.
SLED CATCH System: The SLED Criminal Records Check system allows individuals to request their own criminal history information for a fee of $25.00, which may include information about outstanding warrants.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in South Carolina

To check for outstanding warrants in South Carolina, individuals can utilize resources established under South Carolina Code § 17-13-140 regarding warrant execution and service. The South Carolina Court Records Search provides a convenient online method for accessing this information.

Citizens may employ the following methods:

Visit Local Law Enforcement: Local police stations often have access to databases with information about outstanding warrants. For example:

Greenville Police Department
4 McGee Street
Greenville, SC 29601
Phone: (864) 271-5333
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Inquire at Sheriff's Departments: Sheriff's offices are another crucial resource for information on warrants. The Richland County Sheriff's Department maintains a comprehensive database of outstanding warrants.
Consult Court Clerks: Court clerks at local courthouses can provide information regarding outstanding warrants, especially those issued from their respective courts:

Richland County Clerk of Court
1701 Main Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 576-1950
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

How to Find Federal Warrant Search

For federal warrant searches in South Carolina, individuals should be aware that these warrants are issued under federal jurisdiction and are separate from state warrants. The process for searching federal warrants differs from state procedures and is governed by federal regulations.

To conduct a federal warrant search, citizens should consider the following options:

Contact Federal Courts: The U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina maintains records of federal warrants issued within the state:

U.S. District Court - Columbia Division
901 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 765-5816
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): While direct public access to FBI records may be restricted, contacting the local FBI office can provide guidance on federal warrant searches:

FBI Columbia Field Office
151 Westpark Boulevard
Columbia, SC 29210
Phone: (803) 551-4200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

U.S. Marshals Service: As the enforcement arm of the federal courts, the U.S. Marshals Service can provide information regarding federal warrants, particularly those involving fugitives:

U.S. Marshals Service - District of South Carolina
1835 Assembly Street, Suite 1469
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 765-5821
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.