Spartanburg County Criminal Records
What Is Spartanburg County Criminal Records
Spartanburg County criminal records are official documents maintained by various government agencies that detail an individual's criminal history within Spartanburg County, South Carolina. These records are created and maintained pursuant to South Carolina Code of Laws § 30-4-10 et seq., commonly known as the Freedom of Information Act.
Criminal records typically originate when an individual is arrested, charged, or convicted of a criminal offense within Spartanburg County jurisdiction. The records are maintained by several entities, including:
- Spartanburg County Clerk of Court
- Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office
- South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
- South Carolina Judicial Branch
These records serve multiple purposes within the criminal justice system and beyond:
- Documentation of criminal proceedings
- Verification of criminal history for employment background checks
- Assessment of eligibility for professional licenses
- Determination of sentencing in subsequent criminal cases
- Statistical analysis of crime patterns and trends
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) serves as the central repository for criminal history information throughout the state, including Spartanburg County. SLED maintains comprehensive records that include arrests, charges, and dispositions of cases.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
4400 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
803-737-9000
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
Are Criminal Records Public In Spartanburg County
Criminal records in Spartanburg County are generally considered public records in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including most criminal records, with certain exceptions.
Members of the public may access the following types of criminal records:
- Court dockets and case files
- Arrest records
- Booking information
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
However, certain criminal records may be restricted from public access under specific circumstances:
- Records pertaining to juvenile offenders (under 17 years of age) are generally confidential under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-19-2010
- Records that have been expunged pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910
- Records sealed by court order
- Records related to ongoing investigations
- Records containing sensitive personal information that would constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy
The Spartanburg County Clerk of Court maintains public criminal records for the county and provides access through both in-person requests and online systems. The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides a centralized portal for accessing court records throughout the state, including Spartanburg County.
Spartanburg County Clerk of Court
180 Magnolia Street
Spartanburg, SC 29306
864-596-2591
Spartanburg County Courthouse
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Spartanburg County in 2025
Individuals seeking to look up criminal records in Spartanburg County in 2025 have several methods available to them, pursuant to South Carolina public records laws. The following procedures have been established for accessing these records:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Spartanburg County Courthouse. Requestors should:
- Visit the Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form
- Provide identification
- Pay applicable fees ($25 for a criminal record search as of 2025)
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing
For statewide criminal history information, individuals may submit requests to SLED:
- Complete a Criminal Records Check form (available on the SLED website)
- Include a $25 processing fee per record requested
- Submit fingerprints if requesting a comprehensive background check
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mail
Online access is available through several portals:
- SLED CATCH (Citizens Access To Criminal Histories) system for statewide records
- Public Index for Spartanburg County court records
- South Carolina Judicial Branch for case information
Telephone requests are limited but may be made to the Spartanburg County Clerk of Court at 864-596-2591 for basic case status information. Full criminal record searches typically require written requests or in-person visits.
Spartanburg County Courthouse
180 Magnolia Street
Spartanburg, SC 29306
864-596-2591
Spartanburg County Court Records
How To Find Criminal Records in Spartanburg County Online?
Spartanburg County criminal records can be accessed online through several official government portals. These digital resources have been established pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(A)(1), which provides that public records must be made available for public inspection and copying during normal business hours.
The primary online resources for accessing Spartanburg County criminal records include:
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The South Carolina Judicial Branch Case Records Search provides access to court records, including criminal cases. Users can search by name, case number, or filing date. This system is available at South Carolina Judicial Branch.
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SLED CATCH (Citizens Access To Criminal Histories) offers statewide criminal history information. This service requires registration and payment of a fee ($25 per record search). Access is available through SLED CATCH.
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The Spartanburg County Public Index provides access to county-specific court records, including criminal cases. This system is maintained by the Clerk of Court and can be accessed through the Public Index.
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Traffic tickets and related court information can be accessed through the Traffic Tickets and Court Payments portal.
When conducting online searches, users should be prepared to provide:
- Full name of the subject (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth (if available)
- Case number (if known)
- Approximate date of offense or court appearance (if known)
Online access to criminal records is subject to certain limitations. Some records may be restricted due to expungement, sealing orders, or juvenile status. Additionally, the most recent records may not be immediately available online as there is typically a processing delay between court proceedings and online publication.
Can You Search Spartanburg County Criminal Records for Free?
Limited free access to Spartanburg County criminal records is available to members of the public through several channels. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(B), public bodies may establish and collect reasonable fees not to exceed the actual cost of searching for or making copies of records.
Free access options include:
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The Public Index terminal located at the Spartanburg County Courthouse provides free on-site access to court records. Visitors may use these terminals during regular business hours without charge.
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Basic case information is available through the South Carolina Judicial Branch website without charge. This includes case numbers, parties involved, charges filed, and scheduled court dates.
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The Spartanburg County Public Library maintains public access computers where citizens may access online court records free of charge.
Spartanburg County Public Library - Headquarters
151 South Church Street
Spartanburg, SC 29306
864-596-3500
Fee-based services include:
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Certified copies of court documents cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.
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SLED criminal history reports cost $25 per name search.
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Comprehensive background checks that include fingerprint verification cost $36.25.
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Expedited processing services may incur additional fees.
Individuals seeking free access to criminal records should note that while basic information may be available without charge, detailed records or certified copies typically require payment of established fees. Additionally, commercial third-party websites that offer criminal record searches generally charge subscription or per-search fees and may not provide complete or current information.
What's Included in a Spartanburg County Criminal Record?
Spartanburg County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county. These records are maintained in accordance with S.C. Code Ann. § 17-1-40, which governs the retention and disclosure of criminal records.
A complete Spartanburg County criminal record typically includes:
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Personal identifying information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Address at time of arrest
- Physical description
- Fingerprints and photograph (mugshot)
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Arrest information:
- Date and location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges at arrest
- Bond information
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Court proceedings:
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction
- Arraignment details
- Plea information
- Trial dates and outcomes
- Verdict or disposition
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Sentencing information:
- Type and length of sentence
- Probation terms
- Fine amounts
- Restitution orders
- Incarceration details
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Post-conviction information:
- Probation violations
- Parole status
- Completion of sentence
- Expungement applications
Criminal records may also contain notations regarding special circumstances, such as mental health evaluations, substance abuse assessments, or participation in diversion programs. Records of expunged cases are removed from public access pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-950.
The level of detail available in publicly accessible records may vary depending on the status of the case and the specific access method utilized. Records obtained directly from the Spartanburg County Clerk of Court typically provide the most comprehensive information.
What Are the Penalties for a Spartanburg County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass in Spartanburg County is prosecuted under South Carolina Code § 16-11-600 through § 16-11-620. The penalties for criminal trespass vary depending on the specific circumstances of the offense and the defendant's prior criminal history.
First-degree trespass (S.C. Code § 16-11-600) involves entering a dwelling without consent and carries the following penalties:
- Classification: Misdemeanor
- Maximum imprisonment: 30 days
- Maximum fine: $500
- Potential for probation in lieu of incarceration
Second-degree trespass (S.C. Code § 16-11-620) involves entering or remaining on premises after notice prohibiting entry and carries:
- Classification: Misdemeanor
- Maximum imprisonment: 30 days
- Maximum fine: $100
- Potential for community service
Aggravating factors that may enhance penalties include:
- Trespassing while armed with a dangerous weapon
- Causing property damage during trespass
- Trespassing with intent to commit another crime
- Prior trespass convictions
The Spartanburg County Solicitor's Office prosecutes criminal trespass cases in accordance with state law and local ordinances. First-time offenders may be eligible for pretrial intervention programs that allow for charges to be dismissed upon completion of community service, educational programs, and payment of restitution.
Spartanburg County Solicitor's Office
180 Magnolia Street
Spartanburg, SC 29306
864-596-2575
Individuals charged with criminal trespass in Spartanburg County are advised to appear for all scheduled court dates. Failure to appear may result in additional charges and the issuance of a bench warrant pursuant to S.C. Code § 17-15-170.
How Long Does Spartanburg County Keep Criminal Records?
Spartanburg County maintains criminal records in accordance with South Carolina state law and the records retention schedules established by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-1-90.
Criminal records are generally retained as follows:
- Felony conviction records: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor conviction records: 10 years from date of conviction
- Arrest records without conviction: 3 years from date of arrest
- Traffic violations: 10 years from date of disposition
- Juvenile records: Sealed at age 17 or upon completion of sentence, whichever is later
Certain serious offenses have extended or permanent retention periods:
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Sexual assault cases: 70 years from date of disposition
- Domestic violence cases: 25 years from date of disposition
Records may be removed from public access through expungement proceedings as provided in S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910 through § 17-22-950. Eligible offenses for expungement include:
- First offense misdemeanors after 3 years with no subsequent convictions
- First offense drug possession after successful completion of pretrial intervention
- Charges dismissed or resulting in not guilty verdicts
Expungement applications must be filed with the Spartanburg County Solicitor's Office, which reviews eligibility and forwards approved applications to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Spartanburg County Clerk of Court for processing.
Spartanburg County Solicitor's Office - Expungement Division
180 Magnolia Street
Spartanburg, SC 29306
864-596-2575
Even after expungement, certain agencies may retain non-public records of criminal history for law enforcement and judicial purposes, though these records are not available to the general public.
Lookup Criminal Records in Spartanburg County
South Carolina Judicial Branch
Spartanburg County Court Information
Traffic Violations and Court Payments