Jasper County Arrest Records

Jasper County arrest records are official documentation of an individual's arrest history within the county. Law enforcement agencies initiate arrests once an individual is caught or suspected of committing a criminal action. An arrest warrant may also be the basis for an arrest in Jasper County. Following an arrest, the booking process, which involves the collection of important information about the arrest and the arrestee, begins.

Arrested suspects are usually transported to the Jasper County Detention Center for booking. The peace officer in charge usually documents mugshots, personal information about the arrestee, and events surrounding the arrest. Arrest records are considered public records and serve as the basis for other criminal justice process records, such as Criminal history records and Jasper County court records.

Are Arrest Records Public in Jasper County?

Yes. Per the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), citizens are guaranteed the right to request, examine, and copy records maintained by public government bodies. State laws mandate law enforcement agencies to create and maintain daily arrest logs that are open for public inspection and copying. Furthermore, most record custodians provide public access terminals or online searchable databases for ease of public access to the records in their custody.

Interested persons may visit the appropriate arrest records custodian within regular hours or use the provided alternatives to request arrest records. Some arrest records and information are sealed or redacted from public access by law and may not be publicly available unless with a court order(Section 30-4-40). Examples of such exempt arrest records and information are:

• Records specified as confidential by other federal or state laws
• Arrest information that may endanger the subject or victims
• Information that may affect and interfere with ongoing law enforcement investigation
• Juvenile arrest records
• Some personal information like social security numbers, financial statements, and bank account information
• Information that is capable of endangering the peace officers, justice agents, victims, and confidential witnesses involved in a case
• Information disclosure may compromise public peace and safety.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

The following information contained in Jasper County arrest records is made available to the public after an arrest:

• The arrestee's personal identification information, such as their name, age, birth date, and occupation
• A description of the arrestee, including sex, race, and physical features like skin/hair color, height, and scars
• Brief account of the events surrounding the arrest
• Details about the victims inflicted injuries, damages, and weapons retrieved during the arrest
• Details of the offenses/ charges filed against the defendant
• The date, time, and location of the arrest
• Names and titles of the arresting officers
• Information about the arresting agency
• Booking information, including the date, time, and location of the holding facility
• Bail, release, and arraignment details.

Jasper County Arrest Statistics

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) publishes arrest statistics for Jasper County. Based on data published in the 2023 Crime in South Carolina Report, a total of 1515 arrests were recorded in Jasper County. This figure represents an arrest rate of 451.65% and a percentage increase of 31.5% when compared with data published in 2022. Some of the most common offenses for the year 2023 were simple assault (131), aggravated assaults (60), larceny (48), liquor law violations (97), driving under the influence (160), and drug law violations (207).

Find Jasper County Arrest Records

Members of the public in search of Jasper County arrest records have several county, state, and federal resources at their disposal. The Jasper County Sheriff's Office maintains a daily log of arrests and inmate information. Interested persons may contact the sheriff's office for inquiries relating to arrest records and inmate information using the following contact details:

Jasper County Sheriff's Office
12008 North Jacob Smart Boulevard
Ridgeland, SC 29936
P.O. Box 986
Phone: (843) 726-7777
Fax: (843) 726-7778

The State Department of Corrections(SCDC) and the Law Enforcement Division (SLED) both maintain statewide online resources for public access to arrest records and inmate information. Individuals can search these online repositories by name, inmate number, state identification number, and birth date. Federal resources such as the Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator are also available to ease public access to arrest records generated in Jasper County.

Free Arrest Record Search in Jasper County

One may search for arrest records in Jasper County at no cost by paying in-person visits to the Sheriff's office or other local police departments that maintain the desired records. Most record custodians also provide online searchable databases or public access terminals in their physical locations. Concerned persons may query the custodial office to inquire about free access to public arrest records. However, making copies of Jasper County arrest records usually comes with a fee.

Another alternative for free access to Jasper County arrest records is the use of third-party websites. Most of these sites usually provide users with basic information at a nominal fee or free of charge. Others may, however, require a monthly subscription or one-time fee payment.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Indefinitely. Arrest records created in Jasper County and South Carolina remain permanent on a person's record history unless they are sealed or expunged. Members of the public may freely access and copy a subject's arrest records except such records are exempt from public access by law or order.

Expunge Jasper County Arrest Records

Under South Carolina Code Section 17-1-40, residents of Jasper County may apply for the expungement or sealing of their eligible arrest records. Sealed or expunged records are accessible only to law enforcement agencies and individuals authorized by law. Generally, arrest records of cases that are nolle prosequi, dismissed, or not guilty are eligible for expungement in South Carolina. In addition, records of juvenile arrests, cases under the Youthful Offender Act, certain first-time offenders, and participants of pretrial/diversion programs also qualify for expungement.

To process an expungement in Jasper County, qualifying applicants may:

• Complete the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Expungement Application form and submit it in person, or via mail to the Solicitor's office
• Pay all the required fees($250 to the Solicitor's office, $25 to SLED and $35 to the Jasper County Clerk's Office)
• Wait for a response from the Solicitor's office or the court of jurisdiction.

Jasper County Arrest Warrants

Jasper County arrest warrants are official documents that authorize peace officers to arrest and bring a suspect into custody in connection to a criminal charge. Arrest warrants in Jasper County may be issued by a magistrate, judge, or municipal judicial officer. An arrest warrant may only be issued after establishing probable cause for the warrant. The complainant, usually a peace officer, must provide a supporting affidavit and oath to establish a basis for the arrest warrant. Per S.C. Code § 17-13-140, members of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and peace officers with jurisdiction in Jasper County may execute an issued arrest warrant. The information disclosed in Jasper County arrest warrants include:

• The full name of the defendant and aliases
• Physical descriptions and identifying features of the subject
• The criminal offense and charges filed against the defendant
• The date, time, and county of issuance
• The name, title, and signature of the issuing judicial officer.

Do Jasper County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No. Generally, arrest warrants issued in Jasper County remain active until an arrest is made. However, law enforcement agencies under State laws must execute an arrest warrant within the shortest period possible and in an orderly manner. Factors such as recent findings, case development, resources available to law enforcement agency resources, the subject's location, and the nature of the offense may influence the execution time of an issued arrest warrant. In addition, a court may decide to recall an issued warrant due to statutory limitations or other legal reasons.