Newberry County Arrest Records

Arrests happen in Newberry County, South Carolina when law enforcement establishes probable cause for an individual to commit a crime. Arrests may also stem from warrants issued by judicial authorities. Citizens also have the authority to make arrests under South Carolina Code § 17-13. This provision permits individuals to detain someone if they witness a felony or have probable cause to believe a felony has been committed.

Persons taken into custody are typically held at the Newberry County Detention Center, where they await court appearances or further legal proceedings. During this time, the arresting agency primarily generates and maintains arrest records. The record contains details like the charges, the date of arrest, and the detainee's personal information. These records form part of the broader Newberry County court records, linking directly to judicial proceedings and criminal history records managed by The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

Are Arrest Records Public in Newberry County?

Yes. Newberry County arrest records are generally public under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This Act grants access to records maintained by public bodies, including arrest records. However, Section 30-4-40 of the FOIA exempts records containing any of the following information from disclosure:

• Personal Privacy: Information where disclosure would unreasonably invade personal privacy, such as sensitive personal details of individuals involved.
• Ongoing Investigations: Records that could interfere with prospective law enforcement proceedings.
• Confidential sources
• Law enforcement techniques
• Fair Trial Rights: Records that could deprive an individual of a fair trial or impartial adjudication.
• Security and Safety: Information that would endanger any individual's life or physical safety.
• Interception Contents: The contents of intercepted wire, oral, or electronic communications not disclosed during a trial.
• Statutory Exemptions: Matters specifically exempted from disclosure by other statutes or laws.
• Contractual Matters: Records related to proposed contracts or property transactions before completion.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public details revealed in a Newberry County arrest record include the following details:

• Basic Identifying Information: The arrestee's name, age, gender, and race.
• Arrest information, such as the arrest's date, time, and location.
• Charges Filed: The offense(s) the individual is accused of committing.
• The law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
• Booking Information: Basic details about the booking process.
• Bond Status: Information regarding bond eligibility and amounts, if applicable.
• Warrant Information: If the arrest was conducted under a warrant, basic warrant details, such as the issuing authority.
• Court Information: Details about the court handling the case, including court dates.

Newberry County Arrest Statistics

Per the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR), Newberry County recorded 88 arrests over the past year. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) was the most frequently reported offense, with 22 arrests, accounting for 25% of the total. "All Other Offenses" followed with 11 arrests, representing 13% of the total. Drug Possession resulted in 20 arrests (23% of the total). Larceny accounted for 11 arrests, equating to 13% of the total arrests in the county. Liquor law violations contributed to 4 arrests, or 5%, while simple assault rounded out the top offenses with five arrests, making up 6% of the total.

Find Newberry County Arrest Records

The Newberry Police Department and the Newberry County Sheriff's Office handle most arrests within the county. To find an arrest record, interested parties can submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the department responsible for the arrest. These offices typically accept in-person and mail-in inquiries. The following details may be required:

• The arrestee’s first and last name
• Date of birth (if known)
• Arrest date and location
• The requester’s contact information
• A valid government-issued ID to verify eligibility for accessing nonpublic records.

For individuals arrested by local law enforcement and detained before their initial court appearance, inquiries should be directed to the arresting department or the Newberry County Detention Center. For instance, if the Sheriff's Office made the arrest, the office can be reached at (803) 321-2211. The Detention Center can be contacted at (803) 321-2141

If the arrestee was remanded to custody following arraignment, the Detention Center's online inmate search portal can be used to access records. Users can search by filling in relevant fields such as inmate’s name, arrest date, arresting agency, and inmate status (incarcerated or released within the past 90 days). Then click “Apply” to access records. For further assistance, interested parties should contact the Detention Center at (803) 321-2141

Free Arrest Record Search in Newberry County

The Newberry County Detention Center's online inmate search portal is a free resource for accessing public arrest records. This tool allows users to search for current inmates or individuals released within the last 90 days. Searches can be performed by providing details such as the inmate's name, arrest date, arresting agency, and status (incarcerated or released). After entering the information, clicking "Apply" retrieves the records.

Alternatively, third-party websites provide another option for locating arrest records. These platforms aggregate public information from multiple sources and may include details on arrests, charges, and detention status. While some of these services are free, others may charge for comprehensive reports. Users should verify the credibility of such sites before relying on their information.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Indefinitely. Newberry County arrests may remain indefinitely on a person's record unless legally removed through expungement. Convictions, for example, generally remain unless specific criteria for expungement are met.

Expunge Newberry County Arrest Records

Per S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910, and 22-5-910, individuals may qualify for expungement if the arrest did not lead to a conviction (e.g., charges were dismissed or ended in an acquittal) or if the individual meets criteria for first-time, nonviolent offenses or completion of a pretrial intervention program. Additionally, Section 22-5-910 allows for the expungement of an individual's first conviction in a Magistrate or Municipal Court, provided it does not involve a driving or night hunting offense and it is the only conviction on record for a specific time period.

Interested parties can start the expungement process by submitting an application to the County Solicitor’s Office. Applicants are required to pay a $250 non-refundable fee to the office, a $25 verification fee to The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) (if applicable), and a $35 filing fee to the Clerk of Court. After the Solicitor verifies eligibility with SLED, the application is reviewed, and if approved, it proceeds for signatures from the relevant authorities. The order is then filed with the Clerk of Court, and the expunged record is forwarded to the appropriate agencies.

For more guidance, interested parties can contact the Newberry County Solicitor’s Office:

1226 College Street
PO Drawer 10
Newberry, SC 29108
Phone: (803) 321-2123

Newberry County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a legal order directing law enforcement to apprehend an individual suspected of criminal activity. Newberry County magistrates or judges issue arrest warrants upon finding probable cause, as required under S.C. Code § 17-13-140.

Issuance occurs after law enforcement submits sworn affidavits or evidence detailing the alleged offense. Probable cause must demonstrate a reasonable belief that the individual committed the crime. Every warrant includes the suspect’s name, description, the alleged offense, and instructions for execution.

Do Newberry County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No. A Newberry County arrest warrant remains active until the individual voluntarily surrenders, is apprehended, or dies. However, the court may recall or quash a warrant if a motion demonstrates that the warrant is illegal or invalid.