Greenville County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Greenville County
Arrest records in Greenville County are considered public information pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq. Members of the public may access these records through various county agencies and online resources. The South Carolina Public Records Act establishes that most government records, including arrest records, are available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
The following agencies maintain and provide access to arrest records in Greenville County:
Greenville County Sheriff's Office 4 McGee Street Greenville, SC 29601 Phone: (864) 467-5300 Official Website: Greenville County Sheriff's Office
Greenville County Clerk of Court 301 University Ridge, Suite 1600 Greenville, SC 29601 Phone: (864) 467-8551 Official Website: Greenville County Clerk of Court
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply to arrest records in accordance with S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-40, including:
- Records related to ongoing investigations
- Juvenile arrest records (with limited exceptions)
- Expunged or sealed records pursuant to court order
- Records containing personal identifying information that would constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy
The Greenville County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable inmate database that provides information about currently incarcerated individuals. Users of this system must acknowledge the terms and conditions of use, which specify that the information provided is not an official record of the County.
What's in Greenville County Arrest Records
Greenville County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county jurisdiction. These records are maintained in accordance with South Carolina Code § 23-3-120, which establishes requirements for criminal record maintenance.
Standard information contained in Greenville County arrest records includes:
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Biographical information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Address at time of arrest
- Gender and race
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Arrest details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and processing information
- Charges filed (including statute numbers and offense descriptions)
- Bail or bond amount (if applicable)
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Case processing information:
- Court docket number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Case disposition (if resolved)
- Sentencing information (if convicted)
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Photographic and biometric data:
- Mugshot (booking photograph)
- Fingerprint records
- Other identifying information collected during booking
The Greenville County Public Index Search provides access to court records related to arrests, though users should note the disclaimer that information provided through this system is not an official record of the County or elected officials. Official records are maintained in physical form at the Greenville County Courthouse.
Pursuant to South Carolina law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and certain medical information.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Greenville County in 2025
Residents and interested parties seeking arrest records in Greenville County in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The County has established multiple access points in compliance with South Carolina Code § 30-4-30, which governs the right to examine public records.
In-person requests may be submitted at the following locations:
Greenville County Law Enforcement Center 4 McGee Street Greenville, SC 29601 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Phone: (864) 467-5300
Greenville County Judicial Services 301 University Ridge, Suite 1600 Greenville, SC 29601 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Phone: (864) 467-8551
The process for obtaining arrest records typically includes:
- Submitting a formal records request form with the subject's full name and date of birth
- Providing proper identification (government-issued photo ID)
- Paying applicable fees as established by county ordinance
- Specifying the preferred format for receiving records (paper copies, digital files, or certified copies)
For electronic access, the Greenville County Inmate Search portal allows users to search for currently incarcerated individuals. This resource is updated regularly but may not include historical arrest data.
Additional resources include the Greenville County Public Index, which provides court case information related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.
Third-party requests for arrest records are permitted under South Carolina law, though certain restrictions may apply to protected categories of information. Requestors should be prepared to state the purpose of their request when seeking records for individuals other than themselves.
How To Find Greenville County Arrest Records Online
Greenville County provides several official online resources for accessing arrest records electronically. These digital platforms have been established to enhance public access to information while maintaining compliance with South Carolina Code § 30-4-30(a)(1), which requires that public records be made available for inspection during normal business hours.
The primary online resources for accessing Greenville County arrest records include:
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Greenville County Inmate Search - This official county database allows users to search for currently incarcerated individuals by first and last name. The system provides booking information, charges, and custody status for persons held in Greenville County detention facilities.
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Greenville County Public Index - This searchable database contains court records related to criminal cases, including information about arrests, charges, court dates, and case dispositions. Users can search by name, case number, or filing date.
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Greenville County Sheriff's Office - The official website of the Sheriff's Office provides information about recent arrests, most wanted individuals, and other law enforcement activities within the county.
When utilizing these online resources, users should be aware of the following considerations:
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Information accuracy disclaimer - As noted on the Inmate Search Terms and Conditions, online records are not considered official county records, and the county does not guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
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Update frequency - Online databases are updated regularly but may not reflect the most current information, particularly for recent arrests or case status changes.
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Limited historical data - Some online systems may only contain records from recent years, with older records requiring in-person requests.
For comprehensive arrest record searches, particularly for historical records or detailed case information, users may need to supplement online searches with formal records requests through the appropriate county offices.
Can You Search Greenville County Arrest Records for Free?
Greenville County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic arrest record information in accordance with South Carolina Code § 30-4-30(b), which permits public bodies to establish and collect reasonable fees for the search and duplication of records. The following free resources are available to members of the public:
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Greenville County Inmate Search - This online database allows users to search for currently incarcerated individuals at no cost. The system provides basic information including inmate name, booking date, charges, and custody status.
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Greenville County Public Index - This free online resource provides access to court records related to criminal cases, including information about arrests, charges, and case dispositions.
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Public terminals at county facilities - Self-service computer terminals are available for public use at the following locations:
Greenville County Courthouse 301 University Ridge Greenville, SC 29601 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Phone: (864) 467-8551
Greenville County Law Enforcement Center 4 McGee Street Greenville, SC 29601 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Phone: (864) 467-5300
While basic searches are available at no cost, fees may apply for the following services:
- Printed copies of records ($0.25 per page as of 2025)
- Certified copies of records ($5.00 per document)
- Extensive research requiring staff assistance ($15.00 per hour after the first hour)
- Expedited processing of requests
- Records requiring redaction or special processing
The City of Greenville Police Department also maintains certain arrest records for incidents occurring within city limits and provides limited free access to this information.
Pursuant to South Carolina FOIA provisions, fees may be reduced or waived when the county determines that furnishing the information primarily benefits the general public.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Greenville County
The process for removing arrest records from public access in Greenville County is governed by South Carolina Code § 17-22-910 through § 17-22-950, which establishes the legal framework for expungement. Expungement is the legal process through which arrest records and related documentation are removed from public access or destroyed.
Individuals seeking to delete arrest records must follow these established procedures:
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Determine eligibility for expungement based on South Carolina law, which generally permits expungement under the following circumstances:
- Charges that were dismissed, nolle prossed, or resulted in not guilty verdicts
- First-offense convictions for certain minor crimes after completion of sentence and waiting period
- Successful completion of Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), Alcohol Education Program, or similar diversion programs
- Juvenile records meeting specific criteria
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Submit an expungement application to:
Greenville County Solicitor's Office 305 E. North Street, Suite 325 Greenville, SC 29601 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Phone: (864) 467-8647
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Pay the required application fee ($310 as of 2025, which includes a $250 filing fee, $25 administrative fee, and $35 SLED verification fee)
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Provide supporting documentation, including:
- Certified disposition of the case
- Verification of program completion (for diversion programs)
- Court records demonstrating eligibility
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Await processing and judicial review (typically 90-120 days)
Upon approval of an expungement order by a Circuit Court judge, the following actions occur:
- The Clerk of Court removes records from public indices
- The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) removes records from state databases
- The Greenville County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies seal or destroy physical records
- The Solicitor's Office notifies third-party data providers of the expungement order
Individuals with questions about the expungement process may contact the Greenville County Clerk of Court for guidance. Those with complex cases may benefit from consulting with legal counsel, as expungement laws are subject to specific limitations and exceptions.
What Happens After Arrest in Greenville County?
Following an arrest in Greenville County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process established under South Carolina law. This process includes several key stages that occur in a prescribed sequence.
The post-arrest procedure typically unfolds as follows:
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Booking and Processing:
- The arrested individual is transported to the Greenville County Detention Center
- Biographical information is recorded
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Initial health screening is conducted
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Bond Hearing:
- Occurs within 24 hours of arrest
- Conducted by a Magistrate Judge
- Determination of bail amount or release conditions
- Appointment of public defender for qualifying individuals
Greenville County Bond Court 4 McGee Street Greenville, SC 29601 Phone: (864) 467-5400 Hours: Daily sessions at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM
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Formal Charging:
- For misdemeanors: Charges are typically filed by the arresting officer
- For felonies: The Solicitor's Office reviews evidence and may present the case to a Grand Jury
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Court Proceedings:
- Initial appearance/arraignment
- Preliminary hearing (if requested in felony cases)
- Pre-trial conferences
- Plea negotiations or trial
Greenville County Courthouse 301 University Ridge Greenville, SC 29601 Phone: (864) 467-8551 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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Case Disposition:
- Dismissal of charges
- Guilty plea or conviction
- Acquittal
- Diversion program placement
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Post-Conviction:
- Sentencing
- Incarceration or alternative sanctions
- Probation supervision by the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services
Throughout this process, arrest records are created and maintained by various agencies, including the Greenville County Sheriff's Office, Detention Center, Clerk of Court, and Solicitor's Office. These records become part of the individual's criminal history and are generally accessible to the public unless sealed or expunged through legal processes.
The Greenville County Sheriff's Office maintains custody of individuals until they are released on bond or transferred to the South Carolina Department of Corrections for service of sentence.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Greenville County?
Arrest records in Greenville County are maintained according to South Carolina's records retention schedules and applicable state laws. The duration of record retention varies based on the type of record, case outcome, and statutory requirements.
Standard retention periods for arrest records in Greenville County include:
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Arrest reports and booking information:
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: 10 years from date of arrest
- Arrests with no charges filed: 3 years from date of arrest
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Fingerprint cards and biometric data:
- Retained permanently by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) pursuant to S.C. Code § 23-3-120
- Local copies maintained for 75 years
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Mugshot photographs:
- Retained for the same duration as the corresponding arrest record
- Digital images maintained in electronic systems indefinitely
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Court records related to arrests:
- Felony convictions: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor convictions: 10 years after case closure
- Dismissed cases: 3 years after dismissal
- Acquittals: 3 years after verdict
The Greenville County Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of court records related to criminal cases, while the Greenville County Sheriff's Office maintains law enforcement records of arrests.
Exceptions to standard retention periods may apply in the following circumstances:
- Expunged records: Destroyed or sealed pursuant to court order
- Juvenile records: Subject to special confidentiality and destruction provisions under S.C. Code § 63-19-2050
- Records of certain serious offenses (homicide, sexual assault, etc.): Permanent retention regardless of case outcome
Electronic records maintained in county databases may be retained longer than physical records due to digital storage capabilities. The Greenville County Public Index provides online access to court records, though the system contains a disclaimer noting that it does not constitute an official record of the County.
How to Find Mugshots in Greenville County
Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process in Greenville County are considered public records under South Carolina law, with certain exceptions. These images are maintained by law enforcement agencies and may be accessed through established channels.
The primary methods for obtaining mugshot photographs in Greenville County include:
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Online Resources:
- The Greenville County Inmate Search portal provides booking photos of currently incarcerated individuals
- The Greenville County Sheriff's Office website may display mugshots of recently arrested individuals or those on "most wanted" lists
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In-Person Requests:
- Formal requests may be submitted at the Records Division of the Greenville County Sheriff's Office
Greenville County Sheriff's Office Records Division 4 McGee Street Greenville, SC 29601 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Phone: (864) 467-5280
- Written Requests:
- Submit a completed FOIA request form specifying the individual's name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
- Include a copy of government-issued identification
- Provide payment for applicable fees ($5.00 per mugshot as of 2025)
Important considerations regarding mugshot access:
- Juvenile mugshots (under age 18) are generally not available to the public pursuant to S.C. Code § 63-19-2030
- Mugshots associated with expunged arrests are not accessible
- Recent legislative changes may affect the availability of certain mugshots, particularly for arrests that did not result in convictions
- Commercial use of mugshots may be restricted under South Carolina law
The City of Greenville Police Department also maintains booking photographs for arrests made within city limits. Requests for these images should be directed to:
Greenville Police Department Records Division 4 McGee Street Greenville, SC 29601 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Phone: (864) 271-5333
Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these images are generally considered public records, their publication and distribution may have significant privacy implications for the subjects depicted.
Lookup Arrest Records in Greenville County
Search Greenville County inmate records
Access the Greenville County Public Index
Visit the Greenville County Sheriff's Office
Contact the Greenville County Clerk of Court
Check the Greenville County official website