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Anderson County Criminal Records

What Is Anderson County Criminal Records

Anderson County criminal records are official documents maintained by various government agencies that detail an individual's criminal history within Anderson County, South Carolina. These records document interactions with the criminal justice system, including arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions.

Criminal records in Anderson County are created and maintained by several agencies, including:

Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-4-30, these records serve multiple purposes within the criminal justice system and beyond. They provide essential information for law enforcement agencies, courts, prosecutors, and corrections officials. Additionally, these records may be accessed by employers, landlords, and other entities for background check purposes in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Are Criminal Records Public In Anderson County

Criminal records in Anderson County are generally considered public records under 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:

However, certain criminal records may be restricted from public access, including:

  • Records pertaining to juvenile offenders (under 17 years of age) pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 63-19-2010
  • Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order
  • Records related to ongoing investigations
  • Records containing sensitive personal information as defined in S.C. Code Ann. § 30-2-310

The Anderson County Clerk of Court maintains public terminals at the courthouse where individuals may search for criminal case information during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Anderson County in 2025

As of 2025, Anderson County offers several methods for accessing criminal records. Individuals seeking criminal record information may utilize the following procedures:

In-Person Requests:

  • Visit the Anderson County Clerk of Court
    Anderson County Courthouse
    100 South Main Street
    Anderson, SC 29624
    (864) 260-4053
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Complete a records request form specifying the information sought

  • Present valid government-issued photo identification

  • Pay applicable fees ($25 for certified copies, $5 for non-certified copies per S.C. Code Ann. § 8-21-310)

Mail Requests:

  • Submit a written request to the Anderson County Clerk of Court
  • Include the subject's full name, date of birth, and case number (if known)
  • Enclose a copy of requestor's identification
  • Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
  • Enclose payment by check or money order

Online Access:

For federal criminal cases in Anderson County, individuals may contact:

U.S. District Court - Anderson Division
G. Ross Anderson, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse
315 South McDuffie Street
Anderson, SC 29624
(864) 241-2700
U.S. District Court - Anderson

How To Find Criminal Records in Anderson County Online?

Anderson County residents and other authorized individuals may access criminal records through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. These digital resources provide convenient access to various types of criminal record information.

The primary online resources for Anderson County criminal records include:

  • South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index
    This searchable database provides access to court records, including criminal cases. Users may search by name, case number, or filing date. The system displays case information including charges, hearing dates, and disposition information.

  • SLED CATCH (Citizens Access To Criminal Histories)
    The SLED CATCH platform allows users to conduct official criminal background checks for a fee of $25 per search. This system provides comprehensive criminal history information based on fingerprint records and other identifiers maintained by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

  • Anderson County Public Sex Offender Registry
    The Anderson County sex offender database provides information about registered sex offenders residing in the county. This resource includes offender photographs, addresses, conviction information, and risk level assessments.

  • South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmate Search
    This database allows users to locate individuals currently incarcerated in state correctional facilities, including those convicted in Anderson County.

  • South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services
    The SCDPPPS website provides information about individuals under community supervision following criminal convictions in Anderson County.

When conducting online searches, users should note that pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 16-3-1900, certain victim information may be redacted from publicly accessible records. Additionally, not all criminal records may be available online, particularly older cases or those involving juveniles.

Can You Search Anderson County Criminal Records for Free?

Anderson County provides limited options for free criminal record searches, though comprehensive searches typically involve fees. Members of the public should be aware of the following free and fee-based options:

Free Access Options:

  • Public Access Terminals - The Anderson County Courthouse provides computer terminals where visitors may search basic case information at no cost during regular business hours.

  • Anderson County Public Sex Offender Registry - The sex offender database is available to the public at no charge and provides information on registered sex offenders in the county.

  • South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index - This online resource offers free access to basic court case information, including criminal cases filed in Anderson County.

  • Anderson County Public Defenders Office
    314 South McDuffie Street
    Anderson, SC 29624
    (864) 260-4057
    Anderson County Public Defenders
    This office may provide limited information about current criminal cases they are handling.

Fee-Based Options:

  • Certified Court Records - $25 per document pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 8-21-310
  • Non-Certified Court Records - $5 per document
  • SLED CATCH Criminal History Checks - $25 per search
  • Comprehensive Background Checks - Fees vary by provider

Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(B), government agencies may charge reasonable fees for the search, retrieval, and redaction of records. Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances, such as for indigent defendants seeking their own records for legal proceedings.

What's Included in a Anderson County Criminal Record?

Anderson County criminal records contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with South Carolina Code § 23-3-120 and typically include the following elements:

Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name and any known aliases
  • Date of birth
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Fingerprint identification number
  • Photograph (mugshot)
  • Last known address

Case Information:

  • Arrest date and location
  • Arresting agency
  • Booking information
  • Charges filed (including statute numbers)
  • Case numbers
  • Court of jurisdiction

Judicial Proceedings:

  • Hearing dates
  • Plea information
  • Trial outcomes
  • Verdict or judgment
  • Sentencing details
  • Fine and restitution information
  • Probation terms

Correctional Information:

  • Incarceration details
  • Probation or parole status
  • Supervision requirements
  • Release dates

Criminal records may also contain information about protective orders, restraining orders, and other court-mandated restrictions. For individuals under supervision, records may include information from the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.

It should be noted that pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-950, expunged records are removed from public access and treated as if the offense never occurred. Additionally, juvenile records are generally confidential under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-19-2010, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses.

What Are the Penalties for a Anderson County Criminal Trespass Charge?

Criminal trespass in Anderson County is prosecuted under South Carolina Code § 16-11-600 through § 16-11-620. The penalties vary based on the specific circumstances of the offense and the defendant's criminal history.

First Degree Trespass (S.C. Code § 16-11-600):

  • Classification: Misdemeanor
  • Maximum Penalty: 30 days imprisonment
  • Maximum Fine: $500
  • Applies to: Entering premises after warning or refusing to leave when requested

Second Degree Trespass (S.C. Code § 16-11-620):

  • Classification: Misdemeanor
  • Maximum Penalty: 30 days imprisonment
  • Maximum Fine: $100
  • Applies to: Entering premises when notice against trespass is posted

Aggravating Factors:

  • Trespass with a dangerous weapon may result in enhanced penalties
  • Trespass with intent to commit another crime may lead to additional charges
  • Repeat offenses may result in increased penalties

Criminal trespass cases in Anderson County are typically heard in:

Anderson County Magistrate Court
100 South Main Street
Anderson, SC 29624
(864) 260-4052

More serious trespass cases may be prosecuted in:

Anderson County General Sessions Court
100 South Main Street
Anderson, SC 29624
(864) 260-4053

Individuals charged with criminal trespass who cannot afford an attorney may qualify for representation through the Anderson County Public Defenders Office.

The court may also impose additional penalties such as community service, restitution for any property damage, and probation requirements. A conviction for criminal trespass becomes part of an individual's permanent criminal record unless later expunged through procedures outlined in S.C. Code § 17-22-910.

How Long Does Anderson County Keep Criminal Records?

Anderson County maintains criminal records in accordance with the South Carolina Public Records Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-1-10 et seq.) and the retention schedules established by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. These records are generally kept indefinitely unless specifically ordered to be expunged or sealed by a court.

Record Retention Periods:

  • Arrest Records: Maintained permanently by law enforcement agencies
  • Court Records: Retained permanently by the Anderson County Clerk of Court
  • Probation Records: Maintained for 10 years after case closure by the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services
  • Incarceration Records: Kept permanently by the South Carolina Department of Corrections
  • Juvenile Records: Generally sealed when the individual reaches age 18, with exceptions for violent offenses

Historical criminal records dating back to 1828 may be accessed through the South Carolina Department of Archives, which maintains Anderson County records including criminal case files and dockets.

Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910 through § 17-22-950, certain criminal records may be eligible for expungement under specific circumstances:

  • First-offense misdemeanors after 3 years if no additional charges
  • First-offense drug possession after successful completion of a pretrial intervention program
  • Non-violent first offenses after successful completion of probation
  • Charges that were dismissed or resulted in not guilty verdicts

Expungement applications must be filed with the Anderson County Solicitor's Office:

10th Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office
100 South Main Street
Anderson, SC 29624
(864) 260-4046

Lookup Criminal Records in Anderson County

Anderson County Sex Offender Registry

South Carolina Department of Archives - Anderson County Records

U.S. District Court Records - Anderson Division

Anderson County Public Defender Information

SLED Criminal Records Check System

South Carolina Probation, Parole and Pardon Services

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