Union County Public Records / Union County Arrest Records

Union County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Union County in 2026

UnionSCRecords.us provides publicly available data and information related to arrest records in Union County, South Carolina. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through various sources include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, criminal court case filings, and inmate rosters. Access to records does not guarantee completeness, and some information may be subject to legal restrictions.

Official arrest records in Union County may be searched through the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and local agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Union County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and an inmate roster that members of the public may access online. Available information includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, bond amount, and custody status. The roster is updated on a regular basis, reflecting current detainee information at the Union County Detention Center.

2. Local Police Departments

The Union City Police Department publishes press releases and arrest logs that may include information on recent arrests within city limits. Members of the public seeking arrest information from municipal jurisdictions within Union County may contact the relevant department directly for records not available online.

Union City Police Department 100 W. Main Street Union, SC 29379 Phone: (864) 429-1611 Union City Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The South Carolina Judicial Department maintains a public case search portal through which members of the public may search for court cases linked to arrests by entering an individual's name. The Public Index case search allows users to locate criminal case filings, charge information, and case disposition records associated with arrests in Union County.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may submit a request for a criminal history record check through the SLED Criminal Records portal. A fee of $25.00 applies to public criminal background check requests. The database includes arrest and disposition information reported by law enforcement agencies statewide.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Union County Sheriff's Office 210 W. Main Street Union, SC 29379 Phone: (864) 429-1611 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Union County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public requesting records in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the arrestee's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Copy fees apply per the standard fee schedule.

Clerk of Court:

Union County Clerk of Court 210 W. Main Street, Suite 200 Union, SC 29379 Phone: (864) 429-1630 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Union County Clerk of Court

Criminal case files are available for inspection at the Clerk of Court's office. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Union County Sheriff's Office at 210 W. Main Street, Union, SC 29379. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requester's contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.

By Phone:

Members of the public may contact the Union County Sheriff's Office at (864) 429-1611 for general arrest information. Detailed records are not released by phone, and callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person. Inmate status inquiries may be handled by phone with the individual's name and date of birth.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may request arrest records through formal discovery processes, subpoena, or direct agency request. Records obtained through legal proceedings may include materials not available to the general public.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Location of arrest and arresting jurisdiction

Are Arrest Records Public in Union County

Arrest records in Union County are public records under South Carolina law. Pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30, members of the public have the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records maintained by government bodies, including law enforcement agencies. Arrest records are made available to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, assist in background screening, and serve as evidence in legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under state law)
Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
Active investigation information
Undercover officer identities
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain cases
Witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The South Carolina Constitution and the Freedom of Information Act establish the public's right to access government records. Courts have recognized the balance between transparency and individual privacy, and the First Amendment supports press access to arrest information. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using arrest records obtained through consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements. South Carolina does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal guidance. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Union County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Union County law enforcement agencies contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking.

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and race/ethnicity
Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer name and badge number
Booking date, time, and booking number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges and statute numbers violated
Charge classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence or gang-related designations, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount and bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if applicable
Release conditions, if public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment, if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Document Type	Description
Police report	Detailed incident narrative; not always public
Court records	Legal proceedings following arrest
Criminal records	Convictions and sentences
Background checks	Comprehensive screening from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Union County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Union County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records requested.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Inspection of public records: No charge for inspection at the agency's office
Paper copies: $0.25 per page (standard rate under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30)
Certification of records: Additional fee may apply; contact the Clerk of Court for current rates
Electronic copies: Fees vary by agency; some records are available at no charge through online portals
SLED criminal background check: $25.00 per request for public submissions

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person requests)
Money order or certified check (mail requests)
Credit or debit card (where available online)

Fee Waivers:

Members of the public who are indigent or who are requesting records for a public interest purpose may inquire about fee waiver provisions. Journalists and researchers may request fee reductions in writing, subject to agency discretion under the Freedom of Information Act.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online inmate roster through the Sheriff's Office website
Public Index case search through the South Carolina Judicial Department
Inspection of records at the Clerk of Court's office (no copy fee for viewing only)

How To Delete Arrest Records in Union County

Under South Carolina law, the legal process for removing arrest records from public access is referred to as expungement, which involves the physical destruction or sealing of qualifying records. Expungement differs from sealing in that expunged records are destroyed and no longer accessible, while sealed records are restricted from public view but may remain accessible to law enforcement.

Eligibility for Expungement:

South Carolina law, codified at S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910, establishes the circumstances under which an individual may petition for expungement of an arrest record. Qualifying circumstances include:

Charges that were dismissed or not prosecuted (nolle prosequi)
Acquittal at trial (not guilty verdict)
Successful completion of a pretrial intervention or diversion program
First-offense convictions for certain misdemeanors after a waiting period
Youthful offender dispositions meeting statutory criteria
Pardons issued by the South Carolina Board of Pardons and Paroles

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and court disposition from the Clerk of Court.
Confirm eligibility under S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910 or the applicable statute for the offense type.
Complete the expungement application, available through the Solicitor's Office for the 16th Judicial Circuit.
Submit the application to the Solicitor's Office along with the applicable filing fee (currently $250.00 for most expungements; no fee for certain dismissals and acquittals).
The Solicitor's Office reviews the application and, if approved, forwards it to the court for a judge's signature.
Upon court order, the Clerk of Court, Sheriff's Office, and SLED are notified to destroy or seal the records.

16th Circuit Solicitor's Office 210 W. Main Street Union, SC 29379 Phone: (864) 429-1690 16th Circuit Solicitor's Office

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) 4400 Broad River Road Columbia, SC 29210 Phone: (803) 737-9000 SLED Criminal Records

Individuals with questions about eligibility or the expungement process may contact the Clerk of Court or the Solicitor's Office directly.

What Happens After Arrest in Union County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Union County Detention Center, the primary booking facility for the county.

Union County Detention Center 210 W. Main Street Union, SC 29379 Phone: (864) 429-1611 Union County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention center, the booking process is initiated. The process involves recording personal information, photographing the individual (mugshot), collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventorying personal property, issuing a jail uniform, and completing medical and mental health screenings. Booking duration varies based on facility volume but is completed prior to housing assignment.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under South Carolina law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate for a bond hearing within 24 hours of arrest. At this hearing, the magistrate formally advises the individual of the charges, determines bond, and informs the individual of the right to counsel. Hearings may be conducted via video conference.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash and is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by state law.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear, based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.

No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which includes return of personal property, issuance of a court date, and written conditions of release. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody pending further court proceedings.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Union County Public Defender's Office 210 W. Main Street Union, SC 29379 Phone: (864) 429-1640 South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is based on income. Private attorneys may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and are permitted confidential consultations at the detention center.

Charging Decision:

The 16th Circuit Solicitor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion program completion, a plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or a combination thereof.

Important Contacts:

Union County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 210 W. Main Street Union, SC 29379 Phone: (864) 429-1611 Union County Sheriff's Office

Union County Clerk of Court 210 W. Main Street, Suite 200 Union, SC 29379 Phone: (864) 429-1630 South Carolina Judicial Department – Union County

16th Circuit Solicitor's Office 210 W. Main Street Union, SC 29379 Phone: (864) 429-1690 16th Circuit Solicitor's Office

Union County Public Defender's Office 210 W. Main Street Union, SC 29379 Phone: (864) 429-1640 South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement.
Do not physically resist arrest.
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions.
Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case without counsel present.
Contact family or friends to assist with bail.
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception.
Comply with all conditions of release.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Union County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Union County is governed by South Carolina law and the policies of the individual agencies maintaining the records. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History publishes records retention schedules applicable to law enforcement and court agencies. Under the South Carolina Public Records Act, S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10, public records must be maintained in accordance with approved retention schedules.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, SLED, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Part of the individual's permanent criminal history

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the Clerk of Court
Reported to SLED and maintained in the state criminal history repository

Dismissed Charges:

May remain in local law enforcement databases unless expunged
Court records are often retained permanently
Not reported as convictions on standard background checks
Eligible for expungement under qualifying circumstances

Acquittals:

Local law enforcement records may be retained for several years
Court records are often retained permanently
May be expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records may be retained for a shorter period
Eligible for expungement in many cases

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office: Booking records, arrest reports, and investigative files are retained in accordance with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule. Felony-related records are retained permanently; other records are subject to scheduled review.

Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and traffic case files are retained for periods specified in the court records retention schedule. Electronic records are maintained indefinitely in most instances.

SLED State Repository: SLED maintains arrest and disposition records for all jurisdictions in South Carolina. Retention is governed by state policy and federal reporting requirements.

FBI Database: The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, accessible to law enforcement nationwide. Federal retention is permanent for most criminal history records.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Disposition	Local Retention	State Repository	Background Check Impact
Conviction	Permanent	Permanent	Reported indefinitely
Dismissal	Varies	Varies	Not reported as conviction
Expungement	Destroyed/sealed	Updated	Removed from public access
No charges filed	Shorter period	Varies	Not reported

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same update requirements as law enforcement agencies. The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the consumer reporting framework may not update records following expungement. Individuals whose records have been expunged may need to contact such websites directly to request removal.

Standard Background Check Period:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. South Carolina does not currently impose additional restrictions on the reporting period beyond federal requirements.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Union County Sheriff's Records Division at (864) 429-1611 to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request may be required, and applicable fees may apply for copies of responsive documents.