Aiken County Criminal Records
What Is Aiken County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Aiken County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-4-30, which establishes requirements for the maintenance and accessibility of public records.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Aiken County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments
- Conviction Records: Official adjudications of guilt following court proceedings
- Court Records: Documentation of criminal case proceedings from filing through disposition
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding detention in county facilities
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document instances where individuals were taken into custody based on probable cause, while conviction records indicate that legal proceedings resulted in a formal finding of guilt. Under South Carolina law, felony offenses represent more serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors carry lesser penalties.
Juvenile records receive special protection under South Carolina Code § 63-19-2010, which generally restricts public access to criminal records for individuals under 18 years of age. These protections reflect the state's policy of rehabilitation rather than punishment for youthful offenders.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Aiken County:
Aiken County Sheriff's Office
420 Hampton Avenue NE
Aiken, SC 29801
(803) 642-1761
Aiken County Sheriff's Office
Aiken County Clerk of Court
109 Park Avenue SE
Aiken, SC 29801
(803) 642-1715
Clerk of Court
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
4400 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 737-9000
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
Criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, sentencing determinations, and probation or parole status. These records serve essential functions in the administration of justice, background screening, and public safety initiatives.
Are Criminal Records Public In Aiken County
Criminal records in Aiken County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in S.C. Code § 30-4-10 et seq. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, shall be available for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law.
S.C. Code § 30-4-30(a) specifically states: "Any person has a right to inspect, copy, or receive an electronic transmission of any public record of a public body, except as otherwise provided by § 30-4-40, or other state and federal laws, in accordance with reasonable rules concerning time and place of access."
The public accessibility of criminal records varies based on several factors:
- Adult Conviction Records: Generally available to the public without restriction
- Court Proceedings: Open to public observation and resulting records are typically accessible
- Ongoing Investigations: May be temporarily exempt from disclosure under S.C. Code § 30-4-40(a)(3)
- Sealed Cases: Not accessible to the public pursuant to court order
- Juvenile Records: Protected from general public access under S.C. Code § 63-19-2010
- Expunged Records: Removed from public access pursuant to S.C. Code § 17-22-910
The South Carolina Judicial Department maintains that "court records that have not been sealed or otherwise restricted by rule or statute are available for public inspection at the courthouse during regular business hours." This policy reflects the state's commitment to governmental transparency while balancing privacy interests in certain contexts.
Law enforcement agencies in Aiken County, including the Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments, maintain arrest records that are generally available to the public. However, certain information within these records, such as victim identities in sexual assault cases or information that would compromise ongoing investigations, may be redacted prior to release.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Aiken County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Aiken County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal records:
In-Person Requests at the Clerk of Court's Office:
- Visit the Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copying fees ($5.00 search fee plus $1.00 per page for copies)
- Allow staff time to retrieve the requested records
Mail Requests:
- Download the records request form from the Aiken County website or prepare a written request
- Include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and case numbers (if available)
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees
- Mail the request to:
Aiken County Clerk of Court
109 Park Avenue SE
Aiken, SC 29801
(803) 642-1715
Clerk of Court
Criminal Background Checks through SLED:
- Visit the SLED CATCH portal
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Enter the required identifying information for the subject
- Pay the $25.00 non-refundable fee
- Receive results electronically or by mail
For comprehensive criminal history information, requestors may need to check multiple sources, as records may be distributed across various agencies. The General Sessions Court maintains felony case records, while magistrate courts handle misdemeanor cases.
Pursuant to S.C. Code § 30-4-30(c), public bodies must respond to FOIA requests within 10 business days, though actual response times may vary based on the complexity of the request and current workload.
How To Find Criminal Records in Aiken County Online?
Aiken County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information may vary by system.
The primary online resources include:
South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index:
- Access via the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index
- No registration required for basic searches
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- Records include case type, filing date, charges, hearing dates, and case status
- Does not include complete case files or documents
- Updated daily but not in real-time
Aiken County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:
- Visit the Aiken County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section
- Search by name or booking number
- Information includes current inmates, booking date, charges, and bond information
- Updated regularly throughout the day
SLED Criminal Records Check:
- Access the SLED CATCH portal
- Registration required for full functionality
- $25.00 fee per search
- Provides statewide criminal history information
- Results include conviction data and pending charges
- Official certified records available for employment or licensing purposes
South Carolina Sex Offender Registry:
- Visit the SLED Sex Offender Registry
- Search by name, location, or map
- No fee or registration required
- Includes offender photos, addresses, and offense information
- Updated as registrations change
When utilizing these online resources, users should note that:
- Electronic records may not include all information available in physical court files
- Some documents may only be available through in-person requests
- Certain case types (e.g., juvenile, expunged, or sealed cases) will not appear in public searches
- Information should be verified through official channels for employment or legal purposes
The Clerk of Court's office maintains the most comprehensive repository of criminal court records, though not all documents are available online. For complete case files, in-person requests remain necessary.
Can You Search Aiken County Criminal Records for Free?
South Carolina law provides for public inspection of criminal records at minimal cost. Pursuant to S.C. Code § 30-4-30(b), "The public body may establish and collect fees not to exceed the actual cost of searching for or making copies of records." This provision ensures reasonable public access while allowing agencies to recover direct costs.
Free inspection options in Aiken County include:
In-Person Inspection at the Courthouse:
- Visit the Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- No charge for viewing records on-site
- Copying fees apply if printed copies are requested ($1.00 per page)
- Photo identification required
Free Online Resources:
- South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index - Free basic case information
- Aiken County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search - Free current inmate information
- South Carolina Sex Offender Registry - Free sex offender registration information
While inspection is generally available at no cost, fees apply for:
- Copies of documents ($1.00 per page)
- Certified copies ($5.00 per document plus copying fees)
- Records searches when the requestor cannot provide specific case information ($5.00 search fee)
- Comprehensive criminal history reports from SLED ($25.00)
The General Sessions Court maintains a public terminal in the courthouse where visitors may search case information at no charge. However, printing from these terminals incurs standard copying fees.
For individuals seeking their own criminal records for employment or housing purposes, community organizations occasionally sponsor record check events where services are provided at reduced or no cost. Information about such events is typically announced through local media and social service agencies.
What's Included in a Aiken County Criminal Record?
Aiken County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records adheres to standards established by the South Carolina Court Administration and typically includes:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot photograph (if booked into custody)
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail or bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Circuit, Magistrate, or Municipal)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Charges filed and applicable statutes
- Classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor)
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Plea entered (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Verdict (if trial conducted)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentence imposed, including:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation or parole status
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI offenses
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
The Clerk of Court's office maintains these records in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements. Criminal records may be accessed through the General Sessions Court for felony matters and through Magistrate Courts for misdemeanor offenses.
It should be noted that juvenile records contain similar information but are subject to stricter confidentiality protections under S.C. Code § 63-19-2010 and are not generally accessible to the public.
How Long Does Aiken County Keep Criminal Records?
Aiken County maintains criminal records in accordance with the South Carolina Department of Archives and History's Records Retention Schedules as mandated by S.C. Code § 30-1-90. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various categories of criminal records.
Key retention periods include:
Court Records:
- General Sessions (Felony) Case Files: Permanent retention
- Magistrate Court Case Files: 10 years after case closure
- Domestic Violence Cases: 25 years after case closure
- Traffic Cases: 10 years after case closure
- Non-Traffic Misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure
- Court Indices and Dockets: Permanent retention
Law Enforcement Records:
- Arrest Reports: 10 years after creation
- Incident Reports (Major Crimes): Permanent retention
- Incident Reports (Minor Crimes): 5 years after creation
- Booking Records: 10 years after release
- Jail Records: 10 years after release
- Investigative Case Files (Major Crimes): Permanent retention
- Investigative Case Files (Minor Crimes): 5 years after case closure
Probation and Parole Records:
- Probation Case Files: 10 years after completion of sentence
- Parole Case Files: 10 years after completion of sentence
These retention periods represent minimum requirements, and in practice, many records are maintained for longer periods. The Clerk of Court preserves General Sessions Court records permanently, providing a historical archive of felony cases in the county.
Digital conversion initiatives have expanded the county's capacity to retain older records. However, some historical records may be transferred to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History for permanent preservation when they exceed local storage capabilities.
Expungement orders, issued pursuant to S.C. Code § 17-22-910, direct the removal of specific criminal records from public access. When a court grants an expungement, affected records are removed from public indices and either physically destroyed or sealed from public view, depending on the type of expungement granted.
Lookup Criminal Records in Aiken County
South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index