Dillon County Public Records / Dillon County Arrest Records

Dillon County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Dillon County in 2026

DillonRecords.us provides access to publicly available data and information related to arrest records in Dillon County, South Carolina. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge classifications, and court case numbers. Information presented reflects what has been made available through official sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Dillon County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and may publish a current jail roster for public inspection. Available information includes arrestee name, booking date, charges, and custody status. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis, and members of the public may access it through the Sheriff's Office official web presence.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Dillon Police Department serves the municipal area and may publish arrest logs or press releases containing arrest information. Members of the public may contact the department directly to inquire about available records.

Dillon Police Department 301 W. Main Street Dillon, SC 29536 Phone: (843) 774-1432 City of Dillon

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index allows members of the public to search criminal court cases by name. Searching an arrestee's name may return associated court case numbers, charge information, and case disposition. This resource is updated as cases progress through the court system.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains a statewide criminal records database. Members of the public may submit a request for a criminal history record check. A fee of $25.00 per subject applies to public requests. The database includes arrests from all jurisdictions within South Carolina and reflects dispositions as reported by courts and law enforcement agencies.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Dillon County Sheriff's Office P.O. Box 220, 401 W. Main Street Dillon, SC 29536 Phone: (843) 774-1425 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Dillon County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Copy fees apply per page as established by county policy.

Clerk of Court:

Dillon County Clerk of Court P.O. Box 1220, 101 W. Main Street, Suite 230 Dillon, SC 29536 Phone: (843) 774-1425 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. South Carolina Judicial Branch

Criminal case files are available for inspection during regular business hours. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with state fee schedules.

By Mail:

Written requests submitted by mail to the Dillon County Sheriff's Office should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for copies must be included with the request. Processing time varies and is subject to workload at the time of receipt.

By Phone:

The Dillon County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (843) 774-1425 during regular business hours. By phone, staff may confirm limited information such as current custody status. Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Staff may direct callers to the online system or an in-person visit for more detailed information.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be used to compel production of records in the context of legal proceedings. Discovery in criminal cases is governed by the South Carolina Rules of Criminal Procedure.

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
Jurisdiction of arrest

Are Arrest Records Public in Dillon County

Arrest records in Dillon County are public records under South Carolina law. Pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq., all citizens are entitled to inspect and copy public records of public bodies in the state. Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies are among the records subject to public disclosure, as they document the exercise of governmental authority.

The public availability of arrest records serves several recognized purposes, including government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, support for journalism and research, background screening, and use in legal proceedings. As stated by the South Carolina Press Association, "The Freedom of Information Act is the cornerstone of open government in South Carolina," reflecting the state's commitment to accessible public records.

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
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under state law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access
Court-ordered sealed records are not available to the general public
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is not disclosed
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are excluded from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The South Carolina Constitution, Article I, Section 9, provides due process protections that inform the balance between public transparency and individual privacy. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Courts have recognized that the public interest in governmental accountability must be weighed against individual privacy rights, particularly where charges have not resulted in conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

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

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. South Carolina does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal guidance. An important distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not establish guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions may give rise to legal liability under applicable anti-discrimination law.

What's in Dillon County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public records

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification by felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

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

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, where public

Court Information:

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

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Substance abuse information
Social Security number, which is redacted
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records document legal proceedings that follow an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Dillon County is governed by state law and local agency fee schedules. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30, public bodies may charge fees for the search, retrieval, and copying of public records, provided such fees do not exceed the actual cost of the service.

Standard Fee Structure:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.25–$1.00 (varies by agency)
Certified copies	Additional certification fee applies
Electronic records	Fees vary; some records provided at no charge
SLED criminal history check (public request)	$25.00 per subject
Court record copies (Clerk of Court)	Per-page fee per court schedule

Inspection of records at the agency is available at no charge in most cases
Fees for copies are assessed per page and vary by agency
Certification fees apply when a certified copy is requested
Electronic format fees vary; some agencies provide electronic records at no additional cost
Search fees may apply where extensive staff time is required
Accepted payment methods at the Dillon County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and check; members of the public should confirm accepted methods prior to visiting
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, at the discretion of the agency

Online access to the South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index is available at no charge for basic case searches. The SLED online criminal records check portal charges $25.00 per subject for public requests, while law enforcement and authorized agencies access the system at no charge.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Dillon County

Under South Carolina law, the process for removing arrest records from public access involves either expungement (the legal destruction or erasure of records) or sealing (restricting public access while retaining the record). These are distinct remedies with different legal effects. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910 et seq., certain arrest records are eligible for expungement upon application to the court.

Eligibility for Expungement in South Carolina:

Charges that were dismissed or resulted in a not-guilty verdict
First-offense convictions for certain misdemeanors after completion of sentence and a waiting period
Arrests where no charges were filed
Successful completion of a pretrial intervention or diversion program
Certain youthful offender convictions after the applicable waiting period
Convictions for offenses that have been subsequently decriminalized

Steps to Seek Expungement:

Determine eligibility based on the charge type, disposition, and applicable waiting period under South Carolina law
Obtain a copy of the arrest record and court disposition from the Dillon County Clerk of Court
Complete the expungement application, available through the Solicitor's Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit
Submit the application to the Solicitor's Office, which reviews eligibility and, if approved, forwards the order to the court
Upon court approval, the order is transmitted to SLED, the arresting agency, and the Clerk of Court for destruction or sealing of records
Confirm with each agency that records have been updated following the court order

Processing Time: Expungement processing in South Carolina takes approximately 90 to 120 days from the date of application submission, though timelines vary.

Dillon County Clerk of Court P.O. Box 1220, 101 W. Main Street, Suite 230 Dillon, SC 29536 Phone: (843) 774-1425 South Carolina Judicial Branch

Fourth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office P.O. Box 2164 Darlington, SC 29540 Phone: (843) 398-4060 South Carolina Circuit Solicitors

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) P.O. Box 21398 Columbia, SC 29221 Phone: (803) 737-9000 SLED Criminal Records

Sealing differs from expungement in that sealed records are not destroyed but are restricted from public view. Sealing is available in limited circumstances, primarily for juvenile records. Expunged records are not accessible to the general public; however, law enforcement agencies and certain licensing bodies may retain access under specific statutory authority.

What Happens After Arrest in Dillon County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Dillon County, the arrested individual is transported to the Dillon County Detention Center. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.

Dillon County Detention Center P.O. Box 220, 401 W. Main Street Dillon, SC 29536 Phone: (843) 774-1425 Dillon County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Dillon County Detention Center, the booking process is initiated. The process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

Recording of personal identification information
Administration of Miranda rights advisement, if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to SLED and the FBI
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and secured
Exchange of personal clothing for jail-issued clothing
Medical screening
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification 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 the first appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who are indigent
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are reviewed

First appearances may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are available through the South Carolina Judicial Branch.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: Full bond amount is paid in cash to the detention facility. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees. The amount is set by the magistrate or judge at the bond hearing.

Surety Bond: The arrested individual engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount. The individual pays a non-refundable premium, which is set at ten percent of the bond amount in South Carolina. The bondsman assumes responsibility for the individual's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

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

Conditions of Release:

Scheduled check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted: Processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours following payment. Personal property is returned, a court date is provided, and written conditions of release are issued. Failure to appear at any court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.

If Bond Is Not Posted: The individual remains in custody at the Dillon County Detention Center, receives a housing assignment, completes inmate orientation, and is informed of commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who are determined to be indigent are entitled to appointed counsel. The application process is initiated at the first appearance.

Office of the Public Defender – Fourth Judicial Circuit P.O. Box 2164 Darlington, SC 29540 Phone: (843) 398-4060 South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense

Private Attorney: Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys. Attorney visits at the detention facility are conducted under confidential conditions.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review: The Fourth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest.

Grand Jury: For felony offenses in South Carolina, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. Grand jury proceedings result in an indictment if the panel finds sufficient cause.

Arraignment: At arraignment, the formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or, in some cases, no contest. Most defendants enter a not-guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase: The pretrial phase includes discovery, during which the prosecution and defense exchange evidence including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Pretrial conferences allow attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution and trial readiness.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Eligible individuals may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no-contest plea in exchange for an agreed-upon sentence or sentencing recommendation
Trial: The case proceeds to a jury or bench trial; if the verdict is guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled

Sentencing (if convicted): The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 24 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
Felonies: May take six months to over one year
The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 14 of the South Carolina Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Dillon County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 401 W. Main Street Dillon, SC 29536 Phone: (843) 774-1425 Dillon County Sheriff's Office

Dillon County Clerk of Court 101 W. Main Street, Suite 230 Dillon, SC 29536 Phone: (843) 774-1425 South Carolina Judicial Branch

Fourth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office P.O. Box 2164 Darlington, SC 29540 Phone: (843) 398-4060 South Carolina Circuit Solicitors

Office of the Public Defender – Fourth Judicial Circuit P.O. Box 2164 Darlington, SC 29540 Phone: (843) 398-4060 South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense

What to Do If You Are Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely exercise the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of bond or release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Dillon County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Dillon County is governed by South Carolina law and the policies of the applicable agency. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History publishes records retention schedules applicable to state and local government agencies. Under current law, retention periods vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the associated case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, SLED, and the FBI
Records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without time limitation

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the Clerk of Court
SLED retains misdemeanor conviction records in the state criminal history repository
Records may appear on background checks subject to applicable FCRA provisions

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a period determined by the agency's retention schedule
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order

Acquittals:

Local law enforcement retains records per agency policy
Court records are often retained permanently
Records may be eligible for expungement under South Carolina law

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a period established by the agency
Records may be eligible for expungement upon application

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined to Prosecute):

Law enforcement retains records per retention schedule
Records are eligible for expungement under S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained per the applicable records retention schedule
Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and applicable law

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch and records management system data are often retained permanently
Mugshot databases vary by agency policy
Court electronic records are often retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
Third-party databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the South Carolina records retention schedule for law enforcement agencies. Investigative files are retained based on case type and disposition.

Dillon County Sheriff's Office 401 W. Main Street Dillon, SC 29536 Phone: (843) 774-1425 Dillon County Sheriff's Office

Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and traffic case files are retained per the court records retention schedule. Electronic records are retained permanently in most cases.

State Repository: SLED maintains the South Carolina criminal history repository, which includes arrests from all jurisdictions within the state. Retention policy is governed by state law and SLED administrative policy.

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) P.O. Box 21398 Columbia, SC 29221 Phone: (803) 737-9000 SLED Criminal Records

FBI Database: The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, typically permanently. These databases are accessible to law enforcement nationwide and are used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other authorized purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks without time limitation.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expunged. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks.

Expungement: Physical records are destroyed or sealed at the local level. SLED updates the state repository. The FBI database may retain a notation. The timeframe for removal from all systems varies and may take several months following the court order.

No Charges Filed: Records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires.

Impact on Background Checks:

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 a statewide restriction on reporting convictions after a set number of years. Arrests without conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment action in certain jurisdictions.

Important Notes:

Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases
Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for authorized purposes
Immigration records are maintained separately under federal authority with distinct retention rules
Juvenile records are subject to separate retention and confidentiality rules under South Carolina law
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Dillon County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (843) 774-1425