Hampton County Criminal History and Records
Hampton County criminal history records are accessible through the Clerk of Court, the SC Judicial Branch Public Index, and SLED. Hampton County is a rural county in the southern part of South Carolina. It is part of the 14th Judicial Circuit. The county seat is Hampton. Searching criminal history in Hampton County may involve the courthouse, an online records search, or the state SLED database. This page covers each source and explains what you can expect to find.
Hampton County Quick Facts
Hampton County Clerk of Court Criminal Records
The Hampton County Clerk of Court keeps records for criminal cases filed in General Sessions Court. This includes felony charges and serious misdemeanors. Court staff can search by name or case number. You can request copies of case documents at the courthouse.
Visit sccourts.org for the current address and phone number for the Hampton County Courthouse. Hours are generally Monday through Friday during business hours. Call ahead before visiting to confirm hours and what you need to bring.
Searching Hampton County Criminal Records Online
The SC Judicial Branch Public Index at publicindex.sccourts.org provides online access to Hampton County court records. Select Hampton County and search by name or case number. You can view charge descriptions, case numbers, filing dates, and case status at no cost. This is the fastest way to check for Hampton County criminal cases without going to the courthouse.
The SC Judicial Branch case records search at sccourts.org also covers Hampton County and gives broader access across court types. Use this if the Public Index does not return results for the case you are looking for in Hampton County.
For documents such as orders and certified copies, contact the Hampton County Clerk of Court. The Public Index only shows case information, not the actual documents.
SLED Criminal Background Check and Hampton County
SLED maintains the South Carolina criminal history repository. Arrests and case outcomes from Hampton County law enforcement and courts are reported to SLED. The public can run a name-based search through the CATCH system at catch.sled.sc.gov for $25. Payment is online. Results are returned based on the name entered.
SLED searches return criminal history tied to the name across all of South Carolina, not just Hampton County. If the person you are searching has records in multiple counties, all of them will appear. Review the details carefully. Under S.C. Code Ann. 23-3-115 and 23-3-120, the state controls access to and use of criminal history records.
Hampton County Sheriff and Arrest Records
The Hampton County Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in unincorporated parts of the county. Arrest records from the Sheriff are subject to disclosure under South Carolina FOIA. Submit a written request to the Sheriff's Office to obtain Hampton County arrest records.
Under S.C. Code Ann. 30-4-10, the agency must respond within 10 business days. Copy fees may apply. Provide the name and approximate date of the arrest when submitting your request. Hampton County is a small county, and the Sheriff's Office handles a relatively contained set of records.
Inmate Search and Probation in Hampton County
People convicted of state-level offenses in Hampton County and sentenced to prison are in SCDC custody. Search for them at no cost at public.doc.state.sc.us. The database returns incarceration status and basic conviction details for current and released inmates.
Probation and parole for Hampton County offenders is supervised by the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services. Find local office contact information at dppps.sc.gov. Individual supervision records are not available to the public online.
Sex Offender Registry in Hampton County
The South Carolina Sex Offender Registry at scor.sled.sc.gov includes registered sex offenders in Hampton County. The search is free and open to the public. You can search by county, name, or zip code. Results include the registrant's current address, photo, and offense information.
Expungement of Hampton County Criminal Records
Under S.C. Code Ann. 17-1-40, some Hampton County criminal records can be expunged. Qualifying cases include dismissed charges, arrests with no prosecution, and certain first-offense convictions. An expunged record is sealed and removed from public view.
Contact the Solicitor's Office for the 14th Judicial Circuit to begin the expungement process for Hampton County. A criminal defense attorney in Hampton County can help you review your case and confirm whether you qualify.
What Hampton County Criminal Records Include
Hampton County criminal history records come from multiple sources. Court records reflect what happened in court. Arrest records show booking and initial charge details. SLED records aggregate statewide data that includes Hampton County reports. Together, these sources provide a complete picture of criminal history in Hampton County.
Publicly available records typically include the name and date of birth of the person charged, the charge and statute, the date of arrest or case filing, the case number, and the final outcome. Juvenile records and expunged cases do not appear in public searches.
Nearby Counties
Hampton County is in the southern part of South Carolina and borders several other counties. Criminal records for individuals in this region may exist in more than one county courthouse.