Marlboro County Public Records / Marlboro County Arrest Records

Marlboro County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Marlboro County in 2026

MarlboroRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Marlboro County, South Carolina. Members of the public may use this resource to search for booking records, charges filed, custody status, and related court case information. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and associated court case numbers. Information presented may not reflect the most current status of a case and does not constitute legal advice.

Records may be searched through official government resources, the Clerk of Court's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Marlboro County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and an inmate roster for individuals held at the Marlboro County Detention Center. Members of the public may access current custody information and recent arrest data through the sheriff's official channels. The roster is updated on a regular basis and includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and bond status. Detailed historical records may require a formal public records request submitted directly to the agency.

Marlboro County Sheriff's Office 123 Broad Street, Bennettsville, SC 29512 Phone: (843) 479-5600 Marlboro County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Bennettsville Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Marlboro County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through the department's official communications. Members of the public seeking records from a specific municipal arrest should direct requests to the appropriate department.

Bennettsville Police Department 500 East Main Street, Bennettsville, SC 29512 Phone: (843) 479-9951 Bennettsville Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Marlboro County Clerk of Court maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the county's judicial system. Members of the public may search case records by the arrestee's name to locate associated court filings, charge information, and case disposition. The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides an online case search portal through the Public Index system, which allows name-based searches of criminal court records statewide.

Marlboro County Clerk of Court 105 Main Street, Bennettsville, SC 29512 Phone: (843) 479-5613 South Carolina Judicial Branch

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains the state's central criminal records repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history background check through the SLED Criminal Records portal. The database includes arrest and conviction records from all jurisdictions within South Carolina. A standard fee of $25.00 applies to public criminal history requests submitted through SLED's online system.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 123 Broad Street, Bennettsville, SC 29512
Records division is located within the main administrative building
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (843) 479-5600
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and any known details about the arrest, including the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date
Copy fees: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply

Clerk of Court:

Address: 105 Main Street, Bennettsville, SC 29512
Criminal records division is located on the first floor of the Marlboro County Courthouse
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (843) 479-5613
Members of the public may inspect case files at the public access terminal or request copies from the clerk's staff
Copy fees: $0.50 per page; certified copies are $1.00 per page plus a $3.00 certification fee

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Marlboro County Sheriff's Office at 123 Broad Street, Bennettsville, SC 29512. Each request should include the subject's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for copies should be included in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Marlboro County Sheriff's Office. Processing time for mailed requests is approximately 5–10 business days.

By Phone:

The Marlboro County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (843) 479-5600 during regular business hours. Staff can confirm whether an individual is currently in custody and provide general booking information. Detailed record copies are not available by phone and require an in-person visit or written request. Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available when calling.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery procedures in pending criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued to compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access channels. Detailed police reports and investigative files are accessible through the discovery process governed by the South Carolina Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Bennettsville Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Marlboro County

Arrest records in Marlboro County are public records under South Carolina law. Pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, codified at § 30-4-10 et seq. of the South Carolina Code of Laws, all citizens are entitled to inspect and copy public records maintained by state and local government bodies. Arrest records fall within the category of public documents because they reflect official government action and serve the interests of government transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot or booking photograph
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 South Carolina law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases, including sexual assault and domestic violence matters
Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The South Carolina Constitution, Article I, Section 9, guarantees due process protections that inform the balance between public transparency and individual privacy in the context of arrest records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press and public access to government records, including arrest information. Courts have consistently recognized that the public interest in government accountability outweighs privacy concerns for information reflecting official law enforcement action, while acknowledging that an arrest does not constitute proof of guilt.

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, which governs the use of consumer reports, including criminal background checks. South Carolina does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. Employers and landlords are advised to distinguish between arrests and convictions, as an arrest record alone does not establish criminal liability.

What's in Marlboro County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Marlboro County law enforcement agencies contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and during the initial stages of the criminal process.

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, including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public-facing records

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest, including street address or general area
Arresting agency, such as the Sheriff's Office, Bennettsville Police Department, or South Carolina Highway Patrol
Arresting officer's name and badge number, where available
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
South Carolina statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification, including felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints, which are collected but not typically included in public-facing records
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status, indicating whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
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 during the investigation
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number, which is redacted from public records
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by the court
Background checks are comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources, including court records, law enforcement databases, and state repositories

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Marlboro County varies depending on the requesting agency and the format of the records requested. Under § 30-4-30 of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, public bodies may charge fees for the search, retrieval, and copying of public records, provided that fees do not exceed the actual cost of providing the records.

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies (Sheriff's Office)	$0.25 per page
Standard paper copies (Clerk of Court)	$0.50 per page
Certified copies (Clerk of Court)	$1.00 per page + $3.00 certification fee
SLED criminal history background check	$25.00 per request
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency
Inspection of records (in-person review)	No charge

Members of the public may inspect arrest records and court case files at no cost during regular business hours at the respective agency's office. Fees apply only when copies are requested. Accepted payment methods at the Marlboro County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order. Credit card acceptance varies by office.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, such as those submitted by nonprofit organizations or members of the news media. Requestors seeking a fee waiver should submit a written explanation of the basis for the waiver along with the records request.

The SLED criminal history background check fee of $25.00 is non-refundable and applies regardless of whether a record is found. This fee covers the cost of searching the state's central criminal records repository and returning results to the requestor.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Marlboro County

Under South Carolina law, arrest records may be removed from public access through the legal process of expungement, which authorizes the destruction or sealing of qualifying records. Expungement is distinct from sealing: expungement results in the physical destruction of the record, while sealing restricts public access but preserves the record for law enforcement purposes. South Carolina law does not use the term "sealing" as broadly as some other states; the primary remedy available to eligible individuals is expungement under § 17-22-910 et seq. of the South Carolina Code of Laws.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Individuals may be eligible to petition for expungement of an arrest record in Marlboro County under the following circumstances:

Charges were dismissed or the individual was found not guilty at trial
The prosecutor declined to file charges (no-information disposition)
The individual successfully completed a pretrial intervention or diversion program
The offense was a first-offense misdemeanor and the individual has met the applicable waiting period
The individual received a pardon from the South Carolina Governor's office

Certain offenses, including violent crimes, sex offenses, and offenses requiring registration, are not eligible for expungement under current South Carolina law.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court disposition from the Marlboro County Clerk of Court.
Confirm eligibility based on the offense type and case outcome.
Complete the expungement application, available through the Solicitor's Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, which serves Marlboro County.
Submit the completed application to the Solicitor's Office along with the applicable filing fee. The standard expungement fee in South Carolina is $250.00, payable to the Solicitor's Office.
The Solicitor's Office reviews the application and, if approved, forwards the order to the Clerk of Court, SLED, and the arresting agency for processing.
Upon entry of the expungement order, the Clerk of Court, Sheriff's Office, and SLED update their records accordingly.

Fourth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office 101 North Marlboro Street, Bennettsville, SC 29512 Phone: (843) 479-5690 South Carolina Solicitors

Marlboro County Clerk of Court 105 Main Street, Bennettsville, SC 29512 Phone: (843) 479-5613 South Carolina Judicial Branch

Individuals who have received a pardon from the Governor may also be eligible for expungement of the underlying conviction record. Pardon applications are processed through the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.

What Happens After Arrest in Marlboro County?

The post-arrest process in Marlboro County follows a structured sequence governed by South Carolina law and local court procedures.

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Marlboro County Detention Center, which serves as the primary booking and holding facility for the county. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if the investigation requires additional processing.

Marlboro County Detention Center 123 Broad Street, Bennettsville, SC 29512 Phone: (843) 479-5600 Marlboro County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention center, the booking process typically takes between one and four hours, depending on facility volume. The process includes:

Recording of personal identification information
Administration of Miranda rights advisement, if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Collection of fingerprints
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Inventory and storage of personal property
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 first appearance within 24 hours of arrest. At the first appearance, the magistrate:

Formally notifies the individual of the charges
Advises the individual of the right to counsel
Appoints a public defender if the individual is indigent and cannot afford private counsel
Sets bond or determines that no bond is appropriate
Advises the individual of applicable rights

First appearances may be conducted via video conference in some circumstances. Court schedules for Marlboro County are maintained through the South Carolina Judicial Branch.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the detention facility. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: The defendant may engage a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at 10% of the bond amount under South Carolina law. The bondsman assumes responsibility for ensuring the defendant's appearance in court.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The magistrate may release the defendant on a personal recognizance bond based on an assessment of community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and flight risk. No monetary payment is required.

No Bond: The magistrate may deny bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or an out-of-state warrant.

Conditions of Release:

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

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted: Processing for release following bond payment typically takes between one and eight hours. Upon release, the individual receives personal property, a written notice of the court date, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any required court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.

If Bond Is Not Posted: The individual remains in custody at the Marlboro County Detention Center, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules, commissary account procedures, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Marlboro County Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is based on income and financial circumstances.

Marlboro County Public Defender's Office 105 Main Street, Suite 200, Bennettsville, SC 29512 Phone: (843) 479-5640 South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service can assist individuals in locating qualified criminal defense attorneys. Private attorneys may visit clients at the detention center for confidential consultations.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Fourth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The Solicitor may file an information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence presented.

Grand Jury:

For felony offenses, the Solicitor may present the case to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment. Defense counsel is not present during grand jury proceedings.

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 for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through the discovery process, which includes police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings. Pretrial motions, including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, are filed and heard by the assigned judge. Pretrial conferences allow counsel and the court to assess case readiness and explore resolution options.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may make the defendant eligible to petition for expungement.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant may accept a negotiated plea to reduced charges or an agreed-upon sentencing recommendation, waiving the right to trial.
Trial: The defendant may proceed to a jury trial or bench trial. If found guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose a combination of incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, and treatment requirements. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 24 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks, depending on case complexity
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by charge severity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
Felonies: May take six months to over a year depending on complexity
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under Article I, Section 14 of the South Carolina Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
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:

Marlboro County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 123 Broad Street, Bennettsville, SC 29512 Phone: (843) 479-5600 Inmate information: (843) 479-5600 Marlboro County Sheriff's Office

Marlboro County Clerk of Court 105 Main Street, Bennettsville, SC 29512 Phone: (843) 479-5613 South Carolina Judicial Branch – Public Index

Fourth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office 101 North Marlboro Street, Bennettsville, SC 29512 Phone: (843) 479-5690 South Carolina Solicitors

Marlboro County Public Defender's Office 105 Main Street, Suite 200, Bennettsville, SC 29512 Phone: (843) 479-5640 South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense

What to Do If Arrested:

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

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Marlboro County?

Records Retention Overview:

The retention of arrest records in Marlboro County is governed by South Carolina law and the records retention schedules established by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. Under the South Carolina Public Records Act at § 30-4-10, public bodies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History publishes retention schedules applicable to law enforcement and court records.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions: Felony conviction records are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, the SLED state criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). These records form a permanent part of the individual's criminal history and are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Misdemeanor Convictions: Misdemeanor conviction records are retained permanently at the state repository level. Local law enforcement and court records are retained in accordance with the applicable South Carolina records retention schedule, which provides for permanent retention of criminal case files at the Clerk of Court.

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges: Records of arrests resulting in dismissed charges may remain in local law enforcement databases and the state repository unless the individual obtains an expungement order. Court records of dismissed cases are retained by the Clerk of Court in accordance with the applicable retention schedule and may remain accessible unless expunged.

Acquittals: Records of arrests resulting in a not guilty verdict at trial are retained by local law enforcement and the Clerk of Court. These records may remain in the state repository unless the individual successfully petitions for expungement.

Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests in which the prosecutor declined to file charges are subject to shorter retention periods at the local level and may be eligible for expungement under South Carolina law.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and booking photographs are retained in accordance with the South Carolina records retention schedule. Physical records may be transferred to archival storage after the active retention period.

Digital Records: Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records and records management system entries are often retained for longer periods than physical records. Electronic court records maintained through the South Carolina Judicial Branch are retained permanently in most cases.

Third-Party Databases: Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement requirements as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information, but third-party websites operating outside the consumer reporting framework may not update records following expungement.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained in accordance with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule. Investigative files are retained based on the nature and disposition of the case. Contact: (843) 479-5600

Clerk of Court: Criminal case files for felony cases are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained in accordance with the applicable retention schedule. Electronic records maintained through the South Carolina Judicial Branch are retained permanently.

State Repository (SLED): The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division maintains the state's central criminal history repository and retains records from all jurisdictions within the state. The SLED Criminal Records division processes expungement orders and updates the state repository accordingly.

FBI Database: The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain arrest and conviction records at the federal level on a permanent basis. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.
Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expunged; dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks.
Expungement: Local records are destroyed or sealed, the state repository is updated, and the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement. The timeframe for removal following an expungement order varies by agency but is typically completed within 60 to 90 days.
No Charges Filed: Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period or upon entry of an expungement order.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history information for a period of seven years for positions with an annual salary below a specified threshold. Convictions may be reported indefinitely regardless of the salary threshold. South Carolina does not currently impose additional restrictions on the reporting period for criminal records beyond the federal FCRA requirements. Arrests without convictions may appear on background checks but cannot be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in jurisdictions with applicable fair chance laws.

How to Check Retention Status:

Contact the Marlboro County Sheriff's Records Division at (843) 479-5600
Submit a written public records request identifying the specific arrest by name, date, and booking number
Fees may apply for copies of records retrieved in response to the request