Horry County Criminal Records: How To Perform A Free Search And Obtain Official Background Checks
Accessing public records is a fundamental right that provides transparency, safety, and peace of mind. Whether you are a business owner conducting pre-employment screenings, a landlord vetting prospective tenants, or a resident curious about public safety in the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area, understanding how to navigate Horry County criminal records is essential. Because South Carolina maintains decentralized systems alongside state-level repositories, finding the exact criminal history file you need requires knowing where to look and which agency to contact.
In Horry County, criminal records are generated and maintained by several distinct law enforcement and judicial agencies. These records encompass everything from arrest logs and mugshots to court dispositions, felony convictions, and misdemeanor traffic violations. This comprehensive guide details how to locate these files online and in person, the legal frameworks governing their use, and the distinct processes involved in obtaining official background checks in South Carolina.
Official Channels for Accessing Records in Horry County
To retrieve criminal history data in Horry County, you must interact with local judicial entities, municipal law enforcement, or statewide criminal justice divisions. Depending on your specific needs—whether you require an unofficial rapid search or a certified criminal history for employment—different offices will serve as your primary point of contact.
Horry County Clerk of Court
The Horry County Clerk of Court is the official custodian of all records filed in the Circuit Court, which includes the Court of Common Pleas (civil cases) and the Court of General Sessions (criminal cases involving felonies and major misdemeanors). The Clerk’s office is responsible for recording indictments, keeping court minutes, and archiving final case dispositions.
If you need certified copies of court dispositions, you must visit or contact the Clerk of Court. The physical office is located at the Horry County Government & Justice Center, 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526. You can submit public records requests in writing or use their public-access computer terminals located inside the courthouse. For digital searches, the Clerk provides an online Public Index portal that allows users to search court dockets by name, case number, or filing date.
J. Reuben Long Detention Center
If your query is focused strictly on recent arrests, bookings, and active jail populations, the Horry County Sheriff's Office manages these records through the J. Reuben Long Detention Center. Located at 4157 Highway 701 North, Conway, SC 29526, this facility houses individuals arrested by the Horry County Police Department, South Carolina Highway Patrol, and various municipal police departments (such as Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Surfside Beach).
The Sheriff's Office maintains an online booking portal that lists individuals currently detained or recently released. This tool is invaluable for locating immediate arrest data, mugshots, booking dates, and bail/bond amounts. However, keep in mind that arrest records do not equal convictions; they merely reflect that an individual was booked into custody on a specific charge.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
For official, statewide criminal background checks, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is the authoritative agency. SLED pools criminal records from every county, municipality, and state-level correctional institution in South Carolina. If you require a certified record for employment, adoption, housing, or licensing, a local county-level search is often insufficient, making a SLED background check mandatory.
SLED offers an online portal known as SLED CATCH (Criminal Arrest To Criminal History). This name-based search system allows individuals to query statewide criminal databases for a non-refundable fee of $25 per search. While this system provides a comprehensive view of South Carolina arrests and convictions, it does not include out-of-state records or federal offenses.
How to Search Horry County Criminal Records Online (Step-by-Step)
If you wish to conduct a self-service search without paying the fees associated with state-level background checks, the Horry County Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Public Index is your best option. Follow these step-by-step instructions to navigate the portal effectively:
- Access the Portal: Open your web browser and navigate to the official Horry County Public Index website. Ensure you are accessing the official South Carolina Judicial Department domain (
publicindex.sccourts.org/horry). - Accept the Terms of Use: Read and accept the disclaimer regarding the accuracy and legal use of public court data.
- Enter Search Criteria: Enter the first and last name of the individual you are researching. For more accurate results, use middle names or suffixes if you know them. You can also filter your search by "Case Type" (select "Criminal" to filter out civil lawsuits, divorces, and probate records).
- Analyze the Results: Review the list of matching names. Pay close attention to dates of birth and physical descriptions, as common names can yield numerous matches.
- View Case Details: Click on the case number to view the detailed docket. This section displays the initial charges, the filing date, the presiding judge, defense and prosecuting attorneys, and the final disposition (e.g., guilty, dismissed, nolle prosequi, or plea agreements).
Horry County Mugshots April 7th-9th, 2023 - WFXB
Comparison of Record Retrieval Methods
To help you choose the best research path for your specific situation, the table below compares the primary methods for accessing criminal histories in Horry County.
| Retrieval Method | Access Portal / Agency | Cost | Scope | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Public Index | Horry County Clerk of Court | Free | County Court Cases | Quick, unofficial personal research and case status updates. |
| In-Person Court Request | Conway Government & Justice Center | Small per-page copy fee | Certified County Court Cases | Legal proceedings, official verification of local dispositions. |
| SLED CATCH Portal | South Carolina Law Enforcement Division | $25 per search | Statewide Arrests & Convictions | Official employment screening, tenant vetting, and state licensure. |
| Detention Center Inmate Search | J. Reuben Long Detention Center | Free | Active Booking & Arrest Logs | Finding mugshots, checking if someone is currently in jail, bond details. |
Legal Considerations: Expungements and Fair Use
When accessing and utilizing public records in Horry County, you must remain compliant with federal and state laws regarding privacy and non-discrimination. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulates how background screening companies and employers use consumer reports. If you are researching an individual for employment, housing, or credit purposes, you cannot use unofficial online portals to make adverse decisions; you must utilize a certified, FCRA-compliant background check service.
Additionally, South Carolina law allows individuals to expunge certain parts of their criminal history. Under specific circumstances—such as first-time non-violent offenses, charges that were dismissed, or cases where the defendant was found not guilty—an individual can petition the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office to have their records destroyed. Once an expungement is granted, the record is legally erased from public portals, meaning it will no longer appear on the Horry County Public Index or SLED background checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out if someone was recently arrested in Myrtle Beach?
Recent arrests in Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas of Horry County are processed through the J. Reuben Long Detention Center. You can view booking logs, charges, and mugshots via the Horry County Sheriff’s Office active inmate search tool on their official website.
How much does it cost to get an official background check in South Carolina?
An official, name-based statewide background check conducted through the SLED CATCH system costs $25. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether any criminal records are found matching the search criteria.
Can I look up criminal records in Horry County anonymously?
Yes. Accessing the Horry County Public Index online is entirely anonymous. The portal does not require you to create an account or provide identification to view public court dockets. However, official requests made in person at the Clerk of Court or background checks requested through SLED may require payment information and requester identification.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a criminal record?
An arrest record indicates that law enforcement detained an individual based on probable cause. It is not proof of guilt. A criminal record, specifically a court disposition, indicates the legal outcome of those charges, showing whether the individual was convicted, acquitted, or had their charges dismissed.
How do I correct an error on my Horry County criminal record?
If you locate inaccurate information on your public record, you must contact the agency that generated the record. For court-related errors, contact the Horry County Clerk of Court. For errors on a statewide SLED report, you must submit a correction request supported by official court documentation directly to SLED's Records Department in Columbia, SC.
Secure Your Peace of Mind with Reliable Records
Navigating the landscape of public records in Horry County requires utilizing the correct tools for the job. Whether you require a quick search on the public index or an official, certified state background check, knowing your options saves valuable time and ensures you remain legally compliant. For business owners, landlords, or residents seeking comprehensive information, always prioritize verified sources to make informed decisions and maintain a safe, secure environment.
