What are Newberry County Public Records?
As defined by the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, Newberry County public records consist of books, papers, graphs, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, or other materials capable of storing information prepared, owned, used, maintained, or retained by a public body. Public records are not limited to a specific physical form or characteristics. In addition, anyone can obtain or inspect these records without restriction.
However, the Act also permits public bodies to restrict access to certain documents. Most times, the decision is due to state laws, federal laws, or court orders. Records unavailable to the public view are called exemptions. Examples of documents that may be exempt include:
- Adoption records
- Trade secrets
- Information that contains identifying details of users of a library
- Documents that reveal personal information such as income tax returns, medical records, hospital medical staff reports, and more
- Information about government personnel unrelated to work
Newberry County Crime Statistics
The South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) collates and provides statewide public access to crime statistics. Per the 2020 crimes report, Newberry County recorded 226 violent crimes and 713 property crimes. The violent crimes figures include three murder cases, 12 sexual battery cases, 201 aggravated assault cases, and ten robbery cases. On the other hand, property crimes include 131 breaking and entering cases, 539 larceny cases, 41 motor vehicle theft cases, and two arson.
In contrast to the 2019 crime report, Newberry County recorded 178 violent crimes and 822 property crimes. A breakdown of the violent crimes includes six murder cases, ten sexual battery cases, 148 aggravated assault cases, and 14 robbery cases. Meanwhile, the property crimes consist of 138 breaking and entering cases, 647 larceny cases, 34 motor vehicle theft cases, and three arson.
Are Newberry County Criminal Records Public?
Yes. Newberry County criminal records are public and available upon request. The South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) provides statewide access to criminal history information within its jurisdiction. Individuals interested in Newberry County criminal records can obtain them by mail or online. The criminal records check costs $25. In addition, requesters must provide accurate information such as last name, first name, date of birth, and more. For mail requests, requesters must complete and submit a criminal record check form. They must also include a self-stamped envelope in their applications to:
SLED Records Department
P.O. Box 21398
Columbia, SC 29221-1398
As an alternative, the SLED provides online access to the Citizens Access to Criminal Histories (CATCH) portal. Note, there is a convenience fee of $1 for requesters using the online service. Acceptable payment options include credit and debit cards.
How to Obtain Newberry County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
The Newberry County Sheriff's Office keeps and maintains all police reports and arrest records within its purview. Requesters can submit a Freedom of Information Act Request Form to access these documents. Interested individuals can obtain police reports and arrest records in person, by mail, or by email. Email requests should be sent with a completed form to the Newberry County Sheriff Office email address. For in-person and mail requests, interested persons can submit their record requests with correct fees to:
Newberry County Sheriff's Office
P.O. Box 247
Newberry, SC 29108
Attention: FOIA Request
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Newberry County
The Sheriff Office in Newberry County keeps and provides online public access to sex offender information through its sex offender registry. Individuals interested in Newberry County sex offender records can access information such as sex offender name, date of birth, description, and more. Requesters can search the registry using geographical or name search options. The geographical search enables a specific location search. Requesters can access Newberry County sex offender information within a particular mile radius of a school, work, or home. Users must fill out the street name, city, state, zip code, and distance in miles.
On the other hand, interested individuals can fill out the sex offender's last name and first name to use the name search option. In addition, requesters may choose to visit the Sheriff Office to obtain Newberry County sex offender information:
Newberry County Sheriff Office
550 Wilson Road
Newberry, SC 29108
Phone: (803) 321-2211
How to Find Newberry County Inmate Records
The Detention Center of the Newberry County Sheriff Office provides access to all inmate records in Newberry County. Interested individuals can obtain copies of Newberry County inmate records via the inmate search database. Requesters can access inmate information such as first name, last name, middle name, race, age, sex, booking photograph, offense type, and more. In addition, requesters can also visit the Sheriff Office location:
Newberry County Sheriff Office
550 Wilson Road
Newberry, SC 29108
Phone: (803) 321-2211
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Newberry County Jail?
Family and friends can visit an inmate at the Newberry County Detention Center. The Sheriff's office is responsible for maintaining the county detention center and all inmates within its jurisdiction. Interested individuals who wish to visit must call (888) 729-4326 or schedule a visit online. The Detention Center allows both onsite and remote video visitation to ensure the safety of visitors and the facility.
Court Records
In Newberry County, the trial court system includes Circuit Courts, Family Courts, Probate Courts, Magistrates Courts, and Municipal Courts. Typically, the Circuit Court is responsible for all criminal and civil cases beyond the purview of other courts.
Circuit Courts in Newberry County
Newberry County Circuit Court
Newberry County Courthouse
1226 College Street
PO Drawer 10
Newberry, SC 29108
Phone: (803) 321-2110
Fax: (803) 321-2111
Family Courts in Newberry County
Newberry County Family Court
Newberry County Courthouse
1226 College Street
PO Drawer 10
Newberry, SC 29108
Phone: (803) 321-2110
Fax: (803) 321-2111
Probate Courts in Newberry County
Newberry County Probate Court
1309 College Street
P.O. Box 442
Newberry, SC 29108
Phone: (803) 321-2118
Fax: (803) 321-2119
Magistrates Courts in Newberry County
Newberry County Magistrate Court
833 Main Street
Newberry, SC 29108
Phone: (803) 321-2144
Fax: (803) 321-2172
Municipal Courts in Newberry County
Little Mountain Municipal Court
824 Main Street
P.O. Box 154
Little Mountain, SC 29075
Phone: (803) 945-7278
Fax: (803) 945-7222
Newberry Municipal Court
1507 Nance Street
PO Drawer 538
Newberry, SC 29108
Phone: (803) 321-1010
Fax: (803) 321-1004
Prosperity Municipal Court
250 School Drive
P.O. Box 36
Prosperity, SC 29127
Phone: (803) 364-2121
Whitmire Municipal Court
210 Main Street
Whitmire, SC 29178
Phone: (803) 694-2121
Fax: (803) 694-3002
Are Newberry County Court Records Public?
Yes. Most Newberry County court records are considered public. Interested individuals can submit record requests to the Newberry County Clerk of Court. The Clerk of Court is responsible for keeping and providing public access to court documents. However, some court records may be restricted. For instance, court records that involve a juvenile or sealed court records are not available for public view.
How to Obtain Newberry County Civil Court Case Records
The Newberry County Clerk of Court provides access to civil court case records. Requesters can submit a record request to obtain copies of the documents. They are required to provide a clear description of the court records and correct fees. The Clerk of Court charges $0.30 per page. Interested persons can access copies of civil court case records in person or by mail.
Physical Address:
Newberry County Courthouse
1226 College Street
Newberry, SC 29108
Phone: (803) 321-2110
Fax: (803) 321-2111
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
Mailing Address:
Newberry County Courthouse
1226 College Street
P.O. Drawer 10
Newberry, SC 29108
How to Obtain Newberry County Criminal Court Records
Interested individuals can obtain copies of Newberry County criminal court records from the Clerk of Court office. The office is responsible for maintaining and providing public access to criminal court cases not protected by law. A requester can submit a record request with detailed information about the desired record. Examples of the information required include the names of parties involved, the date of the event, and more. The Clerk of Court charges $0.30 per page. Also, Newberry County criminal court records are obtainable in person or by mail:
Physical Address:
Newberry County Courthouse
1226 College Street
Newberry, SC 29108
Phone: (803) 321-2110
Fax: (803) 321-2111
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
Mailing Address:
Newberry County Courthouse
1226 College Street
P.O. Drawer 10
Newberry, SC 29108
What are Newberry County Vital Records?
Newberry County vital records are government-generated documents about life events in Newberry County. Such documents include birth records, marriage records, divorce records, and death records. Individuals interested in Newberry County vital records can inspect or obtain copies at the public body in charge. Requesters must submit a record request and appropriate fees. Nonetheless, not all Newberry County vital records are accessible by the general public.
Where and How to Obtain Newberry County Divorce Records
Requesters who intend to obtain Newberry County divorce records can contact the Clerk of Court in Newberry County. The Clerk of Court office keeps and provides access to all divorce records within its jurisdiction. Interested persons can find these documents by providing relevant information to facilitate the search. Also, they must present valid photo identification and correct fees for the record. Newberry County divorce records are available to requesters in person or via mail.
Physical Address:
Newberry County Courthouse
1226 College Street
Newberry, SC 29108
Phone: (803) 321-2110
Fax: (803) 321-2111
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
Mailing Address:
Newberry County Courthouse
1226 College Street
P.O. Drawer 10
Newberry, SC 29108
Where and How to Get Public Newberry County Marriage Records
The Newberry County Probate Court is responsible for maintaining and issuing copies of all marriages within its purview. Interested persons who intend to get copies of Newberry County marriage records must submit a record request to the court. Requesters can walk into the office location to access the documents from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Also, they must provide a clear description of the desired document and valid photo identification (government-issued).
Newberry County Probate Court
1309 College Street A
Newberry, SC 29108
Phone: (803) 321-2118
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Newberry County
All Newberry County marriage records are considered public documents. Therefore, there are no confidential marriage records.
Where and How to Find Newberry County Birth Records
Requesters can find copies of Newberry County birth records at the Vital Records Division of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environment Control (DHEC). The DHEC provides statewide access to all births recorded in South Carolina from 1915 to date. In compliance with state law, interested persons who intend to obtain certified copies of Newberry County birth records must be eligible. An eligible person includes the registrant (at least 18 years old), parents named on the birth record, legal guardian, legal representative, and more. Note, requesters must provide valid photo identification to prove their claim of relationship.
Aside from providing valid photo identification, requesters must provide a clear description of the document. Examples of information required include the name of the registrant, date of birth, county of birth, and more. Newberry County birth certificates are obtainable in person, by mail, phone, online, or drop off. The DHEC charges $12 for a birth record and $3 for each additional copy. In addition, interested persons must submit a birth record application form.
Online Request
Requesters can access Newberry County birth records via a third party website. In addition, they must provide valid photo identification to obtain birth records via the online service. Note, only government-issued photo identifications are allowed. Also, aside from the record fee, additional fees may apply.
Phone Request
Phone requests for birth records are also available via a third party. Interested persons can call (877) 284-1008 to obtain copies via phone. Similar to the online request option, there may be additional charges for phone requests.
In-Person Request
Individuals interested in Newberry County birth certificates visit the DHEC State Vital Records Office, Columbia. Such persons must provide relevant information about the document, present valid photo identification, and the appropriate fees.
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 898-3630
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mail Request
As an alternative, requesters can obtain birth records by mail. However, only the state office in Richland County accepts mail requests.
DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
Drop Off Request
Individuals who wish to obtain Newberry County birth records via drop-off can visit the state office with their valid photo identification, completed birth record request form, and correct fees.
DHEC State Vital Records Office, Columbia
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 898-3630
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where and How to Find Newberry County Death Records
Newberry County death records are available at the Vital Records Division of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environment Control (DHEC). The DHEC provides access to both certified and non-certified copies of death records. According to state law, only eligible persons can obtain a certified copy of death records. Examples of eligible persons include the parent, grandparent, sibling, child, grandchild, legal representative, individuals with a legitimate interest, and more. On the other hand, anyone can obtain non-certified copies of death records.
Requesters can obtain Newberry County death records in person, by mail, phone, online, or drop-off. A death record costs $12 and an additional $3 for each copy. The DHEC mandates interested persons to provide relevant information, such as the date and location of the event, to aid the record search. In addition, requesters must submit a completed death record application form and present valid photo identification. Phone requests are available via (877) 284-1008. However, the phone and online requests are obtainable via third parties that may require extra charges. For mail requests, interested persons should send their applications to the state office in Richland County.
Mailing Address:
DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
As an alternative, requesters can drop off their requests at the DHEC State Vital Records Office from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This service is only available at the state office in Richland County.
DHEC State Vital Records Office, Columbia
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 898-3630
Individuals who wish to obtain Newberry County death records in person can visit the vital records office with the appropriate fees and requirements. Requesters must, however, arrive at the office location before 4:00 p.m.
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 898-3630
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
