What are Union County Public Records?
The South Carolina FOIA defines public records as "all books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, or other documentary materials regardless of physical form or characteristics prepared, owned, used, in the possession of or retained by a public body".
This definition is pretty broad, and it can be interpreted to include just about anything that a government agency has in its possession. This includes everything from email correspondence to financial records to personnel files.
While most records are deemed public information, selected data is restricted from public disclosure per South Carolina FOIA laws, these include:
- Information relating to ongoing criminal investigations
- Information that would jeopardise public safety
- Personnel records of government employees
- Medical records and other information protected by HIPAA laws
To obtain a Union county public record, interested members of the public can make a request to the relevant government agency. The agency will then have to determine whether the requested information can be released, and if so, provide it in a timely manner. If the agency denies the request, it must provide a written explanation for why the information is exempt from disclosure.
In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search such as:
- The name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Are Union County Criminal Records Public?
Yes, criminal records are public in Union County, South Carolina. This means that anyone can access these records, including employers, landlords, and other members of the public. There are a few exceptions to this rule, however, such as juvenile records and sealed records. Interested members of the public may obtain Union county criminal records by visiting the county courthouse or contacting the county sheriff's office.
Criminal records refer to documents that detail an individual's criminal history. This includes information on all arrests, charges, and convictions.
To obtain criminal records from the Union County Sheriff's Office, requestors may need to provide the name of the individual in question, as well as their date of birth. There may be a fee associated with obtaining these records. Requests may be made in person or via mail to:
Union County Sheriff’s Office
210 W. Main Street
Union, SC 29379
Office: (864) 429-1612
Fax: (864) 429-1628
Juvenile records pertain to minors who have been accused of crimes. In Union County, South Carolina, these records are not available to the public and can only be accessed by the juvenile's parents or guardians, lawyers, and law enforcement officials. Sealed records are those ordered by a judge not to be made publicly available. This is usually done in cases where the individual in question has been found not guilty or if the charges against them have been dropped.
Criminal record requests are also processed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division which is the state’s central repository of criminal history information.
To request a record, the requesting party is required to download and complete the Criminal Records Check Request Form. The form must be submitted along with a money order payment of the indicated fee, as well as a self-addressed envelope to:
SLED Records Department,
P.O. Box 21398
Columbia SC 29221-1398
Phone: (803) 737-9000
How to Obtain Union County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Union county police reports are available to the public and contain information on crimes committed in the county. The reports may also include information on traffic accidents, citations, and other incidents in Union County.
To obtain a police report from Union County, interested persons will need to contact the Records Division of the Union County Sheriff's Office. The requestor may do so in person, by mail, or online. Similarly, Union county arrest records are available to the public and contain information on persons arrested and booked into the county jail. The records may also include charges, bail amounts, and other details related to the arrest.
To request either record in person, the requesting party will need to fill out a Records Request Form and submit it to the Records Unit of the Sheriff's office.
To request records by mail, the requesting party must send a written request to the office, indicating their name, address, and telephone number, as well as the specific records being requested. They will also need to include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Union County
Interested members of the public may find Union county sex offender information through the office of the county Sheriff. The office provides an online searchable database that includes offenders' names, addresses, photographs, and offence details.
To access the database, go to the Union County Sheriff's Office website and select the "Sex Offender Registry" link under the "Resources" heading. Use the drop-down menus to narrow the search by name, address, or city. Users may also use the interactive map to locate sex offenders in their area.
For more detailed information about a particular offender, including a physical description and criminal history, click on the offender's name. The information contained in the registry is public record and may be freely distributed.
Offenders who have been removed from the registry may still appear in search results; this occurs when an offender has been removed from the registry but has not yet been updated in the database.
How to Find Union County Inmate Records
Interested members of the public may find Union county inmate records by querying the County Sheriff's Office. The office maintains a database of inmate-related information collated by the Union County Detention Centre. The database is updated regularly and includes booking photographs, charges filed, sentencing information, and more. Users may search the database using the name, race, gender, and arrest date of the inmate and further filter down by the agency which conducted the arrest.
To obtain inmate records from the Union County Sheriff's Office in person or via mail, members of the public must submit a request form or written request. The request must contain the information required to facilitate the record search, and once completed, it must be submitted to the office along with a valid photo ID. The records will then be released to the requester.
How to Visit an Inmate in Union County Jail
Persons who plan on visiting an inmate in Union County are required to be on the approved visitor list to enter the facility. Visitors can apply to be added to the list by filling out a Visitor Application form, which can be obtained from the Union County Sheriff's Office website or at the jail.
After being approved, visitors will need to adhere to the visitation schedule. Visitation hours vary depending on the day and the inmate's housing unit, so check the schedule in advance. The visitor will also need to bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver's licence or passport, as well as any personal items that are allowed by the jail's visitation rules (e.g., keys, wallet, etc.).
After arriving at the jail for a visit, the visitor will be required to go through a security screening. This may include a metal detector and/or pat-down search. After being cleared for entry, the visitor will be escorted to the visitation area, where they can spend time with their loved ones.
Interested persons may also schedule video visitation at the pretrial division. The schedule is as follows for state and county inmates:
- State Inmates on Saturday from 1 - 4pm
- County Inmates on Sunday from 2 - 4pm
Union County Court Records
The judicial system of Union County, South Carolina consists of the Court of Common Pleas, the Family Court, and the Magistrates Court. The Court of Common Pleas is the county's primary trial court and handles all criminal and civil cases. The Family Court deals with matters involving families and children, such as custody disputes and juvenile delinquency. The Magistrates Court hears minor criminal cases and handles traffic violations.
Location of All Courts in the County
Listed below are the addresses and contact information of all the courthouses in Union County, South Carolina:
Union County Circuit Court
Union County Courthouse
210 West Main Street,
Union, SC 29379
Phone: (864) 429-1630
Union County Family Court
Union County Courthouse
210 West Main Street,
Union, SC 29379
Phone: (864) 429-1630
Union County Probate Court
Union County Courthouse
210 West Main Street,
Union, SC 29379
Phone: (864) 429-1625
Union County Magistrates Court
Union County Courthouse
210 West Main Street,
Union, SC 29379
Phone: (864) 429-1648
Fax: (864) 429-1685
Jonesville Municipal Court
131 North Main Street,
P.O. Box 785,
Jonesville, SC 29353
Phone: (864) 429-6644
Fax: (864) 674-6634
Union Municipal Court
101 Sharpe Avenue,
P.O. Box 987,
Union, SC 29379
Phone: (864) 429-1701
Fax: (864) 429-2815
Are Union County Court Records Public?
Yes, according to the provisions of the South Carolina Public Records Act, court records are public information and interested members of the public may access them by querying the office of the county court clerk.
Court records are documents containing information on legal cases heard before a court of law. The type of information that may be found in a court record includes the names of the parties involved in the case, the date and time of the hearing, the name of the presiding judge, as well as transcripts of proceedings.
Where and How to Obtain Union County Court Case Records
The Union County Clerk of Courts maintains and provides public access to records of court cases heard by the county courts. To access court records, members of the public may visit the office in person, or may request copies of records by mail, fax, or email. There is a fee for copies of records, and the clerk's office accepts cash, check, or money order payments. The requesting party will be required to provide any information required to facilitate the record search including the case number, names of parties involved, and the date of the court proceeding.
Certain types of court records may be sealed or restricted from public access. For example, records pertaining to adoption, juvenile offenders, mental health, and expunged records are not available to the general public. To view these types of records, a court order must be obtained.
Court record requests may be made to:
Union County Clerk of Court
210 West Main Street
Union, SC 29379
P.O. Box 703
Office: (864) 429-1630
Fax: (864) 429-1715
What are Union County Vital Records?
Vital records are documents that record important life events, such as births, marriages, and deaths. They are kept by the government in order to track the population and ensure that everyone is accounted for. Vital records can be used to prove identity, citizenship, or family history.
In South Carolina, it is the primary responsibility of the Office of the County Register of Deeds to keep and preserve all vital records for the county. The office also issues certified copies of these records upon request.
At state level, it is the primary responsibility of the Vital Records Unit of the South Carolina Department of Health to maintain and process requests for vital records. However, Union County divorce records are typically maintained by the County Court Clerk. However, all other vital records may be accessed from the office.
Where and How to Obtain Union County Divorce Records
Persons who need to obtain Union County divorce records may query the Union County Clerk of Court which is the official custodian of records for the county.
To obtain copies of Union County divorce records, the requesting party will need to send a written request containing the full names of both the petitioner and the respondent, the case number, and the date of divorce. The request should also include a self-addressed stamped envelope. The request may be mailed or delivered in person to:
Union County Clerk of Court
210 West Main Street
Union, SC 29379
P.O. Box 703
Office: (864) 429-1630
Fax: (864) 429-1715
Where and How to Obtain Union County Marriage Records, Birth Records and Death Records
The South Carolina Department of Public Health processes requests for Union County birth records, Union county death records as well as records of marriages which took place within county limits.
Per state law, birth certificates are not public record and may only be accessed by persons with tangible interest - i.e. the subject of the record, direct relatives of the subject and persons bearing legal authorization to access the record.
On the other hand, both death and marriage certificates can be obtained by interested members of the public upon request.
To request any of these records, the requesting party may download and submit any of the following forms:
- Vital Records Birth Application
- Vital Records Death Application
- Vital Records Marriage Application
The applicable form must be notarized and accompanied by the indicated fees and ID requirements and sent to:
SC DHEC – Vital Records
2600 Bull Street,
Columbia, SC 29201
