Before a Magistrate in South Carolina gives an arrest warrant, the facts are weighed to see if the defendant likely committed the crime. Normally, a cop needs a warrant to arrest someone, though there are exceptions. If the cop strongly believes someone committed a felony, they can arrest without a warrant. For misdemeanors, they need to witness the act themselves. To check arrest records and outstanding warrants in Lexington County, begin with the Magistrate Court.
Warrant searches in Lexington County, SC
If you know which office issued the arrest warrant, you may contact the Magistrate Court directly for information. However, if you do not know which office issued the warrant, try performing a search through the Lexington County Public Index. This online case information index provides the current status of civil and criminal cases pending in Lexington County. To search Magistrate Court files, choose the “Summary Court” option; however, for cases that have been referred, you need to search the “Circuit Court” cases. For detailed case information or to obtain copies from court files, you should contact the Lexington County Clerk of Court.
The Warrant Division of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office can answer questions about active warrants. The Fugitive Unit works to arrest violent criminals, sex offenders, and those who have not paid child support. You can also search for current inmates online by using the Inmate Search page.
How do you get information on Lexington County arrests and warrants over the phone? (2021-update)
- The Sheriff’s Department can be reached at 785-8230. But, only use this phone number for general, non-emergency inquiries and information.
- To file a complaint against drug activities, call the Drug Hotline at 785-2424.
- To know about recent arrests, call Lexington County Jail on 785-2743.
- The Clerk of Court’s Office can be contacted on (803) 785-8212.
- For inquiries pertaining to court dockets, connect with the Docket Clerk on 785-8583.
- The General Sessions Clerk (Criminal Court records) can be contacted at 785-8223.
- To call the Bond Court (release on bail after arrest) use the phone number 785-2845.
- To get in touch with the Central Traffic Court, call on 785-2142.
- For contacting the Domestic Violence Court, dial 785-2886.
Lexington County, SC crime rates
There was a drop in both the violent and property crime rates of Lexington County in 2019. In fact, surprisingly, the decline in the number of violent crimes was more significant than the decrease in the rate of property crimes.
As compared to the violent crime rate of 2018, only about 1040 such incidents were reported in the following year, depicting a decline of over 100 incidents or 10%. Meanwhile, property crimes plunged by a dismal 0.1%, going from over 9122 incidents to 9109.
Lexington County had the lowest crime rate when compared to nine similar counties between 1999 and 2008. However, during that time, the county experienced a 73% increase in crime rates (rates more than doubled between 2003 and 2004). The majority of crimes were theft-related, with only 55 murders occurring during the 10-year period.