Charleston County Inmate Lookup: Booking, Bond, Visits, Mail and Release Help
A Charleston County jail search is usually only the first step. Families often need to know whether a booking is current, what the inmate number means, whether a person has already been released or transferred, when bond court happens, and how to handle visits, money, mail, calls, medical concerns or court records.
This guide pulls the important Charleston County rules into one place. Use the county portal only when a live action is required—such as running the inmate search, scheduling video visitation, making an approved deposit or opening the live court record.
Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center.
3841 Leeds Ave., North Charleston, SC 29405.
Name, date ranges, Sounds Like, inmate number and past bookings.
Online only; inmate must be held at least 72 hours.
August 14, 2026 against county sources.
Choose the search route that matches what you know
Start with the last name. Add the first name only when the result list is too broad. Use Sounds Like if spelling is uncertain.
Use the arrest-date range or booking-date range to narrow a common name without adding too many personal fields.
Use the inmate-number search. Save that number because it is needed for money orders, canteen deposits, mail and other jail services.
How to use the Charleston County inmate search correctly
How to interpret a Charleston County booking result
The roster is a custody and booking tool, not a final criminal-history report. Use the court system for later case events and disposition.
| Item | What it helps establish | What you should do next |
|---|---|---|
| Inmate number | The facility identifier associated with the incarcerated person. | Save it for mail, deposits, canteen, phone/tablet accounts and facility questions. |
| Booking date | When the person was entered into detention processing. | Use it to distinguish a current booking from an older one. |
| Arrest date | The date associated with the arrest event. | Compare it with known police or court information. |
| Charge | The allegation connected with the booking or case. | Check the court Public Index for later filing, bond and disposition information. |
| Bond information | A bond order or amount may be associated with the charge. | Confirm every case and condition before paying; one charge may not be the only reason for custody. |
| Current vs past booking | A prior booking does not mean the person is presently incarcerated. | Check whether the search is showing current inmates or past bookings. |
No Charleston County inmate record found? Check these possibilities in order
What happens after someone is booked at Al Cannon Detention Center?
The county’s Processing Division explains why the jail record, housing location and bond status can change during the first hours after arrest.
Charleston County bond hearings: schedules, locations and the official-page conflict
Charleston County currently publishes two different sets of public bond-hearing details. Instead of choosing one and risking a wasted trip, use the information below and call Central Bond Hearing at 843-746-9822 before leaving.
| Jurisdiction / source | Published schedule | Phone / practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Central Bond – Sheriff’s Processing page | 10:00 a.m. seven days a week; 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday–Friday. | 843-746-9822; call to confirm location and session. |
| Central Bond – Magistrates page | 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. Monday–Friday; 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. weekends/holidays. | County page lists 3831 Leeds Ave., Suite 200; verify before traveling. |
| City of Charleston | 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday–Friday; 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. weekends/holidays. | 843-724-7160. |
| North Charleston | 11:00 a.m. seven days a week; additional 9:00 a.m. session weekends/holidays. | 843-554-5700. |
What happens at the bond proceeding?
- The defendant is advised of the nature of the charges and legal rights.
- The magistrate determines bond where the law permits.
- A plea is not required at the bond proceeding.
- Victims are entitled to attend and may advise the magistrate about anticipated problems if the defendant is released.
- For a capital offense or an offense potentially punishable by life imprisonment, a magistrate cannot set bond; a Circuit Court judge must do so.
- Bond may be denied in certain violent-crime cases.
How bail can be posted in Charleston County
The Charleston County Clerk of Court lists several ways a bond may be satisfied, depending on the judge’s order.
The amount set in lieu of bond may be deposited in cash where allowed.
The Clerk lists cashier’s checks as an accepted surety-bond option.
A bonding company may post the bail bond for the defendant.
Charleston County real estate may be pledged as collateral; mobile homes are not accepted.
A PR release letter and PR Bond form are used when the court authorizes recognizance release.
If the bond order permits it, the ordered percentage of the full bond may be posted with the Clerk.
After bond conditions are met and liability ends, an application may be made for return of the deposit.
Before paying, verify that no other bond, hold, warrant or case will keep the person in custody.
Charleston County Jail visitation: 72-hour rule, limits, schedule and visitor rules
Charleston County uses video visitation to reduce inmate movement and contraband risk. An inmate must be incarcerated for at least 72 hours before receiving a personal visit.
Three 30-minute personal visits per seven calendar days.
Personal visitation is online only; attorneys have separate in-person hours.
Visitors must be at least 17 or accompanied by a parent or guardian to schedule online visits.
| Daily block | Visitation window | Last scheduling time |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 8:00 a.m.–10:50 a.m. | 10:20 a.m. |
| Afternoon | 1:00 p.m.–4:25 p.m. | 3:55 p.m. |
| Evening | 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. | 9:30 p.m. |
Visitor rules that commonly cause a denied visit
Attorney visitation
In-person attorney visitation is published for Monday through Friday, excluding county holidays, in three blocks: 9:00–11:00 a.m., 1:30–4:00 p.m., and 7:00–10:00 p.m..
Send money to an Al Cannon inmate without using the wrong account
The detention center is cashless. Inmates cannot possess U.S. currency; funds are placed into accounts used for canteen, phone or tablet services.
| Method | Exact Charleston County rule | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Lobby kiosk | Money may be deposited at the kiosk in the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center lobby. | Correct inmate identity and inmate number. |
| Money order by U.S. Mail | Make it payable to Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center. Put only the inmate’s name and number on the memo line. Do not send cash or personal checks. | Correct facility address and exact inmate number. |
| TouchPay | Online deposits use Charleston County site number 229405. | Inmate number and payment information. |
| Phone/tablet account | These funds are deposited separately through Securus. | Securus account and correct inmate. |
The county says an inmate may spend a maximum of $100 each week on commissary.
All commissary items must fit in the inmate’s assigned bin or box.
Charleston County identifies iCare Gifts as its online care-package option.
Property and money releases: the Charleston County rules people often miss
An inmate may authorize a release of valuable/personal property or money by signing the facility’s Valuable Property/Cash Release Form.
Daily: 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.–4:30 a.m..
The inmate must approve the release and sign the facility form.
No cash release is made after a transaction has been made on the inmate’s account, except for a bondsman or attorney unless a Captain/Command Duty Officer approves an extenuating circumstance.
Released money is issued as a check made payable to the inmate only. The check is not given to the inmate for endorsement.
Charleston County inmate mail: digital personal mail vs money orders
Do not send personal letters to the detention center street address. Since May 1, 2023, personal mail is handled through the Securus Digital Mail Center.
Charleston, SC County Jail
C/O Securus Digital Mail Center
PO Box 20207
Tampa, FL 33622
Charleston County Detention Center
3841 Leeds Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29405
Do not place personal letters or books in the money-order mailing.
What happens to personal mail?
- Securus digitally scans the mail and makes it available on the inmate’s tablet.
- Pictures and drawings may be scanned and delivered in the same manner.
- Paper larger than 8.5 × 11 inches and non-paper items cannot be scanned and are returned.
- Packages and certified mail are returned to sender.
- If the sender wants the physical mail returned, Charleston County says to include a self-addressed stamped envelope with the original mail.
- Physical mail is destroyed 60 days after it is uploaded.
Items the jail says not to mail
No food, clothing, cosmetics or toiletries.
No books, magazines or newspapers through personal mail.
No stationery, envelopes, postage stamps, pencils or pens.
No cash, personal checks, second-party checks or traveler’s checks in personal mail.
No paper clips, staples, rubber bands, stickers, glue, tape or string.
No prepaid phone cards, Polaroid photos, razors, weapons or state/facility contraband.
Phone calls, Securus tablets, messages, photos and video attachments
Phone calls after arrest
- New inmates receive at least two free calls during Intake/Booking.
- After booking, inmate telephone calls are collect.
- If a family member cannot accept the call because of billing or blocking, a recorded Securus message explains account setup.
- Securus customer service: 800-844-6591.
Tablet services
Charleston County says Securus handheld tablets may provide messaging, eBooks, education, self-help and religious podcasts, law-library access, music, movies/television and games. Access is a privilege and is not available to every inmate.
| Message type | Stamps | Published cost before tax |
|---|---|---|
| Standard e-message | 1 stamp | $0.25 |
| Message/photo attachment | 2 stamps | $0.50 |
| Message/video attachment | 3 stamps | $0.75 |
Medical, dental and mental-health care inside Al Cannon Detention Center
Charleston County’s current contracted-services page identifies VitalCore as the medical provider. Medical professionals are on site 24 hours a day, including holidays.
In-house medical services include routine sick-call access.
Routine dental services are among the listed in-house services.
Mental-health services are provided as part of the facility’s contracted health care.
The facility lists chronic-care services for inmates who require ongoing management.
The on-site infirmary has 22 beds for patients needing skilled nursing attention.
A nurse reviews medical history and urgent concerns during intake.
Why an inmate may move housing units after you find the record
The facility uses objective classification information, including criminal history, behavior, enemies, co-defendants, gang concerns and protective-custody issues, to determine custody and housing assignment.
Cells are arranged around a common dayroom with an officer stationed in the unit. Charleston County says these units house higher-security inmates and use more structured schedules.
Inmates are assigned bunks in a large open room with a dayroom. These units are used for lower-security classifications and generally have less-structured activity schedules.
Find the Charleston County criminal case and get public-defender help
Use the jail search for custody. Use the Charleston County Circuit Court Public Index for General Sessions case details such as case status, court agency, filed date, bond entries and disposition information when available.
101 Meeting St., 5th Floor
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: 843-958-1850
Office: M–F 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Adult screening: M–F 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
101 Meeting St., 4th Floor
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: 843-958-1900
Best for General Sessions scheduling and prosecutor-side case questions.
No inmate record but an active warrant may exist?
The Sheriff’s Warrants Office is located inside the main lobby of Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center and maintains criminal warrants and juvenile pickup orders received by the Sheriff’s Office.
3841 Leeds Ave., North Charleston, SC 29405
Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Closed on county-observed holidays.
Turning yourself in on a warrant
- For a Violation Check Law warrant, the Sheriff’s Office says the person may call the Warrants Office and make an appointment to meet a deputy at Bond Court.
- The warrant is served and a bond hearing follows.
- The county notes that some people who turn themselves in receive a personal-recognizance bond and may not need to enter the jail.
- For a more serious warrant, call the Warrants Office to make arrangements.
- Outside business hours, call 843-202-1700 for appropriate arrangements.
Charleston County VINE notifications for victims and families
Detention Center Victim Services uses VINE to provide custody notifications. The service can notify registered victims when an accused person is released or transferred.
Call 866-727-2846 and follow the automated instructions.
Use the inmate number or the inmate’s first and last names to check status.
For help registering or using VINE, call 843-529-7471.
How the notification call works
- Choose a four-digit PIN you can remember.
- You may register more than one telephone number.
- Update VINE if your phone number changes.
- When VINE calls, enter the PIN to confirm notification and hear custody information.
- If no PIN is entered or an answering machine answers, Charleston County says VINE continues calling for up to 24 hours.
- The service is free and confidential.
PREA safety reporting and zero-tolerance policy
Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center’s PREA policy states zero tolerance for sexual harassment, sexual abuse and sexual assault of incarcerated people. The county’s PREA page lists dedicated contacts for coordination and investigations.
Release, transfer and “the inmate disappeared from the roster”
The Processing Division’s Records/Releasing team interprets court commitments, bonds and orders and completes release processing. Charleston County also has a Transportation unit that moves inmates to courts, medical appointments, SCDC, federal prisons and other facilities.
Charleston County jail contact directory by problem
| Your question | Office | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Is the person still at Al Cannon? | Detention Center main line | 843-529-7300 |
| Processing, inactive record or release issue | Processing Division | 843-529-7477 |
| Housing/classification question | Detention Housing | 843-529-7480 |
| Confirm Central Bond hearing | Central Bond Hearing | 843-746-9822 |
| City of Charleston bond schedule | City of Charleston | 843-724-7160 |
| North Charleston bond schedule | North Charleston | 843-554-5700 |
| Active warrant / turn-in arrangement | Warrants Office | 843-529-7391 |
| VINE / victim custody alert | Detention Victim Witness | 843-529-7471 |
| Cannot afford defense lawyer | Public Defender | 843-958-1850 |
| General Sessions trial/plea/roll-call date | Ninth Circuit Solicitor | 843-958-1900 |
| Securus phone/tablet account | Securus Customer Service | 800-844-6591 |
| PREA safety concern | PREA Coordinator | 843-529-7315 |
Al Cannon Detention Center map and arrival checklist
Official information reviewed for this Charleston County guide
The important rules have been brought into the article above. The links below are retained mainly for verification or live actions that cannot be completed on this page.
- Detention Center visitor, money, mail, property, phone and tablet rules
- Processing, classification, bond-hearing and transfer procedures
- Magistrates/Summary Courts bond and preliminary-hearing rules
- Clerk of Court bail and Public Defender information
- Contracted medical-services information
- Warrants, VINE and PREA contact information
Charleston County Jail inmate search FAQs
How do I search for an inmate in Charleston County Jail?
Use the official Charleston County Sheriff’s Office inmate portal. Search by last name, first name, booking or arrest date range, Sounds Like or inmate number. Enable Show Past Bookings for older records.
What jail holds Charleston County inmates?
Adult detainees are generally housed at Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center, 3841 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405. Main phone: 843-529-7300.
Why is someone not showing in the inmate search?
They may still be in intake, listed under a spelling variation, released, transferred or housed by another agency. Try Sounds Like, date ranges and Show Past Bookings, then call the jail.
How soon can an inmate receive a visit?
Charleston County says the inmate must be incarcerated at least 72 hours before receiving a personal visit.
How many online visits are allowed?
Personal online visitation is limited to three 30-minute visits per seven calendar days.
How do I send canteen money?
Use the detention-center lobby kiosk, a properly prepared money order mailed to the facility, or TouchPay site number 229405. To make funds available for canteen, the county says deposit before 8 a.m. Monday.
Where do I mail a personal letter?
Send it to the incarcerated individual and ID number, Charleston, SC County Jail, c/o Securus Digital Mail Center, PO Box 20207, Tampa, FL 33622.
How do inmate phone calls work?
New admissions receive at least two free calls during intake. After processing, calls are collect. Securus account support is available at 800-844-6591.
Where is Charleston County Bond Court?
Current Charleston County pages publish conflicting public location and schedule details. Call Central Bond Hearing at 843-746-9822 before traveling to confirm the correct location and session.
How do I apply for a public defender?
Adult screening is available at the Charleston County Public Defender, 101 Meeting Street, 5th Floor, Charleston, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone: 843-958-1850.