Seeking Removal from South Carolina’s Sex Offender Registry?
What SLED Requires
To qualify, an applicant must meet several requirements, including:
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Completion of any required sex offender treatment
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No new sexual offenses
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No failure-to-register convictions within the past 10 years
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Submission of required documents, fingerprints, and payment of SLED’s $250 fee
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Input from your original prosecuting agency
A rejected SLED application triggers a mandatory five-year wait before reapplying. That’s one reason it’s critical to prepare properly the first time.
Understanding
Act No. 221
As of May 23, 2022, South Carolina law Act No. 221 introduced a new tier-based system for sex offender registry classification and removal.
Depending on your Tier and your case history, you may now be eligible to:
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Apply to SLED for removal after a set time period (Tiers I and II)
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Petition the court for removal (Tier III and certain others)
Each case is unique. We strongly recommend speaking with an attorney before taking action, especially due to the strict five-year wait period following a denied application.
Are You Eligible for Registry Removal?
Classification | Min Registry Period | How to Apply for Removal |
|---|---|---|
Tier I – Adult | 15 years | Apply to SLED |
Tier II – Adult | 25 years | Apply to SLED |
Tier III – Adult | 30 years post-release from incarceration or parole | Petition Court |
All Juvenile
Convictions | 15 years | Apply to SLED |
Out-of-State Conviction | Varies | Apply SORNA tier or show removal eligibility from state of conviction |
If SLED Denies or
You’re Tier III
What If I’m a Tier III Offender — or My Application Was Denied?
You may still pursue removal by filing a formal petition in General Sessions Court (or Family Court for juvenile cases).
This legal process includes:
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Filing a petition in Court
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A hearing where you must show by clear and convincing evidence that you are no longer a risk
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Compliance with all court filing requirements
This process is detailed and document-heavy. An attorney is strongly recommended to manage timelines, evidence, and compliance.
How We Can Help
Erin Bailey Law has reviewed Act 221 extensively and worked with multiple state agencies to stay aligned with current removal protocols.
We can help with:
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Confirming your Tier and eligibility
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Compiling necessary records and documentation
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Preparing and filing SLED applications
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Filing and handling court petitions where applicable
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Representing you in any required hearings
While no attorney can guarantee results, our goal is to ensure your petition is complete, accurate, and legally sound from day one.
Talk With Us Today
We are accepting Sex Offender Registry removal cases statewide. All consultations are confidential.
Or call: 843-485-4540.
Located in Georgetown, SC — available virtually across South Carolina.
We’ll review your records and advise you on your options and next steps.