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Crime Trends Shift: Fewer Incidents, More Jail Time in Charleston
Charleston County, SC, USATuesday, May 5, 2026
Overall trend:
- Crime down – Property crimes fell by 523 cases, personal assaults dropped by 102, and offenses against society decreased by 154.
- Jail full: The average daily population rose 57% since 2021, and the average stay length increased by 14% in 2025.
Key Offenses
| Rank | Offense | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Driving under the influence (DUI) | Top offense for both men and women; first‑time DUI charges lead the list |
| 2 | Trespassing | Second most common allegation |
| 3 | Shoplifting | Third most frequent charge |
Court System Backlog
- Pending cases (July 2025): ~8,000 over the past 18 months.
- Cases open >1 year: down to 53% (an 8‑point drop).
- Charge-to-resolution time: lengthened by 15–21%, likely due to lingering cases.
Council’s Six Focus Areas
- Mental health services
- Public safety initiatives
- Youth programs
- Support for survivors and victims
- Community outreach
- Court efficiency
These priorities aim to reduce crime while managing the growing jail population and streamlining judicial processes.
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