Written by our Subject Matter Experts, Updated on September 25, 2019
Are you looking for a bail bond in South Carolina or information on bail? We have a list of the most trusted bail bonds companies in South Carolina so you can get in touch with a nearby licensed bondsman. Our bail experts also answer many important questions on how bail bonds work in South Carolina and how much bail bonds cost.
- How do bail bonds work in South Carolina?
- How much is bail in South Carolina?
- Find a bail bondsman near you in South Carolina
How do bail bonds work in South Carolina?
To better understand how bail bonds work in South Carolina, we should start with the arrest and processing requirements. Upon arrest a person must first be processed at the local county jail. To be released from jail, a few steps must occur, including being booked and posting bail.
Once the bail amount is confirmed, you have a few bail options you can consider in South Carolina. If the arrest was for a minor misdemeanor charge, you may be able to cover the entire bail amount in cash yourself. The judge may also release you under Own Recognizance (OR) which is typically used on smaller crimes committed where the judge has strong confidence that you will show up to court. If it’s a felony charge or you have a higher bail bond set due to a prior history of not appearing in court, you may need to use a bail bondsman.
If you don’t agree with the bail amount, you can wait for the bail hearing which typically happens within 24 hours of arrest in South Carolina.
If you choose to use a bail bond agent, they can be sent to post the bail bond at the local jail. Then, the release procedure begins and typically takes anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to be completed. Installment payment plans are usually available depending on the situation.
How much is bail in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, bail bonds will cost you no less than $25 and cannot exceed 15% of the total bail bond amount. With competition between bondsmen, most will charge around 10% but their official cap is at 15% of the total. You will not be able to get this money back from a bail bondsman.
Do your due diligence by contacting multiple bondsmen in South Carolina to see what rates they offer. You will need to provide you background, criminal history, and answer any questions that may help the bondsman determine your flight risk. It’s possible to negotiate a lower bail bond fee in some cases.
Bail Bonds Near You in South Carolina
Search for South Carolina bail bonds companies via our form above; please make sure to enter the city AND state.
You can also check our city pages for a nearby South Carolina bondsman.
Our Team of Subject Matter Experts
We dedicate ourselves to providing information that is accurate and expertly written in order to assist individuals through a difficult time. Our staff at Bail Bonds Network is highly educated, having obtained prestigious degrees in law, business, accounting, and finance. Our editorial staff includes professional lawyers, bail bondsmen, and lending experts who understand local jurisdictions and intricacies of legal matters dealing with bail bonds.An award-winning criminal defense attorney. He previously served as a state and federal prosecutor and magistrate, making his content contributions extremely relevant on legal and bail related topics.
If you live in another state and you get arrested in South Carolina, how much will you have to pay to get bonded out?
South Carolina bail laws will apply, as will bail fees from the state. Please read our section on “How much is bail in South Carolina?” to learn more about the fee structure and what you may expect.
I live in South Carolina and need help with a bail bond in North Carolina. Is this doable?
It’s best to deal with a local bondsman in North Carolina, someone close to the jail that knows the regulations. They may need extra documentation and financial proof in working with you since you are out of state, but they will be able to assist you with those details. Call one of our local bondsmen in North Carolina near the jail city.
How can I find out who the bondsman is tonight at Anderson County Detention center?
I’m co-signer on a bond with collateral. I want to know the laws on getting my collateral back. The defendant’s case is over and he is serving time in prison.