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The Bail Bonds Process in Upstate South Carolina
Step Two: Contact a Bond Agent
A surety bond occurs when the bondsman posts bail on the defendant’s behalf. The agent charges them a certain percentage of the bond. South Carolina bond agents usually charge up to 15%.
The state limits the bond amount to 15%. That said, the bond agent can charge less and determine the amount based on age, criminal history, and offense.
Defendants must honor the surety bond in two key ways:
Collateral: This option is like property bonds. The defendant will pledge assets to pay the amount owed. If you fail to honor the terms (i.e., not showing up to court or violating the bond terms), the bond agent can recover the assets as payment.
Co-Signer: Even if the defendant has enough money to pay the bond, bond agents usually require a co-signer. The co-signer will be responsible for the defendant’s actions.
Additionally, the co-signer must meet specific criteria. For example, the co-signer may need to submit two consecutive pay stubs before signing on. Overall, the co-signing conditions depend on the bond agency.
Step Three: The Release
When you agree to the terms and pay the bond, the agent will post bail at the local jail. It usually takes one or two hours for jail officials to process a defendant’s release.
Upon release, the defendant must honor the terms by attending court hearings and abiding by the bond terms. The bond rules depend on the agent, but defendants usually must adhere to the following stipulations:
- Wearing tracking and monitoring devices
- Attending check-ins
- Submitting to drug and alcohol tests
- Abiding by travel restrictions
Regarding travel restrictions, defendants generally must not travel outside of South Carolina. Additionally, some bond agents will charge less than 15% but will add additional terms to the bail.
Example: A bond agent could charge 10%, but they could add more limitations in monitoring devices and/or property as collateral.
Therefore, inquire about the bond terms before hiring the agent.
Step Four: Follow the Bond Terms
Your main priority is to meet the bond terms and conditions at all costs. Above all, attend court hearings. If you don’t, you’ll face not only the wrath of your bond agent but the court as well. First, the judge will issue a bench warrant for your arrest.
If you miss the court date, the bond agent must pay the bond. The agent must also find the defendant and bring him or her back into custody.
Why wait any longer? Call us for 24/7 services at 864-233-5225