Sometimes, you or a loved one ends up getting arrested and placed in jail unexpectedly. South Carolina bail bonds agents are available all over the state in the case that you need a little extra help in getting released from jail before your court date. It is because of this that knowing how bail bonds work in South Carolina can benefit you in the long run. Continue reading for more information about bail bonds in South Carolina.
South Carolina Bail Bond Basics
Bail is defined as the set amount of money that is given by the judge for you to pay in order to be released from jail. Typically, bail is given to individuals who commit misdemeanor crimes or felonious crimes that are not very severe. Even if the judge grants the individual bail, he or she is still obligated to appear in court on his or her assigned court date.
What will the amount of my bail be?
The judge will determine your bail amount based on the severity of your crime. Each crime is given a bail rate that has been predetermined by the courts. Bail amounts also depend on the criminal background of the individual. Heavier backgrounds may result in a higher amount.
Will you get the money back you posted for bond?
Bail is given to the court system as a bond. The bond is then held on to by the courts as a way of surety that if you do not appear in court, the money paid will cover the fees that you will owe the court. If you do appear in court, all of the money that you pay personally will be returned to you. If you use a bondsman, you will not receive any money back.
What do you need to use a bail bondsman service?
You need to have the percentage of your bail that the bondsman requires. Depending on your agent, you could have to pay 10 or 15%. You must also have a co-signer who is 21 or older, has a full-time job, and can be held responsible for you to make sure that you appear in court on your court date. Keep in mind that if you skip out on your court date, your co-signer will be responsible for all obligations to the bondsman and you could be facing more time in jail once caught.
Why should you use a bondsman?
It is by law that you are not given an excessive amount for your bail. However, having the cash necessary to personally post bail rarely happens. Using a bail bondsman, you will only have to pay 10 to 15% of the amount that the judge sets (the percentage will depend on the bondsman that you choose). All that you have to do is meet the criteria needed to qualify to use a bondsman and appear in court of the date that the judge assigns to you.
South Carolina bail bonds agents are available to give you the freedom you want to prepare for your court date.
Video: How Bail Bonds Work in South Carolina
South Carolina Bail Bonds Information
How does bail bonds work in South Carolina? A bond court judge sets the defendant’s bail amount. A South Carolina bail bondsman posts the bond once the 10% premium is paid by the co-signor. If the defendant doesn’t appear in court the co-signor owes the bondsman 100% of the bond.
If you need more information about how bail bonds work in South Carolina please look to the South Carolina Bail Agents Association website at https://www.scbaa.org/