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The Bail and Bond Process in South Carolina

Knowledgeable Columbia Attorney Helps with the Bail Bond Process

Determined assistance in Richland County and throughout South Carolina

State and federal criminal defendants generally have the right to post bail to secure release from custody while their cases are pending. Besides the obvious benefit of freedom, posting bail can make it easier for the accused to work with a criminal defense attorney towards a successful resolution of the case. However, the right to bail is not absolute and bail amounts can vary greatly. With extensive South Carolina criminal law experience, Jack B. Swerling, Attorney at Law, in Columbia can make a strong case for your release on a reasonable bail amount, and sometimes with no bail at all.

How bail works in South Carolina

Whether arrested for a state crime or a federal offense, a defendant usually appears in court within 24 hours for a bail hearing, at which a judge must decide whether to keep the defendant in custody or to order release pending trial.

There are two major reasons for denying bail:

  • Flight risk — To decide whether the accused is likely to flee to avoid trial and punishment, the court considers his or her ties to the community and other factors, including the severity of the charges and resources that might enable the accused to reach a safe haven.
  • Threat to the community — A court might conclude that a defendant accused of a violent or otherwise serious crime is potentially too dangerous to remain at large.

Once the court decides it is appropriate to release a defendant pending trial, the question is whether to require him or her to post bail and in what amount. The Eighth Amendment prohibits “excessive” bail, but interpretations of that term vary greatly, as do bail amounts. Bail for a misdemeanor can be several hundred to a few thousand dollars, while bail for a serious felony can be upwards of a million dollars.

There are three possible outcomes of the bail hearing:

  • Release on personal recognizance — The defendant is released, without having to post bail, upon the condition that he or she will appear at all court dates.
  • Release on bail — The judge orders the defendant to pay a certain amount of money into court. This is usually done by purchasing a bail bond, a form of surety agreement secured by certain collateral, such as a home, jewelry or other assets. A bail bondsman charges a nonrefundable fee, typically 10 to 15 percent of the bond’s face value.
  • Release on other conditions — With or without requiring bill, a judge might order such add such restrictions as house arrest, an ankle monitor, a mental health assessment, limitations on travel and prohibitions on contact with the alleged victim.

The challenges of obtaining bail or release on other conditions are reasons to consult an experienced criminal law attorney immediately after your arrest who can secure the best outcome at your bail hearing.

What happens if a defendant violates bail conditions?

If the defendant fails to appear on a court date or otherwise violates the terms of release, the judge can issue a bench warrant authorizing his or her re-arrest. Because bail bondsmen stand to lose a substantial amount of money if the defendant fails to appear in court, they normally employ people called “skip tracers,” who are authorized to track down and arrest the defendant.

Not only does the defendant have to go back to jail, but the bail bond is forfeited. The defendant has the right to refute the finding of bail violation, and a skilled attorney can sometimes resolve the situation in the defendant’s favor.

Contact a veteran South Carolina criminal defense attorney today

If you have been arrested, you need skilled representation at your bail hearing to make the best case for release as soon as possible. Call Jack B. Swerling, Attorney at Law, in Columbia 24 hours a day at 800-701-0599 or contact him online for a prompt response.

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  • Columbia Office
    1720 Main St
    #301
    Columbia, South Carolina 29201-2850
    Phone: (803) 765-2626
    Fax: 803-799-4059
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Jack Swerling In The News >>

  • Jack Swerling, Derrick Mobley and Alissa Wilson were successful in having a Judge rule after an extensive hearing, that the defendant was immune from prosecution based on the “Stand Your Ground” law in a murder prosecution. The Judgment was handed down on March 29, 2021.
  • Jack Swerling, Gregory Harris and Alissa Wilson obtained a Not Guilty Verdict in Lexington County on March 3, 2022. An Orthopedic Surgeon was charged with Involuntary Manslaughter in the accidental shooting death of a friend.
  • “When Jack is on my docket, I tell my law clerks, ‘You do not want to miss this. You are seeing one of the greatest trial lawyers in the state’s history.'” -South Carolina Circuit Court Judge
  • Jack was selected to Super Lawyers Magazine Top Ten List for 2019. Each year Super Lawyers recognizes the top lawyers in South Carolina via a selection process involving peer evaluations, independent research and professional achievement. The South Carolina lawyers who receive the highest points during this selection process are further recognized in the South Carolina Super Lawyers Top Ten List.
  • USA v. FRANK*: In a child pornography case, Swerling was successful in obtaining a 22 level variance reducing the defendant’s sentence from 8 years to 6 months.
  • STATE v. BORIS: The defendant was found not guilty by reason of insanity in a case where the defendant was involved in a shoot-out with 3 police officers.
  • STATE v. TYGER: Jack Swerling obtains a not guilty verdict in a criminal sexual conduct case in Beaufort County.
  • Pre Trial Dispositions: STATE v. DWAYNE: Mr. Swerling successfully argued for the dismissal of stalking and unlawful use of telephone charges brought against a prominent businessman in Florence County.
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