South Carolina Bail Bond Laws: Everything You Need to Know (2025 Update)
- Erika
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
South Carolina’s bail bond laws are strict and heavily regulated. Understanding your rights — and responsibilities — is crucial when someone is arrested.
This guide breaks down the most important laws, fees, and procedures that affect defendants and families in Spartanburg County, Cherokee County, and surrounding areas.
What Is Bail in South Carolina?
Bail is a financial guarantee ensuring that a defendant appears in court. When bail is set, the defendant may secure release through:
Cash bond
Surety bond (via a bail bondsman)
Property bond
Personal recognizance bond
South Carolina judges follow state guidelines when setting bond amounts, but they have significant discretion based on the case.
What Fees Can a Bail Bondsman Legally Charge?
Under South Carolina law:
✔ Premium (Required)
Typically 10–15% of the total bond
Non-refundable
Must be fully disclosed
✔ Allowed Additional Fees
Certain fees are permitted under regulation IF disclosed, such as:
Warrant check fees
Electronic monitoring fees
Document fees (limited)
Administrative Fees (dependent on County/City processes)
✘ NOT Allowed
A bondsman cannot charge:
Illegal interest
Undisclosed fees
“Jail delivery fees” or surprise charges
Additional premiums after initial payment
Jimmy Ray’s Bonding follows all state regulations and provides full disclosure to protect clients.
Bond Hearings in South Carolina
Most defendants appear before a magistrate judge within 24 hours.
During the hearing, the judge considers:
Criminal history
Nature of the offense
Community ties
Employment
Risk to public safety
Likelihood of appearing in court
Violent crimes or serious felonies may require a circuit court bond hearing instead.
Cosigners: What You Legally Agree To
Cosigners play a crucial role. When you sign for a bond, you agree that:
The defendant will attend court
You take financial responsibility for failure to appear
You will help the bondsman locate the defendant if necessary
Cosigners must be:
Over 21
Employed or financially stable
A U.S. resident
Failure to Appear (FTA) Consequences in SC
If a defendant misses court:
A bench warrant is issued
The bond can be revoked
The cosigner may owe the full amount
The defendant can be re-arrested
Court penalties increase
Working with a local bail agent helps prevent FTAs through reminders and proactive communication.
How Bail Bonds Work in Spartanburg & Cherokee County
Each county has different jail processing times and courtroom schedules.
Spartanburg County
Busy detention center
Bond hearings typically occur throughout the day and sometimes overnight
High volume of arrests
Bail Bondsmen can typically sign 23-24 hours/day
Release times 1–4 hours after bonding
Cherokee County (Gaffney)
Smaller jail
Lengthier release process
Limited bond hearing schedule
Limited bond signing schedules (additional limitations on holidays)
Other Counties We Service (each location's process will vary depending on many factors; ask your Bondsman about times estimates for each county)
Union County
Greenville County
York County
Jimmy Ray’s Bonding is open 24/7 in all counties to ensure fast release, regardless of each counties' operation times.
Your Rights Under South Carolina Bail Law
You have the right to:
Request a reasonable bond
Understand the charges
Contact a bail agent
Communicate with an attorney
Receive a copy of all bond paperwork
Bail exists to allow defendants to await trial outside of jail while preserving the court’s interests.
Choosing a Licensed Bail Bondsman
Always check:
South Carolina state license
Local experience
Transparent pricing
Availability
Customer reviews
Jimmy Ray’s Bonding meets all state requirements and serves families in Spartanburg, Gaffney, and surrounding counties with fast, confidential service.
As always, if you need immediate assistance or have questions about any information here, call to speak with one of our experienced Bonding Agents 24/7. 864-495-5555
Check out all of the info our site has to offer on Bail Bonding in South Carolina
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Want to find out more about the Bail Bonding Process? Check out our Complete Guide
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