What to Do If a Loved One Is Arrested in South Carolina

Loved One Arrested in South Carolina? Here’s What You Should Do:

Determine Where They Are Being Held

You must determine where your loved one is being detained. Once your loved one is at the detention facility they will have the opportunity to contact you. If you have not heard from your loved one, then you should contact the law enforcement agency that arrested or is holding your loved one. Many Counties provide inmate information online.

Family Members Attending the Bond Hearing

A bond hearing should be held within 24 hours of your loved one’s arrest.  The detention center will advise you as to the approximate time of bond court.  Plan to arrive 30 minutes early to the jail where your loved one is being held. Make sure you bring a photo ID to enter the detention center. Also, be prepared to go through security measures upon entering the facility. Click here for a list of County Jails in South Carolina.

Representation at the Criminal Bond Hearing

Your loved one has the right to have a criminal defense lawyer represent him or her at a bond hearing and it is important to contact the bond hearing attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, LLC as soon as possible to ensure adequate representation, if necessary, at the bond hearing.

What You Can Expect At Bond Court

If your loved one was charged and arrested for a crime what you can expect depends upon the charge.

Bond for an arrest that does not carry a possible punishment of Life without Parole such as Murder or Burglary in the 1st degree will be set by a South Carolina Magistrate or South Carolina Municipal Court Judge.

The Judge may consider whether the accused is:

  1. A flight risk?
  2. A danger to the community?

A Judge may then consider:

  1. Any criminal history,
  2. The seriousness of the offense charged,
  3. The employment status of the accused,
  4. How long the accused has been at his/her current residence, and
  5. Any victim impact testimony.

This is not an exclusive list, but it does contain the factors considered at most bond settings.

What Types of Bail Bonds Are Available?

There are 3 types of bonds a criminal defendant can receive in bond court.

Personal Recognizance Bond (PR bond). A PR bond allows a defendant to be released without posting any money with the court based on his/her promise to appear when the case is called for trial.

Surety Bond. A surety bond requires you to post money or property with the Court to be released.

For example, if the Judge sets a $10,000 surety bond, the defendant must post $10,000 in cash or real estate with the Court in order to be released.

If the defendant fails to appear when his case is called for trial, he may forfeit the $10,000 he has paid or, if he posted his property as surety, the Court can begin foreclosure proceedings.

You may also contact a bail bonding company to see if they are willing to help. You need to make sure that you understand their fees and payment options. Keep in mind that if you post your own case or property with the Court, your money and/or property will be returned to you at the conclusion of the case. If you use a bail bondsman the money will not be returned to you.

Surety Bond With a Ten percent cash option. A defendant must post 10% of the total bond amount in cash.

For example, if a defendant receives a $10,000 surety bond with a ten percent option, he can post $10,000 in real estate/personal property or $1,000 in cash.

Can’t Afford Your Bond? To avoid your loved one having to remain in jail while you wait for your trial date, our attorneys can make a motion for a bond reduction to request an amount more reasonable or affordable.

Being arrested does not mean that you are a bad person or even that you are guilty. What it can mean is that your family is forced to deal with a personal, family, social, business, employment, and financial crisis which most families have not experienced or even know how to deal with. The criminal defense attorneys at the Strom Law Firm understand the importance of your situation and what is at stake. Contact us today for your free consultation to see how we can help.

How this works

Step 1 - Welcome
In this step, you'll experience a warm welcome as you enter the Strom Law Firm.
1
Step 2 - Initial Meeting
You'll meet with professionals. They will go through the facts of your case, explain the entire process.
2
Step 3 - Preparations
We builds your case by interviewing witnesses, conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, and hiring experts.
3
Step 4 - Trial
You'll learn that the firm is trial-ready. They've been preparing since day one and will guide you through the process.
4
Step 5 - Resolution
your case concludes with the firm hoping for a positive outcome. They assure enduring friendships and a commitment to being there for you, regardless of future legal needs.
5
No obligations & no credit card required

STROM LAW IS...

years combined
legal experience
0 +
awards &
accredetations
0 +
Founded
in
0
years
in business
0

What Our Clients Say

They truly care
Mrs Vallery, who answered the phone took more care and attention to detail than any other law office, that I have called, in 2 years+. She diligently took notes to give to the lawyers and cared about my situation and let me actually tell everything without cutting me short. Out of over 100 law offices, this is rare treatment. Care. Consideration. That means more than anything going through this…
Anonymous
google-logo
Professional Representation, Satisfying Legal Outcome!
My wife and I retained Bakari Sellers to represent our son in a case in Richland County. We found Mr. Sellers, his assistant Stephanie, and the rest of the staff at Strom, extremely courteous and professional. We really appreciated Mr. Sellers’ straightforward and honest approach. We believe this is a very competent law firm, and are satisfied with the legal outcome they achieved. We would highly recommend them!
Bryan B.
google-logo
Exceptional Legal Team After Our Car Accident!
We retained Atty Jessica Fickling to help us after a terrible car accident. She and her paralegal Mallory were wonderful! Professional, skilled, savvy – we couldn’t have asked for a better legal team. Many thanks!!
Jocelyn C.
google-logo
Strom Law Firm's Consistent Excellence
I have been a client with The Strom Law Firm for thirty years and have been incredibly blessed to have the assurance that they will do everything possible to provide excellent service to my needs. Ally Benevento is exceptional and represents the firm in a professional manner.
Timothy O.
google-logo
From Self-Representation to Victory in SSDI Case!
My experience with Mario and his staff was outstanding. When everyone said to give up my case with SSDI and after being poorly represented and losing. I had to file my own appeals and represent myself. I literally called every attorney in the book. Then I called Mario cold – I expected one more no! Well, this gentleman took my case and won. He knows the law and cares a lot. I am proud to call him my friend. If you need a professional to help you, call these guys.
Robert L.
google-logo
A Pleasure to Work With, Outstanding Case Outcome!
Thanks Olivia, It was a pleasure working with you. You were well prepared and presented our case in a very professional manner. I could not have ask for a better outcome. Working with everyone at the Strom Law Firm has always been a pleasure and I will be happy to recommend your Law Firm to anyone.
Nancy G.
google-logo
A Lifesaver in the Courtroom, Ensuring Freedom with A1 Professionalism
Needed a lifesaver. I had gotten myself into a bad situation and the possibility of going to prison. Through the diligence and hard work done by attorney Alley B., I was able to walk out of that courtroom a free man. No tricks just hard down attorney work. She was an A1 professional and knew every inch of the Law pertaining to my case. For that, I am forever grateful.
Anonymous
google-logo
A Winning Team at Strom Law Firm!
John Alphin was great. We basically worked together for 22 months. Bakari Sellers was also on the team and together those 2 guys were fabulous. Won the case and I’m still a client of Strom law firm. Thank you and awesome law firm.
Steve T.
google-logo
Excellence in Action for Workman's Comp Case!
Strom Law Firm was really great and professional. I had a great experience with Mario as my attorney and his paralegal, Brian. These two are amazing, they worked very hard on my husband’s workman’s comp case and we were very pleased with the services and results 👍. Brian was so prompt at returning phone calls and getting things ready for the case. I strongly recommend this firm for any of your legal matters. If I had to use you guys again, I would be happy to do so.
Mary W.
google-logo
Mastering Complex Legal Issues with Care and Compassion
Mario Pacella at Strom Law Firm LLC in Brunswick, Georgia, is a masterful, no-nonsense lawyer. His caring and compassionate approach, along with prompt responsiveness, sets him apart. Mario and the firm exhibit exceptional professionalism and attention to detail, emphasizing genuine care for every client.
L. Gilder
google-logo
No obligations & no credit card required

Contact Us For A Free Case Evaluation

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

No obligations & no credit card required

*A consultation fee applies to employment matters