Abbeville County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Abbeville County.
How Bail Bonds Work
Option 1: Cash Bond (Pay Full Amount)
How it works: Pay the full bail amount to the court
Pros: Get full amount back after case concludes (minus court fees)
Cons: Requires full amount upfront
Option 2: Bail Bondsman (Most Common)
How it works: Pay 10-15% fee to bondsman, they post full bail
Cost: Typically 10% of bail amount (non-refundable)
Pros: Only need 10% upfront instead of full amount
Cons: Fee is non-refundable, may require collateral, co-signer assumes liability
Co-Signer Liability Warning
Important for Co-Signers:
- You are 100% liable if defendant does not appear in court
- You must pay the full bail amount if defendant skips
- Bondsman can seize collateral (house, car, etc.)
- You cannot cancel the bond - only the court can
- Liability continues until case is fully resolved
Release Timeline
Arrest & Booking (2-8 hours)
Fingerprinting, photographing, background check, medical screening
Arraignment (Within 24-48 hours)
First court appearance, judge sets bail amount, charges are read
Bail Posted (1-4 hours)
Family contacts bondsman, paperwork signed, fee paid
Release (2-6 hours)
Processing, release paperwork, return of personal property, court date assigned
Total Time Estimate
From arrest to release: 12-48 hours depending on booking workload, time of arrest (weekends take longer), and how quickly bail is posted.
After Release: Critical Deadlines
1. Request MVD Hearing - 15 Days
You have only 15 days from arrest to request your administrative license hearing. This is separate from your criminal case.
2. Retrieve Your Vehicle
Impound fees accrue daily. Get your car as soon as possible to avoid hundreds in storage fees.
Calculate Impound Costs3. Hire an Attorney
A attorney can help with license hearings, plea negotiations, and potentially getting charges reduced or dismissed.
Find Abbeville County Lawyers4. Appear at ALL Court Dates
Missing court will result in bond forfeiture, arrest warrant, and additional charges. Your co-signer will be liable for the full bail amount.
Navigating Abbeville County DUI Bail: What You Need to Know
If you've been arrested for DUI in Abbeville County, South Carolina, your immediate concern is likely getting out of jail. Understanding the bail process is crucial. Bail is a financial guarantee that you will appear in court as required. Here's what you need to know about bail and related procedures in Abbeville County.
Initial Appearance and Bail Setting
After a DUI arrest in Abbeville County, you'll be taken to the Abbeville County Detention Center, typically located at 80 Court Square, Abbeville, SC 29620. Within a reasonable timeframe, you'll appear before a magistrate judge for an initial appearance. At this hearing, the judge will inform you of the charges against you and set your bail amount.
Bail amounts in Abbeville County DUIs can vary depending on factors such as your prior criminal record, the severity of the offense (e.g., high BAC, accident with injuries), and your ties to the community. The judge will consider these factors to determine an amount that ensures your return to court.
Paying Bail in Abbeville County
Once bail is set, you have several options for posting it:
- Cash Bail: You can pay the full bail amount in cash directly to the Abbeville County Clerk of Court.
- Surety Bond: You can hire a bail bondsman who will post a surety bond on your behalf. You'll pay the bondsman a non-refundable fee, typically around 10-15% of the total bail amount. Be sure to check their credentials.
- Property Bond: In some cases, the court may allow you to secure your release by using real property as collateral. This process involves providing documentation of the property's value and ownership.
Temporary Alcohol License (TAL)
After a DUI arrest in Abbeville County, your driver's license will likely be suspended. However, you may be eligible for a Temporary Alcohol License (TAL). The TAL allows you to drive legally without restrictions while awaiting the outcome of your administrative hearing with the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings (OMVH).
To obtain a TAL, you must request an OMVH hearing. There is an additional $100 fee payable to the DMV. Because the OMVH docket is often backlogged, it can take several months for the hearing to be scheduled, making the TAL a vital lifeline for maintaining employment and accessing essential services.
Important Note: As of May 19, 2024, South Carolina law changed. If your license was suspended due to refusing a breathalyzer or having a BAC of 0.15% or higher, you can no longer skip the OMVH hearing and apply directly for a route-restricted license. You must now engage in the OMVH hearing process to secure any interim driving privileges.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
If convicted of DUI with a BAC of 0.15% or higher, or for a repeat offense, you will be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your vehicle under "Emma's Law." Unfortunately, Abbeville County does not have any IID installation or service centers.
You will need to travel to nearby Greenwood or Anderson for installation and monthly calibration appointments.
- Smart Start (Primary Option): Located inside Pro Audio & More, 1819 Bypass 72 NE, Greenwood, SC 29649. Phone: (833) 404-3087.
- Intoxalock (Secondary Option): 1648 Calhoun Rd, Greenwood, SC 29649. Phone: (864) 622-5746.
- Intoxalock (Alternate Option): Located at Palmetto State Automotive, 2808 Highway 29 North, Anderson, SC 29621.
These monthly appointments are mandatory to ensure the device's accuracy and to download data logs for the state. Failure to attend can result in the device locking your vehicle's ignition.
SR-22 Insurance
A DUI conviction or certain administrative suspensions will require you to file an SR-22 certificate with the SCDMV. This certificate, obtained from your auto insurance carrier, guarantees that you maintain the state-mandated minimum liability coverage. Filing an SR-22 will likely increase your insurance premiums.
Next Steps
After a DUI arrest in Abbeville County, your next step should be to contact the Abbeville County Clerk of Court at (864) 366-5121 to confirm your court date and understand the specific requirements for posting bail.
Sources
South Carolina Penal Code
Abbeville County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety