Aiken County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Aiken 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 Aiken 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 a DUI Arrest in Aiken County, SC: Your Guide to Bail, License Suspension, and More
If you've been arrested for DUI in Aiken County, South Carolina, you're likely facing a complex legal and administrative process. This guide provides critical information and actionable steps to navigate the challenges ahead, from securing bail to dealing with license suspension and mandatory programs.
Securing Your Release: Bail Bonds Near the Aiken County Detention Center
Following a DUI arrest, you'll likely be taken to the Aiken County Detention Center, located at 435 Wire Road, Aiken, SC 29801. The Aiken County Detention Center's rigid bond hearing schedule creates narrow windows for release. DUI bail amounts are typically $400 for a first offense and $2100 for a second. To expedite your release, it's crucial to coordinate with a bail bond agency. You'll find a cluster of these agencies located strategically along Wire Road near the detention center.
Actionable Step: Contact a bail bond agency immediately after arrest to understand your options and secure your release.
The 30-Day Deadline: Fighting Your License Suspension
A DUI arrest in South Carolina triggers an immediate administrative battle with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). If you refused a breathalyzer test or your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) was 0.15% or higher, the arresting officer confiscated your license and issued a Notice of Suspension.
Here's the critical deadline: You have only 30 days from the date of the Notice of Suspension to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing. Missing this deadline results in permanent license suspension for the statutory duration.
Actionable Steps:
- File Your Request Immediately: Don't wait until the last minute.
- Where to File: Send Form ADH-001 (or equivalent request document) and a $200 non-refundable fee (certified check) to the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings (OMVH) at the Edgar A. Brown Building, 1205 Pendleton St., Suite 325, Columbia, SC 29201.
- Certified Mail is Key: Send the request via tracked, certified mail with a return receipt requested. This provides proof that the OMVH received the documentation before the 30-day deadline.
Getting Your Temporary Alcohol License (TAL)
Successfully filing your hearing request within the 30-day window allows you to obtain a Temporary Alcohol License (TAL), restoring your driving privileges while your case is pending.
Actionable Steps:
- Confirm Hearing Scheduling: Once the OMVH confirms receipt and scheduling of your hearing, proceed to the next step.
- Visit the Aiken SCDMV: Physically visit the SCDMV branch on Richland Ave East in Aiken to process your TAL.
- Beware Wednesday Openings: The Richland Ave East branch has a delayed opening of 9:30 AM on Wednesdays, compared to 8:30 AM on other weekdays. Check the SCDMV's online wait-time tracker to avoid delays.
Mandatory ADSAP Enrollment: Aiken Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Services
A DUI conviction in South Carolina mandates participation in the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP). The DMV will not reinstate your license until they receive notification of ADSAP completion.
Actionable Steps:
- Enroll Within 30 Days: Enroll in ADSAP within 30 days of your conviction to avoid being held in contempt of court.
- Contact the Aiken Center: Contact the Aiken Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Services at 1105 Gregg Hwy, Aiken, SC 29801, or call (803) 649-1900. They are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Prepare for Assessment and Costs: Be prepared for a clinical assessment to determine your program placement (standard education or intensive outpatient treatment). The base fee for educational services is $500, but intensive treatment can increase the cost up to $2,500.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Installation
"Emma's Law" mandates the use of Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) for DUI offenders in South Carolina. You'll need to use a certified private vendor for installation.
Actionable Step: Contact a certified IID installer serving Aiken County to schedule your installation. If your vehicle was impounded at Eastside Automotive & Towing (195 Beaufort St, Aiken, SC 29801), you can coordinate your Intoxalock installation there for convenience.
SR-22 Insurance Filing
A DUI conviction requires filing an SR-22 insurance certificate, proving you maintain continuous, high-risk liability coverage.
Actionable Step: Contact your local Aiken insurance agent to originate the SR-22 policy. The insurance carrier will electronically file the certificate with the SCDMV.
By understanding these key steps and deadlines, you can proactively navigate the DUI process in Aiken County and work towards minimizing the impact on your life. Remember to contact the Aiken Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Services at (803) 649-1900 to begin your ADSAP enrollment within 30 days of conviction.
Sources
South Carolina Penal Code
Aiken County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety