Anderson County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Anderson 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 Anderson 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 Bail and Vehicle Impound After a DUI Arrest in Anderson County, SC
If you've been arrested for DUI in Anderson County, South Carolina, your immediate concerns likely revolve around securing your release and retrieving your vehicle. Understanding the specific procedures in Anderson County is crucial, as delays can lead to prolonged incarceration and escalating impound fees. This guide provides actionable information to help you navigate these initial steps.
Securing Your Release: Anderson County Detention Center
Release from the Anderson County Detention Center hinges on the bond court schedule. Bond hearings are held at specific times, and missing a window can mean staying in jail longer than necessary. The Anderson County Detention Center is located at 100 S Fant St, Anderson, SC 29624.
Key Steps:
- Contact the Detention Center: Have a family member or friend call the Anderson County Detention Center at (864) 260-4180 to confirm the bond hearing schedule and any specific requirements for release.
- Attend Bond Hearing: Ensure someone is present at the bond hearing to advocate for your release and understand the conditions of your bond.
- Arrange Payment: Be prepared to pay the bond amount, which can vary depending on the severity of the charges and your prior record.
Vehicle Impound: City of Anderson vs. County/State Arrests
The process for retrieving your vehicle depends on which law enforcement agency made the arrest. The City of Anderson Police Department has a distinct impound procedure compared to the Anderson County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) and the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP).
City of Anderson Police Department Impounds:
If arrested by the City of Anderson Police Department, your vehicle is likely impounded at the City of Anderson Public Works facility. This involves a two-step payment process:
- Payment at City Hall: You must first pay the impound fee at the City of Anderson Municipal Center, located at 401 S Main St, Anderson, SC 29624. The fee is typically $150.
- Vehicle Retrieval at Public Works: After paying at City Hall, you must then travel to the Public Works facility to retrieve your vehicle. Note that the Public Works facility has limited operating hours and may close early or have midday operational blackouts. Failure to retrieve your vehicle promptly will result in daily storage fees.
ACSO and SCHP Impounds:
If arrested by the ACSO or SCHP, your vehicle is towed by a private wrecker service operating on a rotation list.
Key Steps:
- Contact Dispatch: To locate your vehicle, contact the Anderson County Sheriff's Office central dispatch at (864) 260-4444. They can provide the name and location of the towing company.
- Contact Towing Company: Contact the towing company directly to inquire about their fees, payment methods, and operating hours. Be aware that private towing companies generally charge storage fees continuously, including weekends and holidays.
- Arrange Payment and Retrieval: Gather the necessary documentation (driver's license, proof of ownership, etc.) and arrange payment to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible to minimize storage fees.
Sobriety Checkpoints and Increased Enforcement
Anderson County actively participates in DUI enforcement campaigns, including sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols. These are often concentrated on Friday and Saturday nights between 6:00 PM and 3:00 AM, particularly along Interstate 85, tourist routes, and border crossings like the US-29 bridge at the Georgia state line. Be aware of increased enforcement during holidays and special events, such as "Blackout Wednesday" before Thanksgiving and the "Hands Across the Border" campaign with Georgia and North Carolina.
Specialized DUI Task Forces
The Anderson County Sheriff's Office utilizes specialized DUI task forces funded by grants. These officers are highly trained in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), making it more challenging to challenge the validity of the arrest based on procedural errors.
Next Steps
After securing your release and retrieving your vehicle, your next step should be to understand the charges against you and your legal options. Contact the Anderson County Clerk of Court at (864) 260-4070 to obtain copies of the arrest warrant and any related documents. This information will be crucial in building your defense.
Sources
South Carolina Penal Code
Anderson County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety