Charleston County DUI Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a DUI arrest in Charleston 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. Contact a Bail Bondsman
Need fast release in Charleston County? Contact a verified 24/7 Bail Bondsman to start the release process immediately.
Find a Bondsman4. 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.
Charleston County Bail Process After DUI Arrest
Being arrested for DUI in Charleston County, South Carolina can be a stressful and confusing experience. One of the first things you'll likely be concerned about is getting out of jail. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of the bail process in Charleston County, explaining your options and what to expect. Bail is essentially a financial guarantee that you will appear in court as required. It allows you to be released from custody while your case is pending.
Typical Bail Amounts for DUI
Bail amounts in Charleston County for DUI offenses can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your arrest, including your prior criminal record and whether anyone was injured. While there isn't a set bail schedule specifically for DUI in South Carolina, a bond may be set.
How to Post Bail in Charleston County
Several options are available for posting bail in Charleston County.
Option 1: cash bail
- How it works: This involves paying the full bail amount directly to the Charleston County Sheriff's Office.
- Refund: After your case concludes, approximately 90% of the cash bail is typically returned to you, provided you have met all court requirements.
- Where to pay: Bail can be posted at the Al Cannon Detention Center, operated by the Charleston County Sheriff's Office.
- Payment methods: Contact the Sheriff's Office to confirm acceptable payment methods.
Option 2: bail bondsman
- How it works: A bail bondsman agrees to pay the full bail amount on your behalf in exchange for a fee, typically 10-15% of the total bail. This fee is non-refundable.
- Requirements: To secure a bond, you'll likely need to provide the bondsman with identification, potentially some form of collateral, and possibly a co-signer who guarantees your appearance in court.
- Finding a bondsman: You can find a licensed bail bondsman near the Charleston County jail through directory listings.
Option 3: property bond
- How it works: Instead of cash, you can use real property as collateral to secure your release.
- Requirements: The property's value must be significantly higher than the bail amount, typically 150-200%. The process of securing a property bond can take longer than other methods due to the need for property valuation and legal documentation.
Option 4: personal recognizance (pr bond)
- How it works: A PR bond allows you to be released from custody based solely on your promise to appear in court. No financial guarantee is required.
- Eligibility: PR bonds are more common for first-time offenders with strong ties to the community and a low perceived risk of failing to appear.
- Charleston County considerations: Eligibility for a PR bond is determined on a case-by-case basis by the presiding judge or magistrate.
Timeline: How Long Until Release?
The time it takes to be released after posting bail can vary.
- Typical processing time: The processing time at the Al Cannon Detention Center can range from a few hours to potentially longer, depending on the time of day and the volume of inmates being processed.
- Best times to post bail: Posting bail during regular business hours may expedite the release process, as more staff are available to handle the paperwork.
- Potential delays: Delays can occur due to system outages, high jail population, or complications with paperwork.
What Happens After Posting Bail
After posting bail, you will be released from custody, but you must adhere to certain conditions.
- Conditions of release: These may include abstaining from alcohol and drugs, avoiding contact with certain individuals, and remaining within Charleston County or South Carolina.
- Court appearance: You will receive a notice to appear in court on a specific date and time. It is crucial to attend all scheduled court appearances.
- Consequences of missing court: Failure to appear in court can result in the forfeiture of your bail, the issuance of a warrant for your arrest, and additional criminal charges.
Special Considerations in Charleston County
Charleston County arresting police officers are frequently required to act as the sole prosecutors for their own DUI cases in summary courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1Where is the Al Cannon Detention Center located in Charleston County? The Al Cannon Detention Center is located at 3841 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405. Charleston County Sheriff's Office: Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center - Processing
2Can I search for an inmate in Charleston County online? Yes, the Charleston County Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate search tool. Sheriff's Office | Charleston County, SC | Search for Arrests
3Where can I find information about ADSAP (Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program) in Charleston County? Charleston County residents can find ADSAP information at the Charleston Center, a division of the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS). Charleston Center: Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) You can also view the ADSAP brochure online. Alcohol & Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP)
Browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Charleston County in our bail bond directory.