Greenville County DUI Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a DUI arrest in Greenville 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 Greenville 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.
Greenville County Bail Process After DUI Arrest
Being arrested for DUI in Greenville County can be a frightening experience. One of your first concerns will likely be how to get out of jail. This guide provides a step-by-step explanation of the bail process in Greenville County, South Carolina, helping you understand your options and what to expect. Bail is essentially a financial guarantee to the court that you will appear for all scheduled court dates. After a DUI arrest, you'll typically be held at the Greenville County Detention Center (GCDC) until you can post bail or are released on your own recognizance.
Typical Bail Amounts for DUI
Bail amounts in Greenville County for DUI charges are influenced by South Carolina state law and the specifics of your case, particularly your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) and any prior offenses. Remember, bond amounts cannot legally exceed the maximum allowable fine for that specific charge.
- First Offense: For a first offense DUI with a BAC under 0.10%, expect a bail amount up to $400. If your BAC was between 0.10% and 0.15%, the bail could be up to $500. If the BAC exceeded 0.15%, the bond can reach up to $1,000.
- With Injury: Bail amounts increase significantly if the DUI resulted in injuries to another person. The exact amount will depend on the severity of the injuries and the specific charges filed.
- With Prior Offenses: Repeat DUI offenses carry substantially higher bail amounts. For a second offense DUI, bond amounts scale from $2,100 up to $6,500 depending on the BAC tier. Third or subsequent offenses can result in even higher bail amounts and may involve felony charges, significantly increasing the bond.
How to Post Bail in Greenville County
You have several options for posting bail in Greenville County:
Option 1: cash bail
- How it Works: You pay the full bail amount directly to the Greenville County Detention Center.
- Refund: If you appear for all your court dates, approximately 90% of the cash bail is typically returned to you after your case concludes.
- Where to Pay: You can deposit funds for the inmate utilizing 24/7 lobby kiosks located at 20 McGee Street and 4 McGee Street.
- Payment Methods: The kiosks accept cash without limits or credit cards (capped at $100 every 48 hours). Detention Center staff are expressly prohibited by policy from providing information regarding an inmate's internal account balances over the telephone.
Option 2: bail bondsman
- How it Works: You pay a non-refundable fee to a licensed bail bondsman, typically 10-15% of the total bail amount. The bondsman then posts the full bail amount on your behalf.
- What You'll Need: You'll typically need a valid photo ID, information about the person in custody (name, date of birth, charges), and potentially collateral or a co-signer, depending on the bondsman's requirements.
- Finding a Bondsman: Directory listings of licensed bail bondsmen who serve the Greenville County jail are available on this site.
Option 3: property bond
- How it Works: You use real estate or other valuable property as collateral to secure your release.
- Value Requirement: The property's value must be significantly higher than the bail amount, often 150-200% of the required bail.
- Processing Time: Property bonds typically take longer to process than cash or surety bonds due to the need for appraisals and legal documentation.
Option 4: personal recognizance (pr bond)
- How it Works: You are released on your own promise to appear in court, without having to post any financial security.
- Eligibility: PR bonds are more common for first-time offenders with strong ties to the community and a low perceived flight risk.
- County-Specific Eligibility: The magistrate evaluates several factors, including the severity of the offense, the defendant's criminal history, community ties, and flight risk, to determine the appropriate type of bond.
Timeline: How Long Until Release?
The time it takes to be released after posting bail can vary:
- Typical Processing Time: Once bail is posted, the Greenville County Detention Center aims to release inmates within four (4) hours after receiving the official judicial authorization, known as an "Order for Bail".
- Best Times to Post Bail: Posting bail during regular business hours (Monday-Friday) may expedite the process, as court staff are readily available to process the necessary paperwork.
- Potential Delays: Several factors can delay release, including facility emergencies, internal lockdowns, shift changes, and scheduled inmate meal periods. The GCDC cannot initiate the release protocol until they receive the official judicial authorization, known as an "Order for Bail." This Order is prepared by the Solicitor or defense attorney, signed by the judge, filed with the Clerk of Court, and subsequently faxed to the Detention Center to be entered into the jail records.
What Happens After Posting Bail
After being released on bail, you are subject to certain conditions:
- Conditions of Release: You must agree to appear for all scheduled court dates. You may also be subject to other conditions, such as abstaining from alcohol, attending counseling, or refraining from contacting the alleged victim.
- Court Appearance: You will receive a notice of your court date. It is crucial to appear on time.
- Failure to Appear: If you fail to appear in court, a warrant will be issued for your arrest, and you will forfeit the bail money.
Special Considerations in Greenville County
A critical systemic anomaly is that South Carolina is one of only two states in the nation where arresting police officers act as their own prosecutors in magistrate and municipal courts. This dynamic can complicate the trial process. Be sure to consult with a DUI attorney to understand your rights and options.
Frequently Asked Questions
1Where is the Greenville County Detention Center located? The Greenville County Detention Center is located at 20 McGee Street, Greenville, SC 29601.
2How can I find out the bail amount for someone arrested for DUI in Greenville County? You can potentially verify bond amounts using the online inmate search portal. However, contacting a licensed bail bondsman may also be helpful.
3What is the phone number for the Greenville County Detention Center? The booking/inmate lookup phone number is 864-467-2330.
Browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Greenville County in our bail bond directory.