Horry County DUI Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a DUI arrest in Horry County.
County Jail Information
J. Reuben Long Detention Center
Inmate Search
Use the online inmate locator to check booking status, bail amount, and release information.
What to Expect
Booking Process
2-8 hours for processing, fingerprinting, and photographing
Arraignment
Within 24-48 hours, bail set by judge
Release Options
Cash bond, bail bond, or personal recognizance (rare for DUI)
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 Horry 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.
Horry County Bail Process After DUI Arrest
Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Horry County can be a stressful experience. One of the first things you'll likely be concerned with is getting out of jail. This guide provides a clear explanation of the bail process in Horry County, South Carolina, to help you understand 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 Horry County are set by a magistrate judge and can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case, including your prior criminal record, the severity of the offense, and any aggravating factors. There is no specific data available for DUI bail amounts.
How to Post Bail in Horry County
Several options exist for posting bail in Horry County.
Option 1: cash bail
- Pay Full Amount: You can pay the full bail amount in cash directly to the Horry County jail.
- Refund: After your case concludes, assuming you attend all required court appearances, you should receive approximately 90% of the cash bail back.
- Where to Pay: You can pay cash bail at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center located within Horry County.
- Payment Methods: Contact the Horry County Sheriff’s Office for accepted payment methods.
Option 2: bail bondsman
- Pay a Fee: Instead of paying the full bail amount, you can contract with a licensed bail bondsman. You will typically pay them a non-refundable fee, usually 10-15% of the total bail amount.
- Bondsman's Responsibility: The bail bondsman then posts the full bail amount with the court, guaranteeing your appearance.
- What You'll Need: To secure a bond, you will generally need to provide the bondsman with identification, potentially some form of collateral (e.g., a car title or property deed), and possibly a co-signer who agrees to be responsible if you fail to appear.
- Finding a Bondsman: Use the directory listings on this site to find a licensed bail bondsman near the Horry County jail.
Option 3: property bond
- Use Property as Collateral: A property bond involves using real estate as collateral to secure your release.
- Value Requirement: The property's value must typically be significantly higher than the bail amount, often 150-200%.
- Processing Time: Property bonds generally take longer to process than cash or surety bonds due to the need for a property appraisal and lien placement.
Option 4: personal recognizance (pr bond)
- Release on Promise: A Personal Recognizance (PR) bond allows you to be released from custody simply on your promise to appear in court.
- Eligibility: PR bonds are typically granted to first-time offenders with strong ties to the community and a low perceived risk of flight.
- Judge William Nathan Hutson: Hon. William Nathan Hutson presides over the detention center bond dockets, handling initial PR bond evaluations and bail settings at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center.
Timeline: How Long Until Release?
- Typical Processing Time: The processing time at the Horry County jail can vary, but it generally takes several hours to complete the necessary paperwork and release procedures after bail has been posted.
- Best Times to Post Bail: Posting bail during regular business hours may expedite the release process, as more staff are typically available to process the paperwork.
- Factors Delaying Release: Delays can occur due to high jail population, staff shortages, or complications with verifying the source of funds used for bail. If the DUI arrest resulted from a collision, the defendant will experience a substantially longer period of pre-trial incarceration because the court pauses proceedings to fulfill its statutory victim notification obligations.
What Happens After Posting Bail
- Conditions of Release: After posting bail, you will be subject to certain conditions of release. These may include abstaining from alcohol, avoiding contact with the alleged victim (if applicable), and remaining within Horry County or South Carolina.
- Court Appearance: You will receive a notice of your court date and time. It is crucial to attend all scheduled court appearances.
- Failure to Appear: If you fail to appear in court, a bench warrant will be issued for your arrest, and you will forfeit the bail money.
Special Considerations in Horry County
According to justiceislovely.com, bond hearings in Horry County are generally held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the Centralized Bond Court in Horry County? The Centralized Bond Court is located at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center.
- What happens if I violate the conditions of my release in Horry County? Violating the conditions of your release can result in your bail being revoked and you being returned to jail.
- Can I get my bail money back if my DUI charges are dropped in Horry County? Yes, if your DUI charges are dropped and you have met all court requirements, you should receive a refund of your cash bail (typically around 90%).
Browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Horry County in our bail bond directory.