Bond Hearing
If you’ve been charged with a crime in South Carolina, you are likely worried and concerned for your future. If your loved one has been arrested, you will naturally want them out of jail as soon as possible. The process of posting bond can be confusing, but with the help of an experienced Georgetown criminal defense attorney, you can post bond and get out of jail before your trial starts.
If you are charged with a crime in the state of South Carolina, it is your legal right to obtain a lawyer. According to South Carolina law, the maximum length of time that you can be held without a bond hearing is 24 hours; however, many bond hearings are set within eight to twelve hours. This gives you ample time to ensure that a Georgetown Bond Hearing attorney is working on your behalf.
What is a Bond Hearing in the State of South Carolina?
A bond hearing is the first thing that occurs after your arrest. You are not required to enter a plea or file any motions during your bond hearing; it is merely an opportunity for the judge to grant you bond, and decide what, if any, conditions should be placed on that bond.
You will be expected to be present at your bond hearing in court, either physically or via video. If you have obtained a lawyer to represent you, they will be present in court also.
During your bond hearing, the court will hear the details of the crime that you have been charged with, and may sometimes listen to a statement from the victims of the crime. At this point, it is crucial to retain the services of a dedicated Georgetown Criminal Defense attorney, as they will speak on your behalf to the court to ensure that an affordable bond is secured for you.
How Will the Court Decide the Bond?
The court takes into consideration a multitude of issues when deciding your bond amount and terms. The first and most important aspect is whether your crime is a misdemeanor or a felony. The court will then discuss the severity of your crime. It is important to note that the more violent the offense was, the less the likelihood of you getting bail will be.
During your bond hearing, the judge will ask you questions regarding your ties to the community, such as details about your family and occupation. It is crucial to understand that any answers you give to these questions can be used against you later in your trial.
When you retain the services of Snow & Woods, Attorneys at Law, LLC, we will advise you the best way to proceed during your bond hearing. Our Georgetown bond hearing attorneys have over two decades of courtroom experience, and we will ensure that your case is fought strategically and aggressively. If you have been arrested in Georgetown, or anywhere else in the state of South Carolina, call us today for a complimentary discussion of your case and how we can help you.
After the judge has heard all that they need to, they will make their decision to set your bond or deny it. There may be several conditions set as a requirement for your bond, and you must accept them to post bond.
How do You Post Bond in South Carolina?
Once your bond and the pertaining conditions have been set and accepted at your hearing, you and your lawyer will receive a form with all of the necessary information. It is then typically up to a family member or your lawyer to post your bond with the Clerk of the Court.
It is important to note that there are various types of bonds available, including surety bonds, property bonds, and personal recognizance. Which bond is better for you depends on your individual financial situation. It is vital that you discuss your options with an experienced South Carolina Criminal defense attorney.
Once your bond has been received, the Clerk of the Court will write a letter of release. This can then be presented to your detention center and used to secure your release.
What Should You do if Your Bond is not set in South Carolina?
There are sometimes cases in which your bond is not set. This typically occurs if the crime was violent, or if you’re considered to be a flight risk. It is up to the judge who is overseeing your bond to make that determination. It’s also important to note that once a decision has been made, it is not possible to appeal it — therefore, it is crucial that you speak to a knowledgeable Georgetown criminal defense attorney.
At Snow & Woods, Attorneys at Law, LLC, we understand that getting arrested can be a traumatic experience and have lifelong consequences. You may lose your ability to work, or in the worst case, lose your freedom.
When you retain the services of Snow & Woods, Attorneys at Law, LLC, you are investing in your future. Remember, in the United States; you are innocent until proven guilty. With several decades of experience defending clients all across the state of North Carolina and South Carolina, we can help you to understand the bond process and focus on building an aggressive defense for your upcoming trial.