Phones answered 24/7 · Across from the Al Cannon Detention Center843-747-8888
ROBINSONBail Bonds · Since 1973
Call 24/7
Bail bonds · 24/7

Bail bonds in Charleston, explained.

A bail bond is a promise, backed by an insurance company, that the defendant will come to every court date. You pay a premium set by state law, and the defendant goes home to prepare a defense.

Call 843-747-8888 Directions to our office

How a bail bond works

When a magistrate sets bond, there are two ways out: pay the full amount in cash, or hire a licensed bondsman to post a surety bond. With a surety bond, Robinson guarantees the whole amount to the court and you pay only the premium.

The person who signs for the bond (the indemnitor, or co-signer) promises the defendant will appear in court. If they do, the bond is discharged at the end of the case. If they do not, the bond can be forfeited, and the co-signer is responsible.

What it costs in South Carolina

Bondsmen cannot set any price they like. SC Code 38-53-170 caps the premium at 15% of the bond, with a minimum of $100 or 10%, whichever is greater. On a $5,000 bond that means $500 to $750. The premium is the fee for the service and is not refunded.

Payment agreements: the law allows a written plan with at least $100 down, paid off within 18 months. Try the calculator to see an example.

What to have ready when you call

  • The defendant's full legal name and date of birth
  • Which jail they are in, and the booking number if you have it
  • The charges and the bond amount, if it has been set
  • A valid photo ID for the co-signer

Types of bonds we write

  • Surety bonds for state charges in magistrate, municipal and General Sessions courts
  • Bonds with monitoring conditions: GPS, house arrest or alcohol monitoring fitted at release
  • Large and complex bonds: Robinson has handled some of the largest bonds in Charleston
  • Transfer bonds for arrests outside South Carolina (see transfer bonds)
Step by step

From booking to home

  1. Booking

    After an arrest the person is booked into the county detention center. Booking can take several hours. Check the county inmate search to confirm they are in custody.

  2. Bond hearing

    A magistrate sets the bond amount and any conditions, such as GPS, house arrest or alcohol monitoring, or no contact with an alleged victim.

  3. Call Robinson

    Call 843-747-8888, day or night. Have the full name, date of birth, the jail and the bond amount ready. We will explain the cost and what happens next.

  4. Paperwork and premium

    The co-signer completes the applications, in person on our porch or online, and pays the premium or starts a payment agreement allowed by state law.

  5. Monitoring fitted

    If the judge ordered GPS or alcohol monitoring, we fit the device at release and go over every rule before anyone leaves.

  6. Home

    We post the bond across the street and the jail processes the release. Then the job is making every court date. Ask us about TouchPoint court-date reminders.

Bail bonds by county

Home base

Charleston County

Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center, Leeds Avenue, North CharlestonMonday to Friday: 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PMCharleston bail bonds

Berkeley County

Hill-Finklea Detention Center, Moncks CornerBerkeley County does not publish a fixed public schedule. Call us for the next session.Berkeley bail bonds

Dorchester County

Dorchester County Detention Center, SummervilleEvery day: 9:00 AM and 3:00 PMDorchester bail bonds

Someone you love is waiting.

843-747-8888

Call now. A Robinson agent answers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, holidays included.

3842 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405
Call 24/7Directions