FAQ's

Bail is the amount of money the judge sets to allow a person to get out of jail before an arraignment or preliminary hearing.

Whether the judge sets bail is based on:

• Type and seriousness of the charge(s)

• Prior failures to appear

• Criminal record/history

• Community connections

• The probability that the defendant will appear in court

A bail bond is surety bond that is guaranteed by a state licensed bail bondsman who is backed by an insurance company. The bail agent guarantees the court full payment of the bond if you fail to appear for scheduled court appearances.

The most common types of bail releases are as follows:

• Cash bail

• Surety bond

• Property bonds

• Personal recognizance

• Partially Secured

While each state sets non-negotiable bond rates, in South Carolina (and most states), the cost of a bail bond is based on a sliding scale ranging from 10-15%. The cost for a bond of $3000, for example, would be $300.

When Acceptance Bail Bonds makes arrangements for bail, we require payment prior to posting a bond. We understand that the cost of the bail bond is more than the amount of cash most people typically have on hand and offer various payment options and payment plans to help you or your family obtain a bail bond. Acceptance Bail Bonds accepts cash, Zelle, Venmo, Western Union, Moneygram, Chime, CashApp, and all major credit cards.

Yes, you may pay the jail directly. For a defendant to be released on cash bail, you must post the full amount of the bail with the court in the form of cash or cashier’s check. It is important to check with the bail clerk to verify forms of payment the jail will accept for a cash bond because options and restrictions may vary from one court jurisdiction to another. For large bail amounts, you may expect that the source of funds will have to be verified to ensure that the money is coming from legal sources.

Generally, obtaining a bail bond begins with a phone call to a bail bonds agency. At Acceptance Bail Bonds, we will ask for information about the defendant’s situation to determine the risk involved and will begin the bond approval process. Procedures differ from state to state.

Once the bail bond is approved, you will need to sign bail bond documents, i.e. an application, indemnity agreement, promissory note and confession of judgment. After the paperwork is finalized and payment has been made, a licensed bondsman will post the bail bond at the jail.

We specialize in arraignment cases where you can pre-arrange bail so that your loved one can be released from court right after the judge sets bond.

Call Acceptance Bail Bonds at 803-938-8595 or 803-316-3619. One of our agents will be happy to explain the process for a transfer bond. You may arrange a free consultation at our Sumter, SC office. Once you have signed the required bail bond documents, our insurance company will arrange for an agent to post the bond at the jail where the defendant is being held.

Collateral is something of value used to secure your debt obligation and ensure payment, such as cash or real estate. You will need documentation for your collateral, such as a deed to a home or vacant land, certificates of deposit, 401K, stock options, jewelry, or a passbook for a savings account.

As collateral, Acceptance Bail Bonds accepts real property nationwide.

If I use collateral for a bail bond, when can I expect to have my collateral returned?

When the defendant’s case has been completed and all financial obligations are satisfied, bail bond collateral is returned to you.