How 007 Bonds Works in South Carolina
What 007 Bonds are and how they work
A 007 Bond is a type of bail bond issued in South Carolina under Rule 7.07 of the South Carolina Rules of Criminal Procedure. It allows a person arrested and held in custody to be released before trial by posting a bond through a bail bondsman, rather than paying the full bail amount to the court directly. The bondsman puts up the money on your behalf, and you pay the bondsman a non-refundable fee—typically 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount set by the judge.
When you use a 007 Bond, the bail bondsman becomes responsible for ensuring you show up to all court dates. If you fail to appear, the bondsman can hire a bounty hunter to locate you, and you may owe the full bail amount. The bond remains in effect until the case is resolved or the court releases you from the bond obligation.
Key Takeaways
- A 007 Bond lets you pay a bondsman's fee instead of the full bail amount to the court, typically costing 10 to 15 percent of your bail.
- The bondsman posts the bail money with the court and is legally responsible if you fail to appear in court.
- You must meet any conditions set by the judge, such as travel restrictions, check-ins, or staying away from certain people.
- The fee you pay the bondsman is non-refundable, even if your case is dismissed or you are found not guilty.
- If you cannot afford a bondsman's fee, you can ask the judge for a personal recognizance bond or a reduced bail amount at your first court appearance.
How the 007 Bond process works in South Carolina
After arrest, you are taken to a local detention facility where a bail hearing is held, usually within 24 hours. The judge sets a bail amount based on the charges, your criminal history, ties to the community, and whether you are considered a flight risk. Once bail is set, you or a family member can contact a bail bondsman licensed in South Carolina.
The bondsman will ask for information about you, the charges, and the bail amount. They may require collateral—such as a car title, house deed, or jewelry—to secure the bond. You sign a contract agreeing to the terms, pay the non-refundable fee, and the bondsman files the bond with the court. Once the court accepts it, you are released from custody, usually within hours.
Throughout your case, you must comply with all conditions of release set by the judge. These may include reporting to a bail bondsman's office on a schedule, not leaving the county without permission, avoiding contact with alleged victims or witnesses, or submitting to drug testing. Violating any condition can result in your arrest and the forfeiture of the bond.
Costs and fees associated with 007 Bonds
The primary cost is the bondsman's fee, which is a percentage of the total bail amount. South Carolina law allows bondsmen to charge up to 15 percent of the bail, though some charge less. This fee is non-refundable—you do not get it back even if you are acquitted or the charges are dropped. If your bail is $5,000, for example, the fee would be $500 to $750.
Some bondsmen may also charge additional fees for services such as collateral storage, payment plans, or travel permits. Always ask the bondsman to explain all fees in writing before you sign the contract. If collateral is required, you may also face storage or insurance fees if the bondsman holds physical items like a vehicle title.
Collateral requirements and what happens to it
Many bail bondsmen require collateral to reduce their financial risk. Collateral is an asset you pledge as security—if you fail to appear in court, the bondsman can sell or keep it to cover the bail amount. Common forms of collateral include vehicle titles, real estate deeds, jewelry, electronics, or bank account information.
If you show up for all court dates and comply with bond conditions, your collateral is returned once the case is closed and the bond is exonerated by the court. If you fail to appear, the bondsman may keep or sell the collateral. Some bondsmen offer payment plans that reduce or eliminate the need for collateral, but these typically come with higher fees or stricter conditions.
When a 007 Bond may not be an option
Not all arrests result in bail being set. Judges may deny bail entirely in cases involving serious felonies, repeat offenders, or people deemed a danger to the community or a flight risk. In these cases, you remain in custody until trial or until a judge reconsiders bail at a later hearing.
Additionally, some charges—such as certain domestic violence offenses or crimes involving weapons—may come with conditions that make a standard 007 Bond unavailable. The judge may order a higher bail amount, require electronic monitoring, or impose other restrictions that a bondsman cannot accommodate.
Alternatives to 007 Bonds
If you cannot afford a bondsman's fee or do not have collateral, you can ask the judge for a personal recognizance bond (PR bond), which releases you on your own promise to appear without paying anything upfront. The judge considers your ties to the community, employment, family, and criminal history. If approved, you sign a document promising to return to court, and you are released.
You can also request that the judge reduce the bail amount at your first court appearance. Bring evidence of stable employment, community ties, or financial hardship. Some judges will lower bail or convert it to a PR bond based on your circumstances. A public defender or private attorney can argue on your behalf for a reduction.
Another option is a property bond, where you pledge real estate you own as collateral directly to the court instead of using a bondsman. This avoids the bondsman's fee, but the court holds a lien on the property until the case ends.
Your responsibilities while on a 007 Bond
Once released on a 007 Bond, you must treat it seriously. Attend every court date on time—missing even one appearance can result in immediate arrest and forfeiture of the bond. Keep the bail bondsman informed of any changes to your address, phone number, or employment.
Follow all conditions of release exactly as ordered by the judge. If you are required to check in with the bondsman weekly, do so. If you are ordered to stay in the county, do not leave without written permission. If you are told to avoid contact with a witness, do not attempt to reach them by phone, email, or through a third party. Any violation gives the bondsman grounds to revoke the bond and have you arrested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my bondsman's fee back if my case is dismissed?
No. The fee you pay a bondsman is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your case. Even if you are found not guilty or the charges are dropped, the bondsman keeps the fee as payment for posting the bond and managing the risk.
What happens if I miss a court date while on a 007 Bond?
Missing a court date is a serious violation. The judge will issue a warrant for your arrest, and the bondsman can hire a bounty hunter to locate you. You may also be charged with failure to appear, which is a separate crime. The full bail amount becomes due immediately, and any collateral you posted can be seized.
Can I travel out of state while on a 007 Bond?
Most judges restrict travel as a condition of release. You typically cannot leave the county or state without written permission from the judge or the bondsman. If you need to travel for work or family reasons, ask the bondsman to request permission from the court. Traveling without approval is a bond violation and can result in arrest.
What is the difference between a 007 Bond and a personal recognizance bond?
A 007 Bond requires you to pay a bondsman's fee, and the bondsman posts bail with the court. A personal recognizance bond releases you on your own promise with no fee and no bondsman involved. PR bonds are typically offered to people with strong community ties and no criminal history, while 007 Bonds are used when the judge requires financial security.
Can I change bondsmen if I am unhappy with mine?
Changing bondsmen is difficult once a bond is posted. You would need to pay off the original bond and have a new bondsman post a replacement bond, which means paying another fee. It is better to choose a reputable bondsman carefully before signing the contract. If you have concerns about your bondsman's conduct, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Insurance, which regulates bail bondsmen.