A Bail Bond is a value the court places on a defendant charged with a crime.  This value is determined by law by a preset range of amounts. Then a judge determines what specific amount is within that range to assign case by case.  This amount is based on factors of risk as the judge concludes it is appropriate within the preset fine amount or damages involved in the violation.

Bail is assurance to the court..i.e. public that this individual will not add more burden or risk to the community, by costing more if they fail to appear to answer for crimes charged against them.

Yes. When a bail agency posts a bail bond with the jail or court, the bail agency is takes responsibility for the defendant to appear at all future court dates and will hold them accountable for complying with release conditions as outlined in the bond by the judge. For instance, if a defendant does not follow the terms and conditions of the bail agency or conditions written on the release order by the judge, then the defendant risks being returned to jail. We offer the comfort of not being in a jail cell but if a defendant fails to communicate or check in as required, then they may be returned to jail.

This varies from state to state. In South Carolina, only a legally licensed SC Department of Insurance bail/surety agent may charge up to 15% of the bail set for by the court. However, charging 10% of the bail for bonding services has become common practice.

Additionally, bail agents recognize that these things often occur without warning, and large bail bond amounts may be hard to produce on short notice. We’re happy to negotiate a case-by-case review of the needs for payment arrangements to make it possible to complete the defendant's release.

Giggie's Bonding, LLC considers a 10% discount for members of the US Military, active and veteran clients (defendants), or their indemnitor (requestor, who signs the guarantee).

This could be misleading since a company would go out of business writing free bail. Some companies will take a lien on your house and require monthly payments to cover the bail premium with a minimum amount of money down. In South Carolina, a cash down payment of fees of no less than twenty-five dollars is required. It is illegal to release a defendant with zero money paid down in South Carolina but there is a proposal to increase that minimum amount.

Each case is different. We strive to find a solution that helps families secure their loved one's release. Our goal is to bring families together. With high bail amounts or when a defendant is considered high-risk for failure to appear history, collateral will be required. Don't be afraid to call and ask us if you need collateral!

Cash or anything of resale value. Due to the nature of our industry, we require what is often referred to as "real property," land or a home permanently placed on land. When that’s not available, we can negotiate an amount of cash that we feel is best able to offset our loss should the defendant fail to comply with court appearances.

When a homeowner is signing for collateral, we may not require a lien unless forfeiture occurs. In many large bond cases, the underwriting surety company may require the lien to be placed by the local agency before the bond initiates. When this occurs, a more specific review of the property will ensue after the estimated equitable value documents are signed and the release is considered secured.

This is determined by the recent sale amounts for homes similar to yours. For instance, if you currently owe $375,000.00 on your home and the homes in your area are being sold for $475,000.00, then you have $100,000.00 equity. It depends on the condition of your home and the current market. If you have questions, call us!

The court will issue a warrant for the defendant. A notice will also be sent to us regarding the failure to appear. If this happens, the person(s) requesting the defendant's release (the indemnitor) will be required to assist the bonding company with recovering the defendant.

In South Carolina, Giggie's Bonding, LLC has 90 days from the date of the warrant issuance to place the defendant back in custody. If the defendant is not found, that is either re-incarcerated or the bench warrant recalled, the full bail amount may be required. This is in addition to any cost that has occurred due to searching for the defendant.

Bench warrants are a second charge. They do not necessarily go away, even if the original charge is dismissed. Bench warrants should be avoided like the plague! Even if you are found guilty, a bench warranty can add years and thousands of dollars to your sentence because it is a separate violation of the court from the original charge. We have a long history of working with our clients. Sometimes people who have been in full compliance have an event and unintentionally miss one of many court appearances. If our client's attorney can affect a bench warrant recall, most times we will agree to continue the bond whenever possible. It should be noted that this is a rare event. The court considers unavailable equal to death, current incarceration, or hospitalization the only excuses. Not receiving your card due to moving, forgetting, needing transportation, etc. is not acceptable.