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Terms Used In South Carolina Code 38-53-330

  • Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
  • Clerk of court: An officer appointed by the court to work with the chief judge in overseeing the court's administration, especially to assist in managing the flow of cases through the court and to maintain court records.
  • Principal: means a defendant or witness obligated to appear in court as required upon penalty of forfeiting bail under a bail bond. See South Carolina Code 38-53-10
  • Professional bondsman: means any person who is approved and licensed under the provisions of this chapter and who pledges cash or approved securities with the clerk of court as security for bail bonds written in connection with a judicial proceeding and receives or is promised money or other things of value for the pledge. See South Carolina Code 38-53-10
  • Surety: means one who, with the defendant, is liable for the amount of the bail bond upon forfeiture of bail. See South Carolina Code 38-53-10
No professional bondsman may act as a surety on any bail bond whose principal sum is in excess of one-half of the value of the securities deposited with the clerk of court at that time.