When the police decide to arrest someone for a South Carolina CDV charge the next several steps in their case are predictable:
First the defendant will be handcuffed by the police and put in the back of a police car.
Second the defendant will be driven to the jail. Most often this will be the main county jail.
Third the defendant will be booked. This will include being photographed and fingerprinted. The defendant's clothes and personal belongings will be taken and a jail uniform issued.
Fourth the defendant will be brought before a Magistrate judge for a bond setting. This usually occurs within 12-24 hours after being brought into the jail.
Fifth at the bond setting the defendant will be advised how much money must be posted to allow them to be released (the bond amount) pending their trial. The Court will also advise them of any no contact bond restrictions and give them the date and time for their trial in the next term of CDV Court (or appearance in General Sessions for a CDV 2nd, 3rd or DVHAN case.
It is advisable for anyone charged with a CDV offense in South Carolina to consult with an attorney soon after they are released from jail, and before they appear in CDV Court. If you would like to consult with a South Carolina Criminal Defense Attorney about your case contact CDV Lawyer James Snell at 1-888-301-6004. There is no cost for your first appointment in our Lexington office.