Richland County Detention Center Inmate Bail & Bonds
Richland County bail help for families
Richland County holds Columbia, the state capital. People arrested in Columbia, Forest Acres, Blythewood, Eastover, and Irmo are usually taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. Inmate search: Richland County Inmate Search.
1. Where is someone held after a Richland County arrest?
Adults go to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, 201 John Mark Dial Drive, Columbia, SC 29209 (803-576-3200).
Office hours are Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Search first with the Richland County Inmate Search.
2. Where is Richland County bond court?
Richland County Bond Court is inside the detention center (803-576-3281).
Magistrates hold four hearings a day. The office is open weekdays 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., and weekends 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
3. After an arrest in Richland County, who sets bond?
In Richland County, a magistrate usually sets bond (S.C. Code §22-5-510(A)). City judges can do this too (S.C. Code §14-25-45). A bond hearing is due within 24 hours (S.C. Code §22-5-510(B)). Once bond reaches the jail, staff have four hours to release (S.C. Code §22-5-510(B)).
Rules of evidence do not apply (S.C. Code §17-15-60).
4. How do I pay a bond at Richland bond court?
Bond court takes cash, money orders, or cashier's checks only.
Bring photo ID and the booking number. Release follows once paperwork reaches the jail (S.C. Code §22-5-510(B)).
5. How do visits work at Alvin S. Glenn?
- Visits run Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Each person gets one one-hour visit a week.
- Up to two visitors may come, each with photo ID.
- Visitors must register online first.
6. How can I put money on an account at Alvin S. Glenn?
Money orders can be dropped in the lobby from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
There is also a kiosk. Staff do not take payments at the counter.
7. Where is Columbia Municipal Court?
Columbia Municipal Court is at 811 Washington Street, Columbia, SC 29201 (803-545-3150).
It is open weekdays, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
8. When is bond court for Columbia police arrests?
- Arrests on the Richland side: 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the detention center.
- Arrests on the Lexington side: 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at 811 Washington Street.
Columbia judges have magistrate powers for bond (S.C. Code §14-25-45).
9. Where is the Richland County courthouse?
The Richland County Courthouse is at 1701 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
The Clerk of Court (803-576-1950) takes circuit cash bonds (S.C. Code §17-15-200).
10. What happens after bond court in Richland County?
The 5th Circuit Solicitor explains the next steps:
- A preliminary hearing may be held in summary court.
- General Sessions cases then have a First Appearance.
- A Second Appearance follows before trial or plea.
11. How does PTI work in Richland County?
Pretrial Intervention is for adults 18 and older with a first, nonviolent charge (S.C. Code §17-22-50).
The fee is $250. Most people do 30 to 50 hours of community service.
12. What other diversion options serve Richland County?
The 5th Circuit Solicitor also runs:
- Alcohol Education Program
- Traffic Education Program
- Worthless Check Unit
13. Does Richland County have treatment courts?
Yes. Options include:
- Adult Drug Court
- DUI Court
- Mental Health Court
- Veterans Treatment Court
- Columbia Homeless Court
A lawyer can ask whether one fits the case.
14. What if the arrest happened on Fort Jackson?
Charges on post can go to federal court in Columbia (28 U.S.C. §121).
Minor tickets go through the Central Violations Bureau and a U.S. magistrate judge.
Service members may also face the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
15. Does Richland County use personal recognizance bonds?
Often, yes. State law favors personal recognizance (S.C. Code §17-15-10(A)). It is a signed promise to return (S.C. Code §17-15-10(A)). A judge may require more for flight risk (S.C. Code §17-15-10(A)). The same goes for danger to others (S.C. Code §17-15-10(A)).
16. What kinds of bond are used in Richland County?
Here are the main options:
- Personal recognizance: A signed promise to appear (S.C. Code §17-15-10).
- Surety bond: A bondsman or other surety backs it (S.C. Code §17-15-10).
- Cash bond: You deposit the whole sum (S.C. Code §17-15-190).
- 10% deposit: Paying part of the bond (S.C. Code §17-15-15).
All bonds carry a good behavior term (S.C. Code §17-15-20). Leaving the state is barred, too, unless allowed (S.C. Code §17-15-20).
17. What counts in a Richland County bond hearing?
The judge may weigh family ties and work (S.C. Code §17-15-30(A)). So do finances and length of residence (S.C. Code §17-15-30(A)). Review of the criminal record is required (S.C. Code §17-15-30(B)). Police reports and other charges count (S.C. Code §17-15-30(B)). Since 2023, the judge asks about other open bonds (S.C. Code §17-15-30(B)).
18. When might a Richland County judge refuse bond?
It can happen for some charges (S.C. Const. art. I, §15). Bail may be refused for capital or life charges (S.C. Const. art. I, §15). The same is true for violent offenses (S.C. Code §16-1-60). A magistrate may deny bond for those (S.C. Code §22-5-510(A)).
For charges punishable by death or life, only a Richland County Court of General Sessions judge sets bond (S.C. Code §22-5-510(A)).
19. Is a 10% bond possible in Richland County?
Sometimes. The court may allow a 10% deposit (S.C. Code §17-15-15). The money goes to the Richland County Clerk of Court (S.C. Code §17-15-15). It comes back once all conditions are met (S.C. Code §17-15-15). Since 2023, it is barred for violent offenses (S.C. Code §17-15-15). It is also barred for a gun felony while on bond (S.C. Code §17-15-15).
20. What can a Richland County bondsman charge?
The legal cap is 15% of the bond (S.C. Code §38-53-170(e)). The minimum is $100 or 10%, whichever is greater (S.C. Code §38-53-170(e)). A plan can run 18 months, with $100 down (S.C. Code §38-53-170(e)).
Other rules to know:
- They need a state license (S.C. Code §38-53-80).
- Registration with the Clerk of Court office in Columbia is required (S.C. Code §38-53-260).
- Ask for a receipt for any collateral (S.C. Code §38-53-180).
You can check licenses online (SC Department of Insurance search).
21. Can a Richland County judge order GPS on bond?
Limits on travel, contact, or residence are common (S.C. Code §17-15-10(A)). Some people get a curfew (S.C. Code §17-15-10(A)). The written order lists each term (S.C. Code §17-15-40). Breaking one can bring a bench warrant (S.C. Code §17-15-40).
Courts may order GPS monitoring (S.C. Code §17-15-35). Usually the defendant covers the cost (S.C. Code §17-15-35). Cutting or damaging it is a separate crime (S.C. Code §24-13-425).
22. What if the Richland County charge is domestic violence?
The judge must have the record and incident report (S.C. Code §17-15-30(C)). The hearing still happens within 24 hours (S.C. Code §17-15-30(C)). Judges can weigh past abuse and order violations (S.C. Code §16-25-120). Expect no-contact terms (S.C. Code §16-25-120).
A third-degree DV case can stay in summary court (S.C. Code §16-25-20(D)).
23. Is missing court in Richland County a crime?
The court will issue a bench warrant (S.C. Code §38-53-70). A willful no-show is its own offense (S.C. Code §17-15-90). On a felony, it can mean five years (S.C. Code §17-15-90).
Missed a date? Contact the Clerk of Court office in Columbia quickly.
24. What happens to the surety in Richland County after a missed date?
The surety gets notice within 30 days (S.C. Code §38-53-70). There is a 90-day window to return them (S.C. Code §38-53-70). After that, the court forfeits the bond (S.C. Code §38-53-70). Partial remission is possible (S.C. Code §38-53-70).
25. How do we ask to change a Richland County bond?
File a motion for circuit review (S.C. Code §17-15-55(A)). File it with the Clerk of Court office in Columbia (S.C. Code §17-15-55(A)). A second try needs changed circumstances (S.C. Code §17-15-55(A)). Six months in jail also qualifies (S.C. Code §17-15-55(A)).
A new violent charge while on bond revokes the bond (S.C. Code §17-15-55(C)). The circuit judge rules within 30 days (S.C. Code §17-15-55(C)). It is also a new felony (S.C. Code §17-15-270).
26. Do we get Richland County bond money back?
A receipt is given for cash (S.C. Code §17-15-210). The deposit is repaid after the case ends (S.C. Code §17-15-220). A bondsman's fee is not refunded (S.C. Code §38-53-170). Pledged property is due back in 10 days (S.C. Code §38-53-170).
27. How do I reach the Richland County public defender?
The 5th Circuit Public Defender is at 1701 Main Street, Suite 103, Columbia (803-765-2592).
Ask for a lawyer at bond court. An income form comes first.
28. Do minors get bond in Richland County?
Juveniles go to family court, not bond court (S.C. Code §63-19-830). Locking up a child requires specific grounds (S.C. Code §63-19-820). Expect a detention hearing in 48 hours (S.C. Code §63-19-830). That count skips weekends (S.C. Code §63-19-830).
29. Where do Richland County federal cases go?
Federal cases from Richland County belong to the Columbia Division (28 U.S.C. §121). A U.S. magistrate judge decides release (18 U.S.C. §3142).
The clerk's office at 901 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201 (803-765-5816) takes filings.
30. Before visiting Richland County offices, what should I confirm?
Hours, fees, and payment types can change.
Call before you go.
- Bring a photo ID.
- Bring the booking or case number.
- Ask which payment forms are taken.
Laws change. A lawyer can confirm details.
Richland County bail contacts
- Jail
- Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, 201 John Mark Dial Drive, Columbia, SC 29209, 803-576-3200
- Courthouse
- Richland County Courthouse, 1701 Main Street, #205, Columbia, SC 29201, 803-576-1950
- Public defender
- Richland County Public Defender, 803-765-2592
- Judicial circuit
- 5th Judicial Circuit
- Federal court
- U.S. District Court, Columbia Division; clerk at 901 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201, 803-765-5816
- Bondsman licenses
- SC Department of Insurance search
- Inmate search
- Richland County Inmate Search
Judges set release terms case by case. Nothing here is legal advice.
Paying an Inmate's Bail or Bond in Richland County
The Richland County Sheriff recommends that you might want to use a bail bond agent licensed to do business in Richland County.
However if you don't want to use a bail bond agent:
- You can always pay a cash bond yourself, or use your home in Richland County, or in some cases the state of South Carolina, but the benefit of using a bail bond agent is that they take responsibility for making sure the inmate shows up for court in Richland County, and if they don't, then they take the financial responsibility.
- The typical fee for a bond in South Carolina is between 10-20% of the bail amount; usually 15% or less. So if an offender has a bail of $10,000.00, their bond will be $1,500.00.
- Pay by cash, cashier's check, money order or credit card at the Richland County Detention Center, or the courthouse in Richland County where the offense took place.
Call 803-576-3200 to find out the exact bond (plus other fees) amount, or look it up online by looking up the information on the Richland County inmate locator.
Richland County Detention Center
Address:
201 John Mark Dial Drive
Columbia, SC 29209
Phone:
803-576-3200
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Richland County
Does Richland County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Richland County?
Who can set bail in Richland County?
When is bail set in Richland County South Carolina?
Does Richland County have bail?
Yes, Richland County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Richland County?
Richland County recognizes most types of bonds as listed at this site. The court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest.
Who can set bail in Richland County?
Magistrate or Municipal judges conduct most bond hearings. Circuit Court judges must set bond on charges where the penalty is life imprisonment or death.
When is bail set in Richland County South Carolina?
Bail is set at the bond hearing when the judge sets the amount and conditions of a bond. This will generally occur within 24 hours from the time of arrest, not counting weekends or holidays. During this time, the solicitor learns about the crime and creates the charges.
In cases where the crime could result in life imprisonment or death sentence, the bond must be heard in the circuit court at the next term of General Sessions Court.
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in Richland County must pay or do to stay out of jail until the first court appearance. Bail is not a punishment.
The agreement to bail acts as a promise that the arrested will return to court for court dates and trial. Bail usually refers to a dollar amount, but bail can also mean something that has to be done, or a condition such as reporting to an officer of the court, a curfew, restraining orders or attending a treatment program.
Bail is usually a significant enough amount of money and/or condition that the person will be negatively impacted and has incentive to return to court and not flee. A flight risk usually means that the person would flee the area, and not necessary that they are going to take an airplane.
If a judge in Richland County feels that the arrested will return to court for further proceedings, the arrested could be released under a conditional release without needing to pay bail money. This is called Released on Own Recognizance, or ROR. South Carolina state law requires that all accused be ROR unless they would be a danger to public safety or a flight risk.
Conditions for ROR might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court.
If the judge or bail schedule determines that the defendant would be a danger to the public if they were released, bail can be denied, and the person will be detained in the Richland County Detention Center until the case is resolved or goes to trial.
Bail can be denied if the defendant did not comply with bail conditions from a previous arrest. Bail is usually denied in cases of violent offenses.
What is the difference between Bail and Bond?
Bail and bond are used interchangeably to mean the same thing but technically, they are different.
The bail is the amount to be paid and a bond is a signed document promising payment of the bail amount with certain conditions.
Think of a bond as a loan to pay for the bail.
The bond payment is always written to the court in your municipality, Richland County or district directly and does not go through the defendant. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.
The thought of being in jail can cause the arrested to panic and try to secure a bond immediately.
DO NOT panic and take the time to understand all the options.
More courts are now trying to work with defendants to make bail work and might provide non-monetary options or even reduce the bail.
Payments to a bond company are not refundable. It is a long process to get back property title or money that was given to the clerk of court or bondsperson to secure the bond. This could put your loved ones into a difficult financial situation.
Another reason not to unnecessarily rush into securing a bond is that if the court notes that you came up with the money to pay a bond company, they may assume you have resources to pay a defense attorney and decline public defense.
On the other hand, as anyone who has ever been involved in their criminal defense understands, fighting your case while ‘out on the streets’ gives you a much better chance of either winning, or getting a more favorable sentence.
What are the different types of bonds in Richland County?
Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which types of bonds are available to them.
To describe the types of bonds, let’s use an example of buying your neighbor’s car. Your neighbor decides the price of the car and how they would be paid.
Similarly, the court (meaning a police or bail officer, clerk of court, bail magistrate or judge) determines the bail amount and how it would be paid.
Here are different options that the seller of the car or the court might consider:
You could pay full asking price for the car in cash. This is similar to paying cash bail. The full amount of bail would be paid to the town or county clerk or at the jail. Cash, cashier’s checks and credit cards are usually accepted.
You could sign an agreement on your own or with another person to pay for the car at a future date knowing that your neighbor would know where to find you if you stopped payment. This would be similar to a cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond which are bonds to where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front.
If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.
Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible for making sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.
Surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
You can put a deposit down for your neighbor’s car and sign an agreement that the car will be paid off at a later date. Cash percentage in lieu of bonds is when the defendant pays a percentage of the bail amount, usually 10%, to the court which then holds the money until the case is over. This option is commonly used in South Carolina and avoids the use of a bondsperson.
The amount is returned to the person who paid the 10% after the case is over. In most cases, the full amount is not returned if there are court fees or fines due. This is a type of surety bond if another person signs the bond paperwork.
You could sign an agreement that if the car were not paid off, that your neighbor would get your house or something of value.
A property bond is a bond that the courts might consider in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate (mobile homes are not accepted).
Usually, the property must be in the same state as the courts, and it must be worth at least 1 ½ - 2 times the amount of the bond.
There are multiple court fees involved to execute a property bond with the courts and a tedious process to get the property deed back. This is another type of surety bond if another person or a bond company is used to secure the bond.
You could also go to a local bank and take out a car loan offering property or anything of value for collateral. You may get someone to co-sign on the loan and offer their property. The bank charges fees, interest and could keep your property if you did not pay the loan back, or even on time.
A professional bondsperson makes money, at least 10% of the bond amount by providing you with a “loan” called a bond. The percent that they charge is fixed by the state and cannot be negotiated. The defendant or surety does not get that 10% or more back even if the terms of the bail are met.
With a property bond, the property deed would need to be signed over to the bondsperson and everyone on the deed would need to be involved.
Since the bondsperson signed off, to be responsible that you show to court as your surety, they can send a bounty hunter to bring you to court if you flee. A bondsperson does not have to give you a bond if the defendant seems to be too much of a risk.
Ask the bondsperson to explain all the costs: percentage, fees or court fees. There is never a reason to rush through signing the paperwork with a bond company. Make sure that everything told to you is in writing and that you understand what you are signing. Ask questions, and if you feel rushed or don’t understand the contract with the bond company, you might want to call another one.
(There have been phone scams where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information. A bondsperson will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.)
Does Richland County have bail?
Yes, Richland County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Richland County?
Richland County recognizes most types of bonds as listed at this site. The court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest.
Who can set bail in Richland County?
Magistrate or Municipal judges conduct most bond hearings. Circuit Court judges must set bond on charges where the penalty is life imprisonment or death.
When is bail set in South Carolina?
Bail is set at the bond hearing when the judge sets the amount and conditions of a bond. This will generally occur within 24 hours from the time of arrest, not counting weekends or holidays. During this time, the solicitor learns about the crime and creates the charges.
In cases where the crime could result in life imprisonment or death sentence, the bond must be heard in the circuit court at the next term of General Sessions Court.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Richland County South Carolina?
A General Sessions judge can modify a bond set by a Magistrate or Municipal Court judge. Modifications go both ways; judges can increase or decrease the bond amount. To get a bond modification, file a Motion to Reconsider Bond with the Clerk of Court.
In Richland County South Carolina, who can pay bail for me?
The person posting bail should be a relative or close friend or bondsperson, called a surety, because they are promising and taking responsibility that you will return to court to get their money back.
A surety is not responsible for court fees or paying off personal debts for the defendant. A professional bondsperson who is approved by the State of South Carolina could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.
The person who is posting bail pays the bond to the Clerk of Court at the same court as the bond hearing. In turn, they would receive a release letter to take back to the jail for release of the arrested person.
Can bail be paid online in Richland County South Carolina?
Yes, South Carolina does offer online bail payment in most counties. Contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail: Go to the Richland County Detention Center for more information about the jails in Richland County or contact the Clerk of Court of the court that held the bond hearing during normal business hours.
What options are there to pay bail in Richland County South Carolina?
Most all jail and courts accept cash, a cashier or bankers’ check. Some accept a credit card with fees. Contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted: Go to the Richland County Detention Center for more information about posting bail in Richland County or contact the Clerk of Court.
Will I get all my bond money back in South Carolina?
Bail money is returned to the person who paid the bail; in whole or in part once the case is finished. There may be fees, restitution (money to pay for damage caused by the crime) or fines that come out of that amount. If you used a bondsperson, you would not get your 10% back. Property is returned by the court or bondsperson after the appropriate requests and formal paperwork are completed with the court.
Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Richland County?
The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bail will be an option for you, but a cash bond and PR bonds usually do not require cash down, though you might have to pay court fees.
A cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond are bonds where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front.
If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.
Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible to make sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up. A surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in South Carolina?
The Richland County Detention Center or court in this jurisdiction can provide you with a list of approved and licensed bond companies, but they cannot recommend a specific company. You are not obligated to use the first company available and can call several companies to compare what kind of bonds that the bondsperson is willing to execute.
The percentage of bail that the bond company can charge is set, usually at 10%, by the state and cannot be negotiated.
Richland County Central Bond Court
Richland County Central Bond Court
201 John Mark Dial Drive
Columbia, SC 29209-9481
Court Numbers:
Phone: (803) 576-3281
Fax: (803) 576-3303
In South Carolina, Victim Services must schedule all bond hearings, guilty pleas, and other proceedings for defendants at the County Detention Center when there is a victim of a crime involved in the case.
South Carolina law requires that all victims must be notified of all scheduled hearings for a defendant and be given the opportunity to attend those hearings.