Court officers authorized by law to receive bail bond money may deposit that money in interest-bearing accounts in a financial institution in which deposits are insured by an agency of the United States government. The interest earned on the accounts is considered public funds and must be distributed as follows:

(1) Interest on bail bond money received for offenses triable in municipal court or held for transmittal to the county clerk of court must be credited to the general fund of the municipality.

Terms Used In South Carolina Code 17-15-240

  • 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.

(2) Interest on bail bond money received for offenses triable in magistrates court or held for transmittal to the county clerk of court must be credited to the general fund of the county.

(3) Interest on bail bond money received by the county clerk of court for offenses triable in family and circuit court must be credited to the general fund of the county.

South Carolina Court Administration shall prescribe appropriate procedures for handling and accounting for bail bond interest.

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