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Offices |
Arraignment & Bond Proceedings in Spartanburg County Bond proceedings in Spartanburg County are conducted with much greater frequency than required by law because it is more economical to everyone concerned. Bonds are set by Spartanburg County Magistrates a number of times each day, every day of the year, including holidays. The bond proceeding takes place in the Magistrate Court Offices at the Detention Center, which is located at 950 California Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303. The terms "arraignment" and "bond proceeding" are used interchangeably. Two things are usually accomplished in this proceeding; First, the defendant is advised of the nature of the charges and is also advised of the rights afforded to him by the law. Second, a bond is set by the magistrate. If a defendant is charged with a capitol offense, or one which might be punishable by life imprisonment, however, the magistrate, by law, cannot set the bond. It must by set by a Circuit Court Judge. Also, the magistrate might deny bond in certain cases involving violent crimes. Defendants are not required to enter a plea at the bond proceeding. Bond proceedings are governed by a number of statutes and an order from the chief justice, with which every magistrate must comply. Any person charged with a noncapital offense is entitled to be released on a personal recognizance bond, without surety, unless the court determines in its discretion that such a release will not reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required, or unreasonable danger to the community will result. Bonds are usually conducted every day at the Spartanburg County Detention Facility at 11:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., midnight, and thereafter as needed. Victims of crimes, when it is requested, are informed of bond proceedings and the release of defendants. They are entitled to attend bond hearings and/or advise the magistrate of problems they anticipate encountering if a defendant is released on bond.
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