Since taking effect on June 26, 2023, a recent bill in South Carolina has caused significant changes to the bond system in our state. The new laws carry severe punishments and a significant increase in the amount of money needed upfront in order to post bond - and as a result, this has left many people stuck in jail on high “cash bonds” that are now required by the law. Here are a few of the important things to know about the current bail/bond system in South Carolina:  (For a list of violent offenses, click here .) 1. If a person is out on bond for a violent offense and is rearrested for an offense that is a) also violent, and/or b) involves a firearm:  ➤  The person’s bond on the first charge is automatically revoked by law. (Previously, the solicitor/prosecutor would have to file a motion and the judge would decide whether to revoke.) ➤ A judge’s only option is to set a cash bond on the new charge. This means that the entire amount must be deposited upfront with the clerk of court

On March 7 th , the South Carolina Second Amendment Preservation Act (House Bill 3594) was signed into effect. This law has dramatically changed things in criminal defense, for both good and bad. Here are the important things to know about guns in SC under this new law: •  Minimum age to purchase:           •  Before: 21 years old           •  Now: 18 years old • Other r equirements:           •  Before: concealed weapons permit (CWP) = 8 hours of training, background check           •  Now: none (no CWP required) •  Penalties for unlawful carrying:           •  Before: 0-5 years (felony), or 0-1 year (misdemeanor)           •  Now: 1 st offense = 0-1 year (misdemeanor), 2 nd offense = 0-3 years (misdemeanor), 3 rd offense = 0-5 years (felony) •  Who cannot own a gun:           •  Before: people convicted of a violent crime           •  Now: anyone convicted of a crime with a potential sentence of more than 1 year* (*this does not include crimes that carry over 1 year but