Legal Question in Civil Litigation in South Carolina

Any Civil Liability?

I was arrested for a no bond offense on a Friday. Went to court for a bond 6 days later & a bond was set by the judge. I was able to post the bond that same day, but the bond amount was not put on my records until almost 5 days later. As soon as it was reflected on my record I posted bond. I went to a probable cause hearing shortly thereafter & the judge at the time found it. I was out on bond for nearly 18 months, no Discovery was ever made on the case then the prosecuter dismissed the charge. It has costed me over $30,000 for bond & other expenses associated to this charge. I have a job that requires me to travel outside the boundries of the state, but was unable to do so under the bond guidelines of the courts. In turn I have lost much revenue for my family during that 18 months, my character, personally & professionally, within the community has been tarnished & I was held in jail nearly 5 days after a judge in good standing set a bond for me. In close, is there any recourse for compensation in the beforementioned. Additionally, the local news published my minor child's name in the paper about the arrest without permission. I am the only living parent & myself nor anyone else in the family gave permission for them to do same.


Asked on 7/10/08, 12:55 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Johnston Law Offices of Robert J. Johnston

Re: Any Civil Liability?

First of all I am sorry for all you have been through. You have not provided enough information to determine if there is recourse or not. You have not stated what the charge(s) was or what the Probable Cause was for the arrest. There exists the possibility of an action for False Arrest and False Imprisonment, and possibly other actions. I would suggest having an attorney in your area review all of your arrest papers and let them ask whatever questions they would need to in order to advise you. Good luck.

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Answered on 7/10/08, 10:53 am


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