No person may act in the capacity of a professional bondsman, surety bondsman, or runner or perform any of the functions, duties, or powers prescribed for professional or surety bondsmen or runners under the provisions of this chapter unless that person is qualified, except for an accommodation bondsman, licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. No license may be issued to a professional bondsman, surety bondsman, or runner except as provided in this chapter.
The applicant shall apply for a license or renewal of a license on forms prepared and supplied by the director or his designee. The director or his designee may ask the applicant any questions, written or otherwise, relating to his qualifications, residence, prospective place of business, and any other inquiries which, in the opinion of the director or his designee, are necessary in order to protect the public and ascertain the qualifications of the applicant. The director or his designee shall request that the State Law Enforcement Division conduct any reasonable investigation relative to the determination of the applicant's fitness to be licensed or to continue to be licensed.
The failure of the applicant to secure approval of the director or his designee does not preclude him from applying as many times as he desires, but no application may be considered by the director or his designee within one year subsequent to the date upon which the director or his designee denied the applicant's last application.
HISTORY: Former 1976 Code Section 38-53-80 [1975 (59) 127] recodified as Section 38-25-320 by 1987 Act No. 155, Section 1; Former 1976 Code Section 38-63-80 [1985 Act No. 189, Section 1] recodified as Section 38-53-80 by 1987 Act No. 155, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 688; 1998 Act No. 425, Section 2.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 53 - Bail Bondsmen And Runners
Section 38-53-10. Definitions.
Section 38-53-20. Enforcement of chapter.
Section 38-53-30. Validity of undertakings.
Section 38-53-40. Qualifications of surety.
Section 38-53-50. Surety relieved on bond; surrender of defendant; filing of new undertaking.
Section 38-53-60. Arrest of defendant.
Section 38-53-70. Issuance of bench warrant; remission of judgment.
Section 38-53-80. License required of bail bondsman and runners.
Section 38-53-85. Educational requirements for applicants; examination; exemption from requirement.
Section 38-53-90. Qualifications for licensure of professional bondsman, surety bondsman or runner.
Section 38-53-95. Address requirements for bondsman or runner license.
Section 38-53-102. Suspension of license.
Section 38-53-110. Financial statement required; examination.
Section 38-53-120. Additional requirements of runners.
Section 38-53-140. Expiration of license; renewal license.
Section 38-53-150. Denial, suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew license; monetary penalty.
Section 38-53-160. Notice and hearing required; right to appeal.
Section 38-53-170. Unlawful acts.
Section 38-53-180. Receipt for collateral required.
Section 38-53-190. Certain persons not allowed to be surety; exceptions.
Section 38-53-200. Power of attorney.
Section 38-53-210. Insurers shall supply list of surety bondsmen; termination of appointment.
Section 38-53-230. Professional bondsmen to supply list of runners; termination of appointment.
Section 38-53-240. Substitution of bail by sureties.
Section 38-53-250. Requirements for discharge of custody; substitution of undertaking.
Section 38-53-260. Registration of license and power of appointment.
Section 38-53-270. Professional bondsmen required to maintain security deposits with clerk of court.
Section 38-53-280. Securities held in trust.
Section 38-53-290. Professional bondsman shall deliver power of attorney to clerk of court; form.
Section 38-53-300. Reduction in value of securities.
Section 38-53-310. Written report to be filed with clerk of court.
Section 38-53-320. Examination by professional and surety bondsman.