Horry County is a county in the state of South Carolina in the United States. It is home to several cities, including Myrtle Beach, Conway, and North Myrtle Beach. As a county, Horry has a population of approximately 344,000 people. Like most other counties in the country, Horry County has its own detention center that serves as a temporary holding facility for individuals arrested by law enforcement officers. The Horry County Detention Center (HCDC) is responsible for managing the bookings of arrested individuals in the county. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the Horry County bookings process.
The Arrest
The first step in the Horry County bookings process is the arrest of an individual by a law enforcement officer. An arrest can occur for a variety of reasons, including suspicion of committing a crime, an outstanding warrant, or violation of parole or probation.
An arrested person is taken into custody by the arresting officer and transported to the nearest detention center, which in Horry County is the HCDC.
Booking Process
HCDC is the place for the arrested people, and then they will undergo a booking process. This process involves several steps, including:
- Identifying the individual: The individual’s personal information, including their name, date of birth, and physical characteristics, is recorded.
- Photograph and fingerprinting: A photograph and fingerprints are taken of the individual to create a record for identification purposes.
- Health screening: The individual undergoes a health screening, which includes a medical examination, mental health evaluation, and drug and alcohol screening.
- Property search: The individual’s personal property, including clothing and any other belongings, are collected and stored by the detention center.
- Background check: The individual’s criminal history is checked to determine if they have any previous convictions or outstanding warrants.
- Classification: The individual is classified based on the seriousness of the crime they are accused of committing, any previous criminal history, and their overall behavior during the booking process.
- Housing assignment: Based on their classification, the individual is assigned to a housing unit within the detention center.
The entire booking process typically takes several hours, depending on the number of individuals being processed at any given time and the complexity of their case.
Bail and Release
After the booking process is complete, an individual has several options for release from the detention center. The most common option is bail, which involves paying a sum of money to the court in exchange for release from custody. The amount of bail is determined by the court and is based on several factors, including the severity of the crime, the individual’s criminal history, and the likelihood of them fleeing the area or not showing up for their court date.
If an individual cannot afford to pay bail, they may be eligible for release on their own recognizance (OR). This means that the individual is released from custody without having to pay bail but must promise to show up for their court date. The decision to release an individual on OR is at the discretion of the court and is based on the individual’s criminal history, the severity of the crime, and their ties to the community.
In some cases, an individual may be released on a conditional release, which involves adhering to certain conditions such as staying away from certain people or places, submitting to regular drug testing, or attending counseling sessions.
If an individual is not eligible for bail or any other form of release, they will remain in custody until their court date.
The legal rights of detainees in Horry County Bookings are numerous, and they are designed to safeguard the rights of the accused. The following are some of the legal rights that detainees are entitled to:
The Right to be Informed of Charges
The first legal right of a detainee is to be informed of the charges against them. When a detainee is arrested, they are informed of the charges against them. If the charges are unclear, the detainee has the right to ask for clarification from the arresting officer. This is important because it enables the detainee to prepare a defense against the charges and to understand the gravity of the charges against them.
The Right to an Attorney
Another essential legal right of a detainee is the right to an attorney. When a detainee is arrested, they have the right to consult an attorney. If the detainee cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one for them. The attorney is crucial because they will provide legal counsel to the detainee, help them understand their legal rights, and represent them in court.
The Right to a Speedy Trial
The right to a speedy trial is another essential legal right that detainees have. According to the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution, detainees have the right to a speedy trial. This means that they have the right to have their case heard within a reasonable time. The purpose of this right is to prevent detainees from being held in detention for an extended period without trial.
The Right to Remain Silent
The right to remain silent is also a legal right that detainees have. This right is commonly known as the right against self-incrimination. Detainees have the right to refuse to answer any questions that may incriminate them. If a detainee chooses to remain silent, the arresting officer cannot use their silence as evidence against them.
The Right to Adequate Food and Medical Care
Detainees have the right to adequate food and medical care. The detention center must provide detainees with food that meets their dietary needs. Detainees who have medical conditions must receive medical care that meets their medical needs.
The Right to Non-Discrimination
Another crucial legal right of detainees is the right to non-discrimination. Detainees cannot be discriminated against based on their race, gender, religion, or any other personal characteristic. If a detainee experiences discrimination, they have the right to file a complaint with the appropriate authorities.
The Right to Safe and Humane Treatment
Detainees have the right to safe and humane treatment. The detention center must provide detainees with a safe and healthy living environment. This means that detainees should not be subjected to physical abuse, neglect, or inhumane treatment. If a detainee experiences any of these things, they have the right to file a complaint with the appropriate authorities.
The Right to Contact Family and Friends
Detainees have the right to contact their family and friends. They are allowed to make phone calls, send letters, and receive visits from their loved ones. This right is crucial because it enables detainees to maintain their relationships with their families and friends.
