This is hard, and you are not the only one going through it. This page walks you
through what to do, one step at a time. You don't need to read all of it. Start with
the first three steps below.
We checked this against official county and state websites on October 5, 2026. Jail
rules change often, so call to confirm before you go or send anything. This page is
about the Greenville County jail. If they are in a state prison, see
state prison.
Start with these three things
1
Look them up
The county's inmate search shows if they are being held, their charges, and their
bond.
The search does not show which building they are in. To find out, call the jail at
864-467-2330.
If the search says "temporary bond," they have not seen a judge yet,
and no bond has been set.
Bond: getting them out
A judge usually sets bond within 24 hours of the arrest, at Central
Bond Court in the Law Enforcement Center, 4 McGee St. For very serious charges, a
higher court sets bond, and that can take longer.
Ways bond can be paid
Personal recognizance: no money. They promise to come to court.
Cash: you pay the full amount.
10% cash: sometimes the judge lets you pay 10% instead of using a bondsman.
Bondsman (surety): a bondsman usually charges 10–15% of the bond. You don't get that fee back.
Call and ask where to pay. Ask the bond court office at
864-467-2402 or the jail at
864-467-2330 exactly where and how to pay
their bond.
After bond is paid, the jail waits for the court's release order. The jail says it
aims to release people within 4 hours after that.
Talk to them: calls and mail
Phone calls
Calls go through Securus. To get calls on a cell phone, set up a
prepaid account at 1-800-844-6591 or
securustech.net.
They can make calls from 7:30 a.m. to midnight. All calls are recorded.
You can't call them, and the jail won't pass along messages unless it's an emergency.
Mail
Letters are scanned, and they read them on a screen. Send personal mail to:
Their full name – their ID number
C/O Securus Digital Mail Center-Greenville
PO Box 21665
Tampa, FL 33622
Put your full return address on the envelope.
Photos are not accepted.
Packages are not accepted, including Amazon. Since August 1, 2026,
packages from stores are sent back.
You can drop off paperback books and magazines in the jail lobby at 20 McGee St,
8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Visit them
They can put up to 3 adults on their visitor list. You must be on it.
They get two 30-minute visits a week. One adult can bring up to 2 children.
Bring a photo ID that matches the name on the visitor list.
Visits are first come, first served. You sign up in person that day.
Phones, bags, and tobacco aren't allowed. Lockers are available. Dress modestly.
Visiting hours depend on which building they are in. Call
864-467-2330 before you go.
Put money on their account
Money on their account lets them buy snacks, hygiene items, and other things from the jail store.
In person: kiosks in the lobbies at 20 McGee St and 4 McGee St are
open 24 hours. They take cash or cards. There is a fee.
Online:jailpackstore.com.
You can also order snack and hygiene packages there.
By mail: postal or Western Union money orders only, made out to
"Their full name c/o Greenville County Detention Center." Mail to Accounting
Specialists, Greenville County Detention Center, 20 McGee St, Greenville, SC 29601.
Never mail cash.
The Solicitor's Office sets court dates and sends them by mail. Make sure they have
a current address. Call 864-467-8647 with questions.
Get a free lawyer (public defender)
If they are still in jail, the Public Defender's Office checks if they qualify while they are inside.
If they are out on bond, they must apply in person at least 14 days before
court: Courthouse Room 122, 305 E North St. Call
864-467-8527 for the application times.
The fee is $40 in cash, but it can be lowered or waived if they can't pay. Bring proof of income or benefits.
Fax it to the jail's health services at 864-467-2386 (any time), or
drop it off in the main lobby at 20 McGee St.
Then call 864-467-2330 and ask to leave a
"Phone-In-Concern" for the medical staff.
Help for you and your family
If there are children
If you are caring for a relative's children, Kinship Care can help. Call
1-888-839-0155.
Greenville County DSS: 864-467-7700, 352 Halton Rd,
weekdays 8:30–5.
If you need help with rent, bills, or food
Call 211 any time. They can connect you to rent, utility, and
food help near you. You can also see help
with rent and bills and food.
If you need someone to talk to
If mental illness is part of what happened, NAMI Greenville helps families with
exactly this. Call 864-331-3300. If you are in crisis,
call or text 988.
If they are in a state prison
After sentencing, some people move to a state prison run by the SC Department of
Corrections (SCDC). The rules are different there.