Cabarrus County DWI Guide

DUI Arrest in Cabarrus County, NC: Complete Guide

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Cabarrus County can be a disorienting experience. The convergence of the Charlotte Motor Speedway and rapid suburban expansion means that a significant volume of out-of-county and out-of-state defendants routinely become entangled in the Cabarrus County judicial system. This guide provides a clear roadmap of the steps you need to take, the deadlines you must meet, and the local resources available to help you navigate the legal process.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Cabarrus County, the immediate steps involve processing at the Cabarrus County Jail, located within the detention complex. Here's a general timeline of what to expect:

1. Arrest and Transport: You will be arrested by either the Concord Police Department or the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office, depending on the location of the arrest.
2. Booking: Upon arrival at the Cabarrus County Jail, you will undergo the booking process. This includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information.
3. Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make a reasonable number of phone calls to contact family, friends, or a DUI attorney.
4. Bail: Bail will be determined based on factors such as your criminal history, the severity of the offense, and your ties to the community. A licensed bail bondsman can assist with posting bail; Bost Bail Bonds, located at 90 Union Street South, operates directly across the street from the Cabarrus County Jail. This proximity can expedite the paperwork process.
5. Release: Once bail is posted, you will be released from custody with a court date.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences in a DUI case. Here are some of the most critical:

• DMV Hearing Request: If you refused a breath or blood test, you have only 10 calendar days from the date of the Notice of Revocation to request a hearing with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) to challenge your license suspension. Failure to request a hearing within this timeframe results in an automatic one-year license suspension. The request requires the submission of NCDMV Form HF-001 (Driver License Hearing Request) and a $450.00 non-refundable administrative hearing fee. Mail the request to the centralized NCDMV Commissioner's Office at 3118 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27697-3118.
• Court Appearance: Your court date will be listed on your release paperwork. Missing your court date can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• Impound Hearing: If you believe your vehicle was improperly towed, you have a limited time to request a post-towing probable cause hearing. The written request must be formally filed prior to the 14th day following the tow.

DUI Enforcement in Cabarrus County

The convergence of the Charlotte Motor Speedway and rapid suburban expansion dictates that a significant volume of out-of-county and out-of-state defendants routinely become entangled in the Cabarrus County judicial system.

Local Resources

• Cabarrus County District Court: 61 Union Street South, Concord, NC 28025. Clerk Phone: (704) 262-5500. Filing Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Concord Driver License Office: 2192 Kannapolis Highway, Concord, NC 28027. Phone: (704) 782-7214. Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Magistrate's Office (Vehicle Tow Hearings): Located within the detention complex at 30 Corban Ave SE, Concord, NC 28025.
• Finding a Licensed Bail Bondsman: A licensed bail bondsman can assist with posting bail. You can find a list of licensed bondsmen through online directories.

What Makes Cabarrus County Different

• Courthouse Electronic Device Ban: The Cabarrus County Courthouse has a strict electronic device policy. All cell phones, computers, tablets, smartwatches, and any devices capable of recording or transmitting sound or images are strictly prohibited. The county provides a limited number of physical storage lockers in the courthouse lobby.
• DMV Hearing Location: DMV administrative hearings for Cabarrus County residents are typically held at regional NCDMV headquarters located in neighboring Mecklenburg County or in Raleigh, not at the local Concord DMV branch.
• Impound Procedures: If your vehicle was seized under N.C.G.S. 20-28.2 (due to license revocation or lack of insurance), it will be transferred to Eastway Wrecker in Charlotte, not a local Concord impound lot.
• IID Proximity: The Smart Start installation bay located at 145 Union Street South represents a logistical advantage. It is situated roughly two blocks from the Cabarrus County Courthouse, allowing for immediate compliance with IID mandates after sentencing.
• Asset Forfeiture: If a vehicle is seized under N.C.G.S. 20-28.2, the accumulating storage fees at Eastway Wrecker operate as a financial burden. If the defendant is convicted and the vehicle is forfeited, towing and storage fees are deducted from the auction proceeds before any funds go to the Cabarrus County Board of Education.

To request a post-towing probable cause hearing, submit your written request and a $30.00 service fee to the Magistrate's Office at 30 Corban Ave SE, Concord, NC 28025.