Camden County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Camden County, NC: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Camden County, North Carolina, can feel overwhelming. Because Camden County is a critical suburban artery for the Hampton Roads, Virginia area, a DUI arrest can happen to anyone passing through. The Camden County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) are active in DUI enforcement, particularly on US Highway 17 and NC Highway 343. This guide provides the immediate steps you should take, critical deadlines you need to know, and specific information about navigating the DUI process in Camden County.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Immediately after a DUI arrest in Camden County, you'll be facing a whirlwind of activity. Here's a timeline of what to expect:

• Traffic Stop & Arrest: The process starts with a traffic stop, likely by the CCSO or NCSHP. Because troopers are deployed based on collision data and traffic volume analysis, they are often on the lookout for signs of impairment.
• Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs): The officer will likely administer field sobriety tests. Keep in mind that many of Camden's secondary roads lack paved shoulders, so you may be transported to a safer location for testing.
• Portable Breath Test (PBT): A handheld breathalyzer will likely be used to establish probable cause for arrest. Remember, the numerical result of a PBT is not admissible in court as substantive evidence of BAC.
• Arrest & Booking: Given that Camden County lacks its own detention facility, you will be transported to the Albemarle District Jail (ADJ) in Elizabeth City (Pasquotank County). This transport can take upwards of 90 minutes to two hours, particularly during peak tourist season on US 17.
• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls after the booking process is complete.
• Bail: Bail will be set according to the Camden County schedule.
• Release: Once bail is posted, you will be released with a court date.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines in a DUI case can have severe consequences. Here are the critical ones to be aware of:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This hearing challenges the suspension of your driver's license.
• Initial Court Appearance: Your court date will be listed on your release paperwork. Missing this date will result in additional penalties.
• License Suspension: Your license will be suspended immediately if your BAC was 0.08 or higher, or if you refused to take a breathalyzer test. The length of the suspension varies depending on the circumstances and any prior DUI convictions.

DUI Enforcement in Camden County

DUI enforcement in Camden County is a combined effort between the Camden County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP). Here's what you need to know:

• Primary Enforcement Areas: US Highway 17, NC Highway 343, and NC 158 are the primary routes where the NCSHP focuses its traffic enforcement efforts.
• Checkpoint Locations: The NCSHP frequently establishes checking stations (checkpoints) at "choke points" such as the intersections near South Mills or the approaches to the Pasquotank River bridges.
• Enforcement Campaigns: The NCSHP increases patrols during holiday periods or specific enforcement campaigns like "Booze It & Lose It."
• Sheriff's Office Response: The Sheriff’s Office utilizes a mobile app to receive tips regarding erratic drivers, allowing for a directed patrol response in residential sectors like Shiloh and South Mills.

Local Resources

• Camden County Courthouse: (No courthouse data available yet)
• Albemarle District Jail (ADJ): Located in Elizabeth City (Pasquotank County), this is where you will be taken for booking.
• Sentara Albemarle Medical Center: Located in Elizabeth City, this is where blood draws are typically conducted for evidentiary purposes.
• Bail Bondsmen: (General info, search online for local Camden County bail bondsmen)
• DUI Attorneys: (General info, search online for qualified North Carolina DUI attorneys)

What Makes Camden County Different

Camden County's unique characteristics impact DUI enforcement and procedures:

• Consolidated City-County: As the first consolidated city-county in North Carolina, Camden retains a rural character while functioning as a suburban artery. This means DUI enforcement is concentrated during evening commute times and late-night weekends.
• No Municipal Police Force: Law enforcement relies solely on the Camden County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP).
• Regional Interdependency: Camden County depends on regional partnerships for critical infrastructure. You will be transported to the Albemarle District Jail (ADJ) in Elizabeth City for booking. Blood draws are typically conducted at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, also in Elizabeth City.
• Traffic "Bottleneck": Camden's peninsular geography creates a "bottleneck" effect on US Highway 17 and NC Highway 343, resulting in high traffic volume and targeted DUI enforcement.
• Checkpoint Locations: Be aware of potential DUI checkpoints at intersections near South Mills and the approaches to the Pasquotank River bridges.

Don't navigate this stressful situation alone. Contact the Albemarle District Jail at to inquire about inmate information and visiting hours.