Camden County License Hearing Guide

Facing a DUI charge in Camden County, North Carolina? The process can seem daunting, but understanding the local landscape – from law enforcement protocols to court procedures – is your first step. Because Camden County lacks its own detention facility, a DUI arrest here involves complexities unique to the region.

Understanding the Camden County DUI Landscape

Camden County's location creates unique DUI enforcement challenges. As the first consolidated city-county in North Carolina, it serves as a critical artery for traffic between the Hampton Roads, Virginia area and the Outer Banks. US Highway 17 and NC Highway 343 see a significant influx of drivers, especially during tourist season and commuter hours, leading to increased law enforcement presence. This means you’re more likely to encounter a DUI checkpoint or increased patrol activity, particularly during state-mandated campaigns like "Booze It & Lose It."

Unlike larger cities, Camden County relies on the Camden County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) for all law enforcement duties. This means that after a DUI arrest, you won’t be processed at a local police station, but instead transported to the Albemarle District Jail (ADJ) in Elizabeth City (Pasquotank County). This transport alone adds considerable time to the process; a round trip from the northern part of Camden County can take upwards of 90 minutes to two hours, a factor that can influence how law enforcement manages DUI enforcement.

What Happens After a DUI Stop in Camden County?

If pulled over, be aware of the factors that officers consider when determining if they have probable cause to arrest you for impaired driving. Officers are trained to look for clues of impairment during a traffic stop, including the odor of alcohol, slurred speech, and poor performance on Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). Because many of Camden’s roads lack paved shoulders, officers may need to move you to a safer location like a gas station or parking lot to administer these tests. The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test is often utilized at the roadside.

Portable Breath Tests (PBTs), like the Alco-Sensor, are frequently used to establish probable cause for arrest. While the specific numerical reading on a PBT is not admissible as evidence of your blood alcohol content (BAC) in court, the presence of alcohol indicated by the device contributes to the officer’s decision to arrest.

Following an arrest, you’ll be informed of your implied consent rights, which pertain to the administration of an evidentiary breath or blood test to determine your BAC. Refusal to submit to testing will result in an immediate and separate license revocation by the DMV.

Navigating the Arrest and Court Process

After arrest, you will be transported to the Albemarle District Jail (ADJ) in Elizabeth City. This journey is approximately 15-20 miles from the northern parts of Camden County, a potential 25-minute drive without heavy traffic. Because Camden County lacks its own jail, expect a delay as the arresting officer must complete the booking process at the ADJ before returning to patrol duties.

Your case will be heard at the Camden County Courthouse. Because Camden County is part of the First Judicial District, encompassing seven counties, the District Attorney's office, public defenders, and judges rotate through the district. This means your court date may be influenced by the schedules of these rotating officials, possibly resulting in your case being scheduled for a day when specific personnel are present in the Camden courthouse.

If a blood draw is required, you will likely be transported to Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City, further extending the time involved in the arrest process.

DUI Checkpoints in Camden County

The NCSHP utilizes checking stations (checkpoints) to deter impaired driving, especially on major roads like US 17. These checkpoints are often set up at key "choke points" in the county. Checkpoints must follow specific guidelines to be constitutional, including clear programmatic purpose and documented procedures for selecting the location and the pattern of stops.

Actionable Steps and Resources

• Contact the Clerk of Court: Immediately after arrest, obtain information about your court date from the Camden County Clerk of Court. This information is essential for planning your defense.
• Consider Legal Representation: Given the complexities of DUI law and the specifics of Camden County's DUI enforcement, seeking legal counsel is advisable. A local attorney can assist you with defense strategies and ensure your rights are protected.
• DMV Action: Your driver's license will be affected by a DUI charge. You typically have a limited time (usually 10 days) to request a hearing with the DMV to challenge the suspension of your license. Failing to act within this timeframe can result in an automatic license suspension. Contact the DMV at (919) 715-7000 or visit their website at for more details.