Craven County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Craven County, NC: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Craven County can be a disorienting experience. Knowing what to expect and taking swift action is crucial to protecting your rights and future. This guide provides immediate, practical advice to navigate the process, from initial arrest through court appearances and license reinstatement, with specific information relevant to Craven County. Craven County, with a population between 100,720 and 105,843 residents, presents unique challenges in DUI enforcement due to its blend of urban areas like New Bern and Havelock, and rural expanses like Vanceboro and Cove City.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest are critical. Here's what you can expect:

• Arrest and Initial Processing: You will likely be arrested by one of several agencies including the Craven County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), New Bern Police Department (NBPD), Havelock Police Department, or the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP).
• Transportation to Detention Center: Regardless of the arresting agency, you will be transported to the Craven County Detention Center (CCDC) at 1100 Clarks Road in New Bern for booking and magisterial review.
• Booking Process: At the CCDC, you will be photographed, fingerprinted, and your personal belongings will be inventoried. According to research, if a family member needs the arrestee’s cell phone to retrieve contact numbers for a bail bondsman, or needs the keys to the impounded vehicle to avoid storage fees, they must act immediately as after 24 hours, the property remains sealed until the inmate is physically released.
• Magistrate Review & Bail Setting: After booking, you'll see a magistrate who will determine your bail. In Craven County, bail amounts for standard DUI cases often range from $500 to $2,500 secured. Aggravated cases, such as those involving "Driving While License Revoked" (DWLR) or drug charges, can lead to significantly higher bonds. For instance, a recent case (01/17/2026) saw a $75,000 bond for a combination of DWLR and drug possession.
• Phone Calls: Inmates at CCDC have access to phones to make collect calls or use a prepaid account system. However, phone access may be restricted during the initial "Detox Hold" depending on your behavior and level of intoxication. Family members cannot call into the booking area to speak with you; they must wait for you to call out.
• Release: You can be released after posting bail, receiving a written promise to appear, or an unsecured bond.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences. Here are key dates to keep in mind:

• ALR Hearing Request: You typically have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to challenge your license suspension.
• Initial Court Appearance: The date will be on your release paperwork. Missing this court date will result in further legal problems.
• License Suspension: If you don't request an ALR hearing or if you lose the hearing, your license will be suspended, usually 30 days after your arrest.

DUI Enforcement in Craven County

DUI enforcement in Craven County is carried out by a multi-layered network of agencies. The Craven County Sheriff’s Office focuses its primary enforcement efforts on the unincorporated areas and townships such as Vanceboro, Cove City, and Bridgeton. The New Bern Police Department enforces DUI statutes in the county's most populous urban center. The Havelock Police Department handles enforcement along the critical US 70 corridor and the areas surrounding MCAS Cherry Point. Troopers from the NCSHP are the primary enforcers on state and interstate highways traversing the county.

Local Resources

• Craven County Magistrate: 1100 Clarks Road, New Bern, NC (Phone: N/A)
• Craven County Sheriff’s Office (Business Line): 252-636-6620 (Staffed 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
• Craven County Detention Center (Booking Desk): 24/7 for bond inquiries
• New Bern Police Department: 601 George Street, New Bern, NC
• Amistad Bail Bonds: (Check local listings for contact information - near Detention Center)
• McConnuighey Bail Bonds: (Check local listings for contact information - near Detention Center)
• Craven County Community Bail Fund: (Submit a request form; typically responds within 24 hours - check online for details)
• DUI Attorneys: (Search online directories for qualified attorneys in Craven County)

What Makes Craven County Different

Craven County presents unique aspects to DUI cases:

• Judicial District Restructuring: Craven County now operates within Judicial District 3, following the dissolution of District 3B. Legal filings and bail bonds must reflect this change.
• Military Presence: Havelock, near MCAS Cherry Point, often involves coordination with military command for active-duty personnel arrests, creating a distinct "military track" for pretrial release.
• Enforcement Patterns: The NCSHP strictly adheres to the "Rotation Wrecker" regulations, meaning your vehicle could be towed to a lot far from the arrest site.
• Property Access After Arrest: If a family member needs the arrestee’s cell phone to retrieve contact numbers for a bail bondsman, or needs the keys to the impounded vehicle to avoid storage fees, they must act immediately. After 24 hours, the property remains sealed until the inmate is physically released.
• Cash-Only Bail Payments: The Sheriff’s Office business office generally accepts cash only for most direct transactions. They do not have an onsite ATM, nor do they accept credit cards for direct bail payments at the window (though bail agents do).

Your next step is to contact the Craven County Detention Center at 252-636-6620 (Detention Booking Desk) to inquire about the specific bond amount set in your case and explore your options for release.