Craven County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Craven County.
How Bail Bonds Work
Option 1: Cash Bond (Pay Full Amount)
How it works: Pay the full bail amount to the court
Pros: Get full amount back after case concludes (minus court fees)
Cons: Requires full amount upfront
Option 2: Bail Bondsman (Most Common)
How it works: Pay 10-15% fee to bondsman, they post full bail
Cost: Typically 10% of bail amount (non-refundable)
Pros: Only need 10% upfront instead of full amount
Cons: Fee is non-refundable, may require collateral, co-signer assumes liability
Co-Signer Liability Warning
Important for Co-Signers:
- You are 100% liable if defendant does not appear in court
- You must pay the full bail amount if defendant skips
- Bondsman can seize collateral (house, car, etc.)
- You cannot cancel the bond - only the court can
- Liability continues until case is fully resolved
Release Timeline
Arrest & Booking (2-8 hours)
Fingerprinting, photographing, background check, medical screening
Arraignment (Within 24-48 hours)
First court appearance, judge sets bail amount, charges are read
Bail Posted (1-4 hours)
Family contacts bondsman, paperwork signed, fee paid
Release (2-6 hours)
Processing, release paperwork, return of personal property, court date assigned
Total Time Estimate
From arrest to release: 12-48 hours depending on booking workload, time of arrest (weekends take longer), and how quickly bail is posted.
After Release: Critical Deadlines
1. Request MVD Hearing - 15 Days
You have only 15 days from arrest to request your administrative license hearing. This is separate from your criminal case.
2. Retrieve Your Vehicle
Impound fees accrue daily. Get your car as soon as possible to avoid hundreds in storage fees.
Calculate Impound Costs3. Hire an Attorney
A attorney can help with license hearings, plea negotiations, and potentially getting charges reduced or dismissed.
Find Craven County Lawyers4. Appear at ALL Court Dates
Missing court will result in bond forfeiture, arrest warrant, and additional charges. Your co-signer will be liable for the full bail amount.
Got arrested for DUI in Craven County, NC? Figuring out bail is the first crucial step to getting your life back on track. Here’s a detailed guide to navigating the bail process in Craven County, including specific information to help you understand your options.
Understanding the Arrest Process in Craven County
Immediately after a DUI arrest in Craven County, you'll be transported to the Craven County Detention Center (CCDC) at 1100 Clarks Road in New Bern. It doesn’t matter if the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, the New Bern Police Department (NBPD), the Havelock Police Department, or the NC State Highway Patrol made the arrest; everyone ends up at the CCDC for booking and magisterial review.
Keep in mind that the arresting officer will seize your cell phone and other personal belongings during booking. If a family member needs your phone to contact a bail bondsman or needs keys to your impounded car to avoid storage fees, they need to act immediately. You have roughly 24 hours to have someone retrieve these items from the CCDC; after that, your belongings are sealed until your release.
Magistrate Review and Bond Setting
After booking, you'll see a magistrate who will determine the conditions of your release. This decision is based on factors like the severity of the charge, your criminal record, flight risk, and community ties, per G.S. 15A-534. The magistrate will set one of the following types of bond:
- Written Promise to Appear: Rare for DUI, typically only for first-time offenses with low BAC and no accident.
- Unsecured Bond: You sign a bond agreement (e.g., $1,000) but don’t pay upfront. You’re liable for the full amount if you miss court. Common for local residents with stable employment and no prior record.
- Secured Bond: Requires collateral or cash. Standard for repeat offenders, cases involving accidents, or defendants who live out of state.
- Cash Bond: The full amount must be deposited with the court. Reserved for high-risk cases or specific non-compliance situations.
A typical first-time DUI can result in a secured bond ranging from $500 to $2,500. However, if you’re also charged with Driving While License Revoked (DWLR) or drug charges, the bond amount can significantly increase. For example, a recent case showed an individual facing a $75,000 bond due to combined charges of DWLR and drug possession.
Options for Posting Bail in Craven County
If the magistrate sets a secured bond, you have two primary options: using a professional bail bondsman or paying the full amount in cash.
Professional Bail Bondsmen
Bail bondsmen in New Bern operate 24/7, with offices conveniently located near the detention center on Clarks Road. They charge a non-refundable premium, typically 15% of the total bond amount in North Carolina. For example, on a $1,000 bond, the fee will be $150.
Before hiring a bondsman, make sure they are authorized. The NC Judicial Branch maintains a registry of authorized bondsmen through the electronic Odyssey system. This ensures they can legally write bonds and aren’t prohibited due to outstanding forfeitures. Local bondsmen include Amistad Bail Bonds and McConnuighey Bail Bonds, both advertising 24/7 service in Craven County.
Craven County Community Bail Fund
If you can't afford a bail bondsman, the Craven County Community Bail Fund offers assistance to indigent defendants with bonds set at $5,000 or less for non-violent crimes. To request assistance, you or a family member must submit a request form. The fund typically responds within 24 hours. This can prevent unnecessary jail time due to poverty.
Direct Payment at the Sheriff's Office
The Craven County Sheriff’s Office has specific rules for accepting payments. The business office generally accepts cash only for direct transactions. They don't have an ATM and don't accept credit cards for direct bail payments at the window. Money orders and cashier's checks are accepted and often preferred for larger amounts.
Important Contact Information
For bond inquiries, the Craven County Detention booking desk operates 24/7. You can also contact the Sheriff’s Office business line at 252-636-6620 between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Remember, family members cannot call into the booking area to speak with the arrestee; the arrestee must call out.
Sources
North Carolina Penal Code
Craven County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety