Craven County Court Process

Navigating a DUI Arrest in Craven County: A Detailed Guide

If you've been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Craven County, it's critical to understand the immediate steps and legal processes ahead. Located in the Coastal Plain, Craven County presents unique logistical challenges, from the arresting agency to pretrial release. This guide provides a practical overview of what to expect.

Understanding the Arrest-to-Booking Process

Following a DUI arrest in Craven County, the arresting agency — be it the Craven County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), the New Bern Police Department (NBPD), the Havelock Police Department, or the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) — will initiate the arrest-to-booking pipeline. The arresting agency matters: the NBPD uses J&S Wrecker Service (not the county rotation list) for vehicle impoundment.

Regardless of the arresting agency, you'll ultimately be transported to the Craven County Detention Center (CCDC) at 1100 Clarks Road in New Bern. Here, you'll undergo booking, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, and inventorying your personal property.

Immediate Actions: Securing Your Property

You have a crucial 24-hour window to retrieve essential items like your cell phone or car keys. After 24 hours, your property is sealed until your release. If a family member needs access to your phone for bail bondsman contacts or needs your car keys to avoid impound storage fees, contact the CCDC immediately after your arrest is processed. The Sheriff's Office business line is (252) 636-6620, staffed from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The detention booking desk operates 24/7 for bond inquiries.

Pretrial Release: Understanding Bail

After booking, a Magistrate will determine your conditions of release. Bond types can range from a written promise to appear (rare for DUI) to an unsecured bond (common for first-time offenders with local ties) or a secured bond, requiring cash or collateral.

Bond Amounts: What to Expect

• Standard DUI: Expect a secured bond ranging from $500 to $2,500.
• Aggravated Cases: If you face additional charges like Driving While License Revoked (DWLR) or drug possession, your bond can escalate significantly. In a recent case, inmate Isaiah Alston received a $75,000 bond due to DWLR and drug possession charges.

Posting Bail: Options Available

If a secured bond is required, you have two primary options:

1. Professional Bail Bondsman: Bail bondsmen in New Bern operate 24/7. They charge a non-refundable premium, typically 15% of the total bond amount in North Carolina. For example, a $1,000 bond will cost you $150. Ensure the bondsman is authorized through the NC Judicial Branch's Odyssey system. Local providers include Amistad Bail Bonds and McConnuighey Bail Bonds.

2. Craven County Community Bail Fund: If you are indigent and your bond is $5,000 or less for a non-violent crime, the Craven County Community Bail Fund may be an option. This non-profit helps individuals avoid jail time due to poverty. Submit a request form and expect a response within 24 hours.

Payment at the Sheriff’s Office

The Sheriff’s Office generally accepts cash only for direct transactions. They do NOT have an onsite ATM and do not accept credit cards at the window. Money orders or cashier's checks are preferred for larger amounts.

Navigating the Judicial Restructuring

Craven County is now part of Judicial District 3. This shift from the old District 3B affects the administrative flow of your case. Ensure all legal filings and bail bonds reflect the correct current district designation to avoid rejection.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Vehicle Impound: Be aware that vehicles are typically towed by rotation wrecker (Highway Patrol and Sheriff) or a specific wrecker service (NBPD), leading to varying distances to impound lots and associated fees.
• Military Personnel: If you are active-duty military stationed at MCAS Cherry Point, coordinate with your Unit Representative for release logistics and to navigate both civilian law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
• Communication: While at the CCDC, you can make collect calls or use a prepaid account. Family members cannot call into the booking area, so ensure they wait for your call.

To quickly find an authorized bondsman or learn about public defender options, visit the Craven County Courthouse at 300 Broad Street, New Bern, NC 28560.