Craven County Vehicle Impound Guide

Navigating DUI Impound and Release in Craven County: A Practical Guide

If you've been arrested for DUI in Craven County, North Carolina, your vehicle was likely impounded. Understanding the impound process and your options for release is crucial. This guide provides specific, actionable information to help you navigate this challenging situation.

Understanding Where Your Car is Impounded

The location of your impounded vehicle depends on which law enforcement agency made the arrest.

• Craven County Sheriff's Office (CCSO): If arrested by the CCSO, especially in unincorporated areas like Vanceboro or Cove City, your vehicle is likely impounded by a towing company on the county-wide rotation wrecker list. Contact the CCSO at 252-636-6620 to determine where your vehicle was towed.
• New Bern Police Department (NBPD): Arrests within New Bern city limits often result in vehicles being towed by J&S Wrecker Service, due to the NBPD's service agreement. Contact NBPD headquarters at 601 George Street for information.
• Havelock Police Department: In Havelock, especially near MCAS Cherry Point, the impound location will vary. Active-duty military personnel face additional coordination with a "Unit Representative" or commanding officer.
• North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP): The NCSHP adheres strictly to the Rotation Wrecker regulations. Your vehicle may be towed to a lot geographically distant from the arrest site, depending on the rotation. Contact the NCSHP dispatch for the impound location.

Acting Quickly to Retrieve Personal Property

Time is of the essence. If you need personal belongings from your vehicle, such as a cell phone containing contact information for a bail bondsman or keys to your residence, act immediately. After a 24-hour window, the property remains sealed until your physical release from the Craven County Detention Center (CCDC) at 1100 Clarks Road. Contact the arresting agency to arrange retrieval of your personal property within this timeframe.

Understanding Bond Options and Procedures

The Magistrate determines the initial conditions of your release, based on factors like the severity of the charge, your criminal record, and ties to the community. Bond types can vary:

• Written Promise to Appear: Rare for DUI, unless it's a first offense with a low BAC and no accident.
• Unsecured Bond: You sign a bond (e.g., $1,000) but pay nothing upfront, unless you fail to appear in 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 out-of-state defendants.
• Cash Bond: Full amount deposited with the court, reserved for high-risk cases.

Standard DUI bonds in Craven County typically range from $500 to $2,500 secured. Aggravated cases, such as those involving Driving While License Revoked (DWLR) or drug charges alongside the DUI, can significantly increase the bond amount, as seen in the case of inmate Isaiah Alston (booked 01/17/2026), who faced a $75,000 bond for DWLR and drug possession.

Utilizing Bail Bondsmen

If a secured bond is required, consider a professional bail bondsman. They charge a non-refundable premium (typically 15% of the total bond amount in NC). Bail bondsmen in New Bern operate 24/7. Key providers like Amistad Bail Bonds and McConnuighey Bail Bonds advertise 24/7 service. Verify the bondsman's authorization through the NC Judicial Branch's electronic Odyssey system to ensure they are not "prohibited" from writing bonds.

Exploring the Craven County Community Bail Fund

For indigent defendants with bonds set at $5,000 or less for non-violent crimes, the Craven County Community Bail Fund offers assistance. Submit a request form, and they typically respond within 24 hours. This helps prevent individuals from remaining in jail solely due to poverty.

Understanding Payment Methods at the Sheriff’s Office

The Sheriff’s Office generally accepts cash only for direct transactions at the business office. They do not have an onsite ATM, nor do they accept credit cards for direct bail payments at the window (though bail agents do). Money orders or cashier's checks are accepted and often preferred for larger amounts.

Communicating with the Arrestee

Inmates at CCDC have access to phones to make collect calls or use a prepaid account system. However, during the initial "Detox Hold," phone access may be restricted. Family members cannot call into the booking area; they must wait for the arrestee to call out. The Sheriff’s Office business line (252-636-6620) is staffed from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while the detention booking desk operates 24/7 for bond inquiries.

Final Steps

After posting bail, ensure all paperwork reflects the correct judicial district designation (District 3 as of 2025), to avoid administrative rejection. Contact the impound lot immediately to arrange for the vehicle's release, paying any applicable towing and storage fees. Remember to bring valid identification, proof of ownership, and proof of insurance. Don't delay, as storage fees accrue daily.