Duplin County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Duplin County, NC: Complete Guide

Being arrested for Driving While Impaired (DWI) in Duplin County, North Carolina, can feel overwhelming. You're likely facing immediate license suspension, potential jail time, and a complex legal process. What's important to know is that Duplin County, while relatively small, processes a disproportionately high volume of DWI cases. In fact, District Court District 5, which includes Duplin, recorded 1,031 DWI convictions in FY 2024, making it one of the top four highest-volume districts in the entire state. This guide will provide you with immediate, practical information to navigate the Duplin County DUI system.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

After being arrested for DUI in Duplin County, here's a typical timeline of what to expect:

• Arrest and Field Sobriety Tests: The arresting officer (typically from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, or Wallace Police Department) will administer field sobriety tests.
• Chemical Breath or Blood Test: You'll be asked to submit to a breath or blood test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC). Refusal carries serious penalties, including a mandatory one-year license revocation.
• Booking: You will be taken to the Duplin County Detention Center, located in Kenansville.
• Processing: During the booking process, your fingerprints and photograph will be taken, and your personal belongings will be inventoried.
• Phone Call: You will be allowed to make a phone call, typically to arrange for bail or contact an attorney.
• Bail Hearing (if applicable): Depending on the circumstances, you may have a bail hearing to determine the conditions of your release.
• Release: Once bail is posted (or you are released on your own recognizance), you will be given a court date.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences in a DUI case. Here are some crucial dates to keep in mind:

• ALR Hearing Request: If your license was seized due to a BAC of 0.08 or higher or a refusal to submit to a chemical test, you have 10 days from the date of the notice to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the NCDMV. Mail this request to NCDMV Headquarters in Raleigh, not the local Kenansville office.
• Limited Driving Privilege (LDP): If eligible, you can apply for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP) after 10 days of your initial 30-day revocation. This requires a substance abuse assessment (DL-123 form) and a petition signed by a District Court Judge.
• Court Appearance Date: This is the date you must appear in court in Kenansville to address the DUI charges. This date will be on the paperwork you received upon release.

DUI Enforcement in Duplin County

Duplin County sees active DUI enforcement, particularly due to its location as a transit corridor and its designation as a target area for state safety programs. Here's what you need to know:

• Checkpoint Locations: Expect to encounter DUI checkpoints on NC Highway 24, NC Highway 11, and NC Highway 41. These roads connect rural areas with municipalities where alcohol is sold and are also transit routes for beach traffic.
• Peak Enforcement Times: Enforcement is heightened during "Booze It & Lose It" campaigns, especially around holidays like July 4th ("Operation Firecracker") and December-January ("Holiday" campaign).
• Saturation Patrols: Duplin County receives state funding for saturation patrols due to its high traffic crash rates. This means increased patrol presence, especially on Friday and Saturday nights and major holidays.

Local Resources

• Duplin County Courthouse: (No courthouse data available yet)
• Duplin County Detention Center: Located in Kenansville.
• Addiction Services of Coastal Carolina (Substance Abuse Assessments): 112 Courthouse Plaza, 2nd Floor, Kenansville, NC 28349. Phone: (910) 347-4477 or (910) 238-3006. This is located in the Courthouse Plaza.
• Smart Start of Kenansville (Ignition Interlock): Co-located with Addiction Services of Coastal Carolina at 112 Courthouse Plaza.
• Kenansville Driver License Office: (Hours advantage: Opens at 7:00 AM, one of the few in the state).
• Bail Bondsmen: (General info, no specific recommendations)
• DUI Attorneys: (General info, no specific recommendations)

What Makes Duplin County Different

Duplin County has some unique aspects that can impact your DUI case:

• District Court District 5: Duplin County is part of District Court District 5, along with Jones, Onslow, and Sampson counties. Local rules for "District 5" (often influenced by Onslow County) govern proceedings in Duplin. Be aware that older documents might incorrectly reference District 4.
• High Plea Rate: District 5 has a 92% plea rate, suggesting that plea negotiations are common. Success often hinges on identifying technical defects in the state's evidence.
• Checkpoint Hotspots: Be particularly aware of checkpoints on NC Highway 24, NC Highway 11, and NC Highway 41, especially during holiday periods.
• DMV Advantage: The Kenansville Driver License Office opens early, at 7:00 AM, offering a less crowded window to handle license-related issues.
• Courthouse Plaza Convenience: The substance abuse assessment provider (Addiction Services of Coastal Carolina) and the IID installer (Smart Start) are both located in the Courthouse Plaza, simplifying logistics.
• Strict Courthouse Security: No cell phones are permitted in the courtroom. Leave all electronics in your vehicle to avoid being turned away.

Your next step should be to contact Addiction Services of Coastal Carolina at (910) 347-4477 or (910) 238-3006 to schedule your substance abuse assessment. This is a crucial step for obtaining a Limited Driving Privilege and can also be a mitigating factor in sentencing.