Duplin County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Duplin 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 Duplin 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.
Navigating Bail After a DUI Arrest in Duplin County, NC
If you've been arrested for Driving While Impaired (DWI) in Duplin County, North Carolina, understanding the bail process is crucial. Unlike some larger cities with multiple courthouses, Duplin County centralizes its judicial operations in Kenansville, making the logistics of your case a bit more manageable, but also highlighting the need for careful planning. Here's what you need to know about bail and related procedures in Duplin County.
Understanding Initial Bail and Release
Following a DWI arrest in Duplin County, you'll typically be taken to the Duplin County Detention Center in Kenansville. A magistrate will determine your initial bail amount based on factors like your prior criminal record, the severity of the alleged offense, and your ties to the community. The purpose of bail is to ensure your appearance in court.
Keep in mind that Duplin County is part of District Court District 5, which also includes Jones, Onslow, and Sampson counties. This means that judicial resources and schedules are shared across these counties.
Securing Your Release: Options for Posting Bail
You have several options for posting bail in Duplin County:
- Cash Bail: You can pay the full bail amount in cash directly to the Duplin County Clerk of Court.
- Surety Bond: You can hire a bail bondsman who will post a surety bond on your behalf. This typically involves paying a non-refundable percentage of the bail amount (usually 10-15%) to the bondsman.
- Property Bond: In some cases, you may be able to use real property as collateral for your bail. This requires the property to be located in North Carolina and have sufficient equity to cover the bail amount.
Important Considerations After Release
Once you're released on bail, it's critical to understand your obligations:
- Court Appearances: You must attend all scheduled court appearances. Failure to do so can result in the forfeiture of your bail and the issuance of a warrant for your arrest.
- Conditions of Release: The magistrate may impose certain conditions on your release, such as abstaining from alcohol or drugs, attending substance abuse counseling, or refraining from driving. Violating these conditions can also lead to your bail being revoked.
The DMV Battle Begins Immediately
Remember that a DWI charge triggers an immediate administrative battle with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV), completely separate from your criminal case. If your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was 0.08 or higher, or if you refused a breath or blood test, your license will be immediately revoked for 30 days under N.C.G.S. 20-16.5.
Action: After 10 days, you may be eligible for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP) if you've completed a substance abuse assessment (DL-123 form) and have no prior convictions. This requires a petition signed by a District Court Judge.
Substance Abuse Assessment: A Crucial Step
A substance abuse assessment is not only a prerequisite for obtaining a Limited Driving Privilege but also a mitigating factor in sentencing. In Duplin County, a primary provider is:
- Addiction Services of Coastal Carolina: 112 Courthouse Plaza, 2nd Floor, Kenansville, NC 28349. Phone: (910) 347-4477 or (910) 238-3006. The fee is $100.
Strategic Advantage: This provider is located directly in the Courthouse Plaza, minimizing travel logistics.
Refusal Hearing Trap: Don't Miss the Deadline
If you refused a chemical analysis, your license is subject to a 1-year revocation. You have the right to contest this refusal at a DMV hearing.
Action: Request this hearing by mailing it to NCDMV Headquarters in Raleigh (not the local Kenansville office) within 10 days of the revocation notice. Missing this deadline results in the revocation becoming absolute.
Navigating the Kenansville DMV
The Kenansville Driver License Office is one of the select offices in the state that opens at 7:00 AM. This is a massive logistical advantage for handling license issues without missing a full day of work.
Action: Take advantage of the 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM window, which is significantly less crowded than the midday rush.
Important Reminders
- District Confusion: Some older legal forms or online directories might still reference "District 4." Always verify under District 5 when filing motions or checking calendars.
- Courthouse Security: No cell phones are permitted in the courtroom. Leave all electronics in your vehicle. Business casual attire is required.
Next Steps
Contact Addiction Services of Coastal Carolina at (910) 347-4477 to schedule your mandatory substance abuse assessment. This is a critical first step towards obtaining a Limited Driving Privilege and mitigating the consequences of your DWI charge.
Sources
North Carolina Penal Code
Duplin County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety