Durham County Bail Information

Navigating Bail and Vehicle Release After a Durham County DUI: A Practical Guide

If you've been arrested for DUI in Durham County, North Carolina, you're likely facing two immediate crises: securing your release from jail and retrieving your impounded vehicle. This guide provides a detailed, actionable roadmap to navigate these challenges, drawing on specific Durham County procedures and insider knowledge.

Posting Bail at the Durham County Detention Center

The Durham County Detention Center (DCDC), located at 219 S. Mangum Street, is where you'll be processed and held after a DUI arrest. Understanding the release process can save you valuable time and money.

Bond Types and Amounts: For a standard first-offense DUI, expect a secured bond, typically ranging from $1,500 upwards. Repeat offenses or aggravating factors can lead to significantly higher amounts. This means you'll need to pay a bail bondsman a non-refundable premium, usually 15% of the total bond amount.

The "Responsible Adult" Mandate: North Carolina law (N.C.G.S. 15A-534.2) requires that you be released to a sober, responsible adult. This person must be demonstrably sober and capable of taking responsibility for you. If your designated pickup person shows up smelling of alcohol or marijuana, or becomes confrontational with jail staff, your release will be denied, and you'll remain in custody until your blood alcohol content (BAC) reaches 0.00.

Shift Change Blackout: The DCDC operates on 12-hour shifts, with changes occurring around 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. During these periods, inmate movement and paperwork processing grind to a halt. If your bond is posted close to a shift change, expect significant delays. As Durham bail bondsmen often advise, aim to have your paperwork submitted before 4:30 PM to avoid being held until late evening.

Actionable Tip: If possible, arrange for a sober, reliable friend or family member to be available for your release before posting bond. This prevents delays and ensures a smooth transition. Several bail bond agencies are conveniently located across the street from the jail on Mangum and Dillard Streets, facilitating faster processing.

Retrieving Your Impounded Vehicle: Avoiding the "Lost Vehicle" Phenomenon

Your vehicle's impoundment is often the first logistical hurdle after a DUI arrest. The Durham Police Department (DPD) and the Durham County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) maintain separate towing protocols, leading to potential confusion.

Identifying the Towing Authority: If you were arrested by a Durham Police officer, direct inquiries to the DPD Front Desk Officer at (919) 560-4427. If arrested by a Durham County Sheriff's Deputy, contact the Property & Evidence Division at (919) 560-7368. Calling the wrong number can result in being told "we have no record of your vehicle," causing unnecessary panic and delay.

The Rotation System and Geographic Dispersion: Durham utilizes a "rotation" system for police-initiated tows. This means the next towing company on a rotating list is dispatched, regardless of its location relative to your arrest site. Your vehicle could end up at a lot on the outskirts of the county, requiring significant travel time and expense.

Towing Fees and the "Cash Only" Barrier: While Durham City ordinances regulate maximum towing charges, ancillary fees, particularly storage fees, can quickly escalate the total cost. Expect to pay around $125 for the tow itself, plus $45 per day for storage. If you're arrested on a Friday night and can't post bail until Monday, you'll accrue at least $135 in storage fees, bringing the minimum total to $260.

Many Durham tow yards operate on a "Cash Only" basis for impound releases. This creates a Catch-22 situation if your wallet, cell phone, and credit cards are locked inside the impounded vehicle.

Actionable Tips:

• Determine the towing authority immediately. Call the appropriate number (DPD or DCSO) to locate your vehicle.
• Be prepared to pay in cash. Contact the tow yard in advance to confirm their payment policy and the exact amount due.
• If you are the only registered owner and are still incarcerated, you will need to coordinate a notarized letter of authorization for a proxy to retrieve the vehicle. This can be difficult to arrange from jail, so it's best to address this as soon as possible after posting bail.

Understanding "Seizure" vs. "Safekeeping"

The administrative status of your vehicle significantly impacts its release.

• Safekeeping (Standard DUI): In a typical first-offense DUI, the tow is for "safekeeping." You can retrieve your vehicle immediately upon paying the fees, provided you have a valid photo ID and current registration.
• DWI Seizure (Impaired Driving & Felony Speeding to Elude): Under N.C.G.S. 20-28.3, your vehicle can be seized if you were driving while your license was revoked for a prior impaired driving offense, or in cases of felony speeding to elude. These vehicles are not released by the tow company and are held under the authority of the "Towing Inspector" or the court.

Actionable Tip: Clarify the status of your vehicle with the towing authority. If it's been seized, you'll need to contact the court or the Towing Inspector to determine the next steps.

Next Steps

Navigating the aftermath of a DUI arrest in Durham County can be overwhelming. By understanding the bail process, vehicle impoundment procedures, and potential friction points, you can minimize delays and financial burdens.

To locate your vehicle after a Durham County Sheriff's Office arrest, contact the Property & Evidence Division at (919) 560-7368.