Forsyth County Bail Information

In Forsyth County, bail for a first-offense DWI typically falls within the range of $500 to $1,500. For a second DWI offense, expect a bail amount between $1,000 and $2,500. Felony DWI charges can result in bail amounts ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, or higher depending on the specifics of the case. If the DWI involved an injury, the bail amount will likely start at $10,000 and increase based on the severity of the injuries.

Where to Post Bail in Forsyth County

Bail can be posted at the Forsyth County Law Enforcement Detention Center (LEDC), located at 201 North Church Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. This facility operates 24/7 for booking, bonding, and release. While the courthouse at 200 North Main Street also handles court-related matters, bail is primarily processed at the LEDC. It is critical to distinguish between the Detention Center (201 N. Church St.) and the Administration Building (301 N. Church St.) for immediate release procedures.

How Bail Bonds Work in Forsyth County

When facing a DWI charge in Forsyth County, you have three primary options for securing release:

• Cash Bail: This involves paying the full bail amount set by the magistrate directly to the court. If all court appearances are met, this entire amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case.

• Surety Bond: This option involves using a bail bondsman. You pay the bondsman a percentage of the total bail amount (typically 15% in North Carolina), which is non-refundable. The bondsman then guarantees the full bail amount to the court, ensuring your appearance.

• Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: A PR bond allows release without paying any upfront cash. This is granted at the discretion of the court, usually for minor offenses and individuals with strong ties to the community and no prior record. If the defendant fails to appear in court, they become liable for the full bail amount.

Co-Signer/Indemnitor Warning

Important: If you are considering co-signing a bail bond (acting as an indemnitor) in Forsyth County, understand that you are financially responsible for the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear in court. This includes any associated costs the bondsman incurs in locating and apprehending the defendant. Before signing any agreement, carefully consider the defendant's reliability and your ability to cover the entire bail amount.

Release Timeline in Forsyth County

The release process after a DWI arrest in Forsyth County involves several steps:

1. Booking: Upon arrival at the LEDC, the detainee undergoes medical screening, frisk and property seizure, intake interview, and fingerprinting/photography. This process can take several hours, especially if medical clearance is required.

2. Magistrate Review: The arresting officer presents the "Probable Cause" to the Magistrate, who then issues the Warrant for Arrest and sets the Conditions of Release.

3. Bail Posted: Once bail is set, arrangements can be made to post it. This involves either paying the full cash bail or securing a surety bond through a bondsman.

4. Release: After the bond is posted and processed, the detainee is released. However, several factors can delay release, including shift changes (typically around 6:00 AM-7:00 AM and 6:00 PM-7:00 PM, causing 60-90 minute delays) and sobriety holds. Magistrates determine sobriety hold times based on a metabolic rate of approximately 0.015 grams per deciliter per hour. For example, a BAC of 0.16 might result in a hold of over 5 hours.

Critical Deadlines After Release

Following release on a DWI charge in Forsyth County, several deadlines are crucial:

• ALR Hearing: You have only 10 days from the date of the DWI charge to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to challenge the suspension of your driver's license. The request for a hearing must typically be made to the magistrate at the time of the initial appearance or within a very short statutory window (often 10 days) to the Clerk of Court.

• Vehicle Retrieval: Arrange for the prompt retrieval of your vehicle from impound to avoid accruing storage fees.

• First Court Date: Mark your calendar for your first court appearance and consult with an attorney to prepare your defense. You can use the NC Courts website (www.nccourts.gov) offers a "Find my court date" search tool. Scheduling questions can be directed to the District Attorney's office at 336-779-6310.

Payment Methods

The Forsyth County LEDC typically accepts cash for bail payments. Credit and debit card policies can vary, so it's best to confirm accepted payment methods directly with the detention center or your bondsman.

Weekend/Holiday Timing

Bail can generally be posted 24/7, including weekends and holidays, at the Forsyth County LEDC. However, processing delays can occur due to reduced staffing or shift changes. Be aware that recent legislative changes (S.L. 2023-75) have stripped magistrates of the authority to set bonds for certain violent crimes and "First Appearance" felonies upon initial arrest. A defendant arrested for a qualifying offense cannot be bonded out immediately by a magistrate and must be held until they can appear before a District Court Judge, usually within 48 to 72 hours. This effectively creates a mandatory weekend hold for Friday arrests in these categories.

For inmate status, charges, and bond amounts, use the 'Inmate Inquiry' tool on the Sheriff’s website (forsyth.cc/sheriff). The main phone number for the Forsyth County Law Enforcement Detention Center (LEDC) is 336-917-7600.