Greene County License Hearing Guide

Navigating a DUI Arrest in Greene County: A Detailed Guide

If you've been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Greene County, North Carolina, understanding the local procedures can significantly impact your case. This guide outlines the critical steps, locations, and potential challenges you'll face, from initial arrest to court proceedings.

Initial Arrest and Processing: Greene County Detention Center

Following a DUI stop, likely initiated by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) on highways like US 13 or NC 903, you'll be transported to the Greene County Detention Center at 301 N. Greene Street, Snow Hill, NC 28580. Even if the Snow Hill Police Department (SHPD) makes the initial arrest, the Greene County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) handles the subsequent processing.

Upon arrival, you'll be asked to submit to a breathalyzer test using the Intoxilyzer EC/IR II in a dedicated room within the facility. You have the right to refuse, but this triggers an immediate 30-day civil revocation of your driver's license by the Magistrate. Refusal may also lead to officers obtaining a search warrant for a blood draw, potentially performed at a local medical facility.

Bond and Release: The Magistrate's Role

Your next crucial step involves appearing before a Magistrate, also located at 301 N Greene St. (phone: 252-747-3315), who operates 24/7. The Magistrate determines your release conditions based on Judicial District 9A's "Bail and Pretrial Release Policy." While individualized assessment is mandated, the policy provides recommended bond ranges. For a standard first-offense DWI (Class 1 Misdemeanor), an unsecured or low secured bond is typical, provided you have local ties.

Key Consideration: Sober Release. The Magistrate will likely require release to a sober, responsible adult. If no adult is available, you'll be held until your Breath Alcohol Concentration (BAC) drops below 0.05 or for 24 hours. If the DUI involved a domestic situation, expect a mandatory 48-hour hold without bond.

Vehicle Recovery: Towing and Fees

Under N.C.G.S. 20-28.3, your vehicle is immediately seized if your license was already revoked for a prior impaired driving offense or if you lacked a valid license and insurance. In a standard DWI case, the vehicle is towed for safekeeping.

Greene County uses a rotation list of private towing companies. Identifying the specific company holding your vehicle is crucial. Here are a few potential contacts:

• JPJ Towing & Truck Brokers: (919) 751-4646 (specializes in heavy-duty towing).
• Richie’s Roadside Assistance: (252) 290-5299 (offers 24/7 service in Snow Hill and surrounding areas).
• Snow Hill Auto Body Towing: (410) 632-2044

Financial Trap: Storage Fees. Be aware of potentially high daily storage fees, a point of concern regarding "predatory towing" practices. Unlike some larger cities, Greene County lacks an ordinance capping these fees, leaving you vulnerable to significant charges. If the vehicle was seized, you might need a Magistrate/Clerk order (Form CR-336B) and a cash bond equal to the vehicle's value for its release.

Inmate Information and Visitation

If you need to locate someone arrested for DUI in Greene County, the GCSO app offers contact information. However, the NC VINE system (vinelink.vineapps.com) is the primary tool for automated custody status notifications. You can also call the Detention Center directly at (252) 747-4700.

Visitation is video-only and follows a rigid alphabetical schedule: Saturdays (A-J, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM) and Sundays (K-Z, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM). Confirm the current visitation status before planning a visit, as health emergencies can lead to suspensions. Inmates can receive mail at 301 N. Greene Street, Snow Hill, NC 28580, but content is strictly monitored.

Court Proceedings: Navigating the System

After release and vehicle recovery, your case proceeds to the Greene County Courthouse. Understanding the judicial process is vital.

Next Step: Contacting the Clerk of Court

Your immediate next step should be to contact the Greene County Clerk of Court to determine your next court date and understand the specific charges against you. Their office is located at the same address as the jail and magistrate, 301 N. Greene Street. You can reach them by phone, but a visit may be neccesary to get your questions answered.