Guilford County Bail Information

Guilford County bail for a first-offense DWI typically ranges from $500 to $2,500. For a second DWI offense, bail amounts can increase to between $1,500 and $5,000. Felony DWI charges often result in bail amounts ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, and cases involving injury can see bail set at $10,000 or higher, depending on the severity of the injuries.

Where to Post Bail in Guilford County

Bail can be posted at either of Guilford County's detention facilities, depending on where the arrestee is being held. For arrests occurring in Greensboro and surrounding areas, bail is typically posted at the Greensboro Detention Center, located at 201 S. Edgeworth St., Greensboro, NC 27401. For arrests in High Point and the southwestern part of the county, bail is posted at the High Point Detention Center, located at 507 East Green Drive, High Point, NC 27260. Both facilities generally accept bail 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but it's always best to confirm before heading over, especially during holidays. While the Guilford County Courthouse (Greensboro: 201 S. Edgeworth St., High Point: 505 E Green Dr) is the site of court proceedings, bail is not typically posted there directly.

How Bail Bonds Work in Guilford County

In Guilford County, as in North Carolina generally, there are three primary ways to secure pretrial release:

• Cash Bail: This involves paying the full bail amount set by the magistrate directly to the court. If the defendant attends all required court appearances, the full amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, regardless of the outcome.

• Surety Bond: This involves using a bail bondsman. In North Carolina, bondsmen can charge a premium of up to 15% of the total bail amount. This premium is non-refundable. For example, on a $10,000 bond, the bondsman can charge up to $1,500. While 15% is the legal maximum, market competition often sets this as the standard rate.

• Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: A PR bond allows for release without paying any money upfront. This is granted at the discretion of the magistrate and is typically reserved for low-risk defendants with strong ties to the community and a clean criminal record.

Co-Signer/Indemnitor Warning: A Critical Responsibility

WARNING: If you co-sign a bail bond in Guilford County, you are taking on significant financial risk. As the indemnitor, you are legally responsible for the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear in court. If the defendant skips court, the court will demand the full bond amount from the bail company. The bail company, in turn, can seize your collateral or sue you for the full amount, not just the 15% premium you paid. The value of any collateral provided must be reasonable in relation to the amount of the bond. Collateral must be returned within 15 days after the case is closed or the bond is exonerated. A bondsman who willfully fails to return collateral exceeding $1,500 in value is guilty of a Class I felony. You may also be liable for fugitive recovery costs if the defendant flees.

Release Timeline in Guilford County

The release process in Guilford County typically follows these steps:

1. Booking: After arrest, the defendant is taken to either the Greensboro or High Point Detention Center for booking. This process can take several hours (2-6 hours).
2. Arraignment: The defendant will appear before a magistrate, who will set bail and any release conditions. This usually happens within 24-48 hours of the arrest.
3. Bail Posted: Once bail is posted (either cash or through a bondsman), the detention center begins the release process.
4. Release: The release process can take several hours (1-4 hours), depending on the facility's workload.

Critical Deadlines After Release

After release, it's crucial to be aware of the following deadlines:

• ALR Hearing: If your driver's license was seized due to a DWI charge, you have only 15 days to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to challenge the suspension.
• Vehicle Retrieval: Arrange for the prompt retrieval of your vehicle from impound, as storage fees can accrue quickly.
• First Court Date: Mark your calendar for your first court date and consult with an attorney well in advance.

Payment Methods Accepted

The Guilford County Detention Centers typically accept cash for bail payments. Credit and debit card policies can vary, so it's best to call ahead to confirm. Bail bondsmen will generally accept cash, credit cards, and sometimes collateral.

Weekend/Holiday Timing

Bail can generally be posted 24/7, even on weekends and holidays. However, processing times may be longer during these periods due to reduced staffing. Keep in mind that Guilford County is a high-volume jurisdiction for impaired driving enforcement, leading to acute pressure on the district court system. "Sobriety Holds" are a routine part of the DWI intake process.

For specific questions about an inmate's status or bail, you can utilize the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office's "Police to Citizen" (P2C) digital platform at guilfordcountysheriff.policetocitizen.com. You can also contact the Greensboro Detention Center at (336) 641-2700 or the High Point Detention Center at (336) 641-7900.