Lee County Bail Information

Lee County Bail Process After DUI Arrest

Being arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Lee County, North Carolina, can be a frightening experience. One of the first things you'll be concerned about is getting out of jail. This guide provides a clear and comprehensive explanation of the bail process in Lee County, helping you understand your options and take the necessary steps to secure your release. Remember, this information is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified Lee County DUI attorney as soon as possible after your arrest.

Understanding Bail in Lee County

Bail is essentially a financial guarantee that you will appear in court as required. The court sets a bail amount, and by paying it, you are promising to return for all scheduled court dates. If you fail to appear, you forfeit the bail money, and a warrant will be issued for your arrest. The purpose of bail is to ensure your appearance while protecting the community. The amount of bail is determined by several factors, including the severity of the charges, your criminal history, your ties to the community (such as employment and family), and the perceived risk that you will flee. In Lee County, as in all of North Carolina, the magistrate will consider these factors when setting your bail.

Typical Bail Amounts for DUI

While the specific bail amount for a DUI in Lee County will depend on the circumstances of your case, here are some general guidelines. Keep in mind that these are estimates, and the actual amount can vary significantly.

• First Offense: $500 - $2,500
• With Injury: $5,000 - $25,000 (This range can be significantly higher depending on the severity of the injuries.)
• With Prior Offenses: $2,500 - $10,000+ (The more prior offenses you have, the higher the bail is likely to be.)

These ranges are estimates based on typical DUI cases in similar counties in North Carolina. Always consult with an attorney for accurate advice specific to your situation.

How to Post Bail in Lee County

There are several options available for posting bail in Lee County:

Option 1: Cash Bail

• What it is: You pay the full bail amount directly to the Lee County jail.
• How it works: You provide the full bail amount in cash or certified funds.
• Getting your money back: After your case concludes (whether through a plea agreement, dismissal, or trial), approximately 90% of the bail money is typically returned to the person who posted it. The remaining 10% is usually retained by the court to cover administrative fees.
• Where to pay: You can pay the cash bail at the Lee County Detention Center, located at .
• Payment methods accepted: Typically, the jail accepts cash, certified checks, or money orders. Contact the Lee County Detention Center directly to confirm acceptable forms of payment before attempting to post bail. Personal checks are rarely accepted.

Option 2: Bail Bondsman

• What it is: You pay a non-refundable fee to a bail bondsman, who then posts the full bail amount on your behalf.
• How it works: The bondsman guarantees your appearance in court. If you fail to appear, the bondsman is responsible for paying the full bail amount.
• The fee: You'll typically pay a non-refundable fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount to the bail bondsman. This is their fee for taking on the risk.
• What you'll need:
• Valid photo identification (driver's license, passport)
• Information about the arrestee (name, date of birth, charges)
• Collateral (may be required, depending on the bondsman and the bail amount. This could be a car title, deed to property, or other valuable assets.)
• Co-signer (may be required, especially if you have limited credit history or a higher risk of flight. The co-signer guarantees your appearance in court and is responsible for paying the full bail amount if you fail to appear.)
• Local bail bondsmen near Lee County jail: You can also search online for "Lee County bail bondsman."

Option 3: Property Bond

• What it is: You use real estate as collateral to secure your release.
• How it works: You pledge your property to the court, guaranteeing your appearance.
• Property value: The property must typically be worth 150-200% of the bail amount to adequately secure the risk.
• Processing time: Property bonds generally take longer to process than cash bail or using a bail bondsman, as the court needs to assess the value of the property and ensure there are no liens or encumbrances.
• Considerations: There are significant risks associated with using a property bond. If you fail to appear in court, you could lose your property.

Option 4: Personal Recognizance (PR Bond)

• What it is: You are released on your own recognizance, meaning you are released on your promise to appear in court without having to pay bail.
• How it works: The court trusts that you will appear based on your ties to the community and your history.
• Eligibility: PR bonds are more common for first-time offenders with strong ties to the community and a minimal criminal record. The magistrate will consider factors like your employment history, family in the area, and previous criminal record.
• County-specific eligibility: Eligibility for a PR bond is at the discretion of the magistrate and can vary based on the specific policies and practices in Lee County.

Timeline: How Long Until Release?

The time it takes to be released from jail after posting bail in Lee County can vary.

• Typical processing time at Lee County jail: Generally, it takes between 2-6 hours to process the paperwork and release you after bail is posted. This timeframe can be longer if the jail is busy or understaffed.
• Best times to post bail: Weekday mornings are often the best times to post bail, as there are typically more staff available to process the paperwork. Weekends and holidays can be slower.
• What can delay release:
• High volume of arrestees
• Understaffing at the jail
• Complications with paperwork or payment
• Outstanding warrants from other jurisdictions

What Happens After Posting Bail

After posting bail, you will be released from custody but are still subject to certain conditions.

• Conditions of release: Common conditions of release include:
• Attending all scheduled court dates
• Not committing any new crimes
• Avoiding contact with the alleged victim (if applicable)
• Remaining within a certain geographic area
• Submitting to drug or alcohol testing
• When you must appear in court: You will be given a court date when you are released. It is crucial to note this date and appear in court as required. Missing your court date will result in the forfeiture of your bail and the issuance of a warrant for your arrest.
• What happens if you miss court: If you fail to appear in court, the judge will issue a Failure to Appear (FTA) warrant for your arrest. The bail money will be forfeited, and you will face additional penalties for failing to appear. Furthermore, a bail bondsman can hire a bounty hunter to find you and bring you to the court to fulfill the agreement.

Special Considerations in Lee County

[This section will be updated with specific information regarding bail procedures, programs, or policies unique to Lee County, North Carolina, as it becomes available. Examples might include: specific drug court programs, pre-trial release programs, or diversion programs that could affect bail requirements.]

Currently, there are no known special programs or specific procedures that drastically alter the standard bail process in Lee County. However, it's crucial to consult with a local attorney who is familiar with the current practices of the Lee County courts and detention center. They can provide the most up-to-date information and advocate for your best interests.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about the bail process in Lee County, North Carolina, and is not a substitute for legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI, it is essential to contact a qualified DUI attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case and your legal options. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the legal system, protect your rights, and work towards the best possible outcome in your case.