Pasquotank County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Pasquotank County.
County Jail Information
Albemarle District Jail
Inmate Search
Use the online inmate locator to check booking status, bail amount, and release information.
What to Expect
Booking Process
2-8 hours for processing, fingerprinting, and photographing
Arraignment
Within 24-48 hours, bail set by judge
Release Options
Cash bond, bail bond, or personal recognizance (rare for )
How Bail Bonds Work
Option 1: Cash Bond (Pay Full Amount)
How it works: Pay the full bail amount to the court
Pros: Get full amount back after case concludes (minus court fees)
Cons: Requires full amount upfront
Option 2: Bail Bondsman (Most Common)
How it works: Pay 10-15% fee to bondsman, they post full bail
Cost: Typically 10% of bail amount (non-refundable)
Pros: Only need 10% upfront instead of full amount
Cons: Fee is non-refundable, may require collateral, co-signer assumes liability
Co-Signer Liability Warning
Important for Co-Signers:
- You are 100% liable if defendant does not appear in court
- You must pay the full bail amount if defendant skips
- Bondsman can seize collateral (house, car, etc.)
- You cannot cancel the bond - only the court can
- Liability continues until case is fully resolved
Release Timeline
Arrest & Booking (2-8 hours)
Fingerprinting, photographing, background check, medical screening
Arraignment (Within 24-48 hours)
First court appearance, judge sets bail amount, charges are read
Bail Posted (1-4 hours)
Family contacts bondsman, paperwork signed, fee paid
Release (2-6 hours)
Processing, release paperwork, return of personal property, court date assigned
Total Time Estimate
From arrest to release: 12-48 hours depending on booking workload, time of arrest (weekends take longer), and how quickly bail is posted.
After Release: Critical Deadlines
1. Request MVD Hearing - 15 Days
You have only 15 days from arrest to request your administrative license hearing. This is separate from your criminal case.
2. Retrieve Your Vehicle
Impound fees accrue daily. Get your car as soon as possible to avoid hundreds in storage fees.
Calculate Impound Costs3. Hire an Attorney
A attorney can help with license hearings, plea negotiations, and potentially getting charges reduced or dismissed.
Find Pasquotank County Lawyers4. Appear at ALL Court Dates
Missing court will result in bond forfeiture, arrest warrant, and additional charges. Your co-signer will be liable for the full bail amount.
Pasquotank County DUI: Understanding Bail and Pre-Trial Release
If you've been arrested for Driving While Impaired (DWI) in Pasquotank County, North Carolina, your immediate concerns likely revolve around getting out of jail and maintaining your driving privileges. Unlike some jurisdictions, Pasquotank County operates as a regional hub within the First Judicial District, meaning the procedures and logistics can be complex. This guide provides a detailed overview of bail, pre-trial release, and related processes specific to Pasquotank County, helping you navigate the system effectively.
Initial Arrest and Bail in Elizabeth City
Following a DWI arrest, you'll be taken to the Albemarle District Jail, which serves Pasquotank and surrounding counties. Bail is typically set by a magistrate based on factors like your prior criminal record, the severity of the offense, and your ties to the community. The amount of bail can vary, but it's crucial to understand your options for release.
If you can't afford to post the full bail amount, you can use a bail bondsman. They typically charge a non-refundable fee (usually 10-15% of the total bail) to secure your release. Be aware that failure to appear in court will result in forfeiture of the bond and potential rearrest.
Vehicle Impoundment: A Costly Reality
One of the first financial burdens you'll face is the impoundment of your vehicle. Pasquotank County lacks municipal fee caps on towing and storage, which can quickly escalate. The official rotation wrecker services are Hudson & Son and Pro Tow. Every 24 hours your vehicle sits in the lot adds approximately $40-$60 in storage fees.
Action: Secure your vehicle from the rotation wrecker lot (Hudson & Son, Pro Tow) immediately. Do not wait for the arraignment. Ensure you have the Release Order (if a "Run and You're Done" seizure) and cash on hand for the tow yard.
30-Day Civil License Revocation and Limited Driving Privilege
Upon a DWI charge with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08 or higher, your driver's license is automatically revoked for 30 days. You have the right to request a hearing to challenge this revocation within 10 days at the Pasquotank Clerk of Court. However, these hearings rarely succeed unless there are fundamental flaws in the paperwork.
After 10 days of the civil revocation, you may be eligible for a pre-trial Limited Driving Privilege (LDP), allowing you to drive for work, school, or court-ordered activities. Filing for an LDP requires several steps:
- DL-123 Form: Obtain proof of liability insurance valid for 30 days.
- Substance Abuse Assessment: Schedule and complete a substance abuse assessment with a certified provider. Northeastern Professional Counseling (1250 North Road Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909; (252) 333-4569) is the dominant provider in the area. The assessment costs $100. Completing this assessment is crucial for obtaining an LDP.
- Certified Driving Record: Obtain a certified driving record from the DMV. This can be challenging due to long wait times at the Elizabeth City DMV. Consider checking for Saturday service (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) or alternative DMV locations in neighboring counties like Currituck or Chowan.
- $100 Fee: Pay the $100 fee to the Clerk of Court when filing your LDP application.
Action: Schedule your Substance Abuse Assessment with Northeastern Professional Counseling (252-333-4569) as soon as possible. Limited slots are available.
Navigating the Court System and Potential Penalties
Pasquotank County DWI cases are prosecuted aggressively. North Carolina does not offer a "Wet Reckless" plea option (G.S. 20-138.4), meaning most cases proceed to trial or a plea to the charged offense. The penalties for a DWI conviction vary depending on the circumstances, including your BAC, prior record, and any aggravating factors.
If convicted with a BAC of 0.15 or higher, an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) will be mandatory. Several IID installers are located on Interpath Parkway in Elizabeth City, including Smart Start (252-679-3435), LifeSafer (800-521-4246), and Intoxalock (252-709-1090).
In some cases, particularly for high-risk pre-trial release, a SCRAM (alcohol ankle monitor) may be required. Tarheel Monitoring, LLC is the regional authorized partner for SCRAM systems in Eastern NC. Daily monitoring fees typically range from $10 to $15 per day, plus installation fees.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Successfully navigating a DWI charge in Pasquotank County requires a proactive and informed approach. Understanding the local procedures, timelines, and available resources is essential.
Action: If arrested at a checkpoint, demand the written Checking Station Plan from the arresting agency. This plan is legally required and may provide grounds for challenging the legality of the stop. Also, demand the video from the Albemarle District Jail intake room, not just the body camera footage.
Sources
North Carolina Penal Code
Pasquotank County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety