Transylvania County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Transylvania County.
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 Transylvania 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.
DUI Arrested in Transylvania County? Understanding Bail and Release
If you've been arrested for Driving While Impaired (DWI) in Transylvania County, North Carolina, you're likely concerned about getting out of jail and understanding the process ahead. Unlike larger metropolitan areas, Transylvania County presents unique challenges and considerations regarding bail and pre-trial release. This guide provides a detailed overview to help you navigate this difficult time.
Immediate Steps After a Transylvania County DUI Arrest
After an arrest by the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO), the Brevard Police Department (BPD), or the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), you'll be transported to the Transylvania County Detention Center located at 153 Public Safety Way, Brevard, NC 28712. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information.
Action: Have a family member immediately contact the Detention Center at (828) 884-3147 to confirm your booking and inquire about the bond amount.
Understanding Bail Amounts and Bond Options
Bail in Transylvania County is set based on a bond schedule determined by Judicial District 42, which also includes Henderson and Polk counties. While specific amounts can vary based on your criminal history and the severity of the charges, expect a bond amount ranging from $500 to $2,500 for a first-time DWI offense with no aggravating factors. Factors such as a high blood alcohol content (BAC), prior DWIs, or causing an accident can significantly increase the bond amount.
Action: Contact a local bondsman. Some options include those operating in neighboring Henderson County. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable premium, typically 10-15% of the total bond amount. For example, a $1,000 bond will likely cost you $100-$150 to secure release.
Navigating the Detention Center Ecosystem
The Transylvania County Detention Center utilizes third-party vendors for financial and communication services. JailATM is often used for commissary funds and communication. Understanding this digital ecosystem is crucial for maintaining contact with the incarcerated.
Action: Your family can deposit funds into your account through JailATM to enable phone calls. Contact the Detention Center for specific instructions.
Vehicle Impoundment and Towing Fees
Following a DUI arrest, your vehicle will likely be impounded. Transylvania County relies on private towing contractors operating under municipal ordinances. These ordinances often follow a "true cost" model, meaning towing and storage fees can quickly escalate.
Action: Immediately contact the arresting agency (TCSO at 828-884-3169 or BPD at 828-883-2212) to determine the location of your vehicle and the procedures for release. Be prepared to pay potentially uncapped towing and storage fees to the towing company.
The Importance of a Local Transylvania County DUI Attorney
Transylvania County operates within District 42, which has a consolidated prosecutorial and judicial framework. This consolidation influences court calendaring and pre-trial release conditions. A local attorney will understand these nuances and how they impact your case. Additionally, an attorney can challenge the legality of the stop, sobriety tests, and other aspects of the arrest.
Action: Research and contact a qualified DUI attorney who practices regularly in Transylvania County.
Checkpoint Arrests: Know Your Rights
The NCSHP and local agencies in Transylvania County participate in "Booze It & Lose It" campaigns, which involve sobriety checkpoints. These checkpoints must adhere to strict legal guidelines outlined in State v. White and G.S. 20-16.3A. If you were arrested at a checkpoint, it's crucial to determine if the officers followed the pre-approved plan.
Action: Your attorney should request the Checking Station Authorization Form to ensure the checkpoint was conducted legally. Any deviation from the plan could render the stop unconstitutional.
Administrative License Suspension and DMV Hearings
A DUI arrest in North Carolina triggers a separate administrative license suspension by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Because Transylvania County lacks a full-service Driver License Office, you will need to navigate license restoration in a neighboring county. You have a limited time (typically 10 days) to request a hearing to challenge the suspension.
Action: Immediately contact the DMV or your attorney to request an administrative hearing to challenge the license suspension.
Financial Implications of a DUI
The cumulative costs of a DUI in Transylvania County, including towing fees, bond premiums, court costs (at least $190), assessment fees ($100), and increased insurance premiums, can be substantial. Given the county's median income of approximately $34,678, these costs can be financially devastating.
Action: Discuss potential payment plans with your attorney and explore options for mitigating the financial impact of the DUI.
Contact Information for Transylvania County DUI Cases
Here's a quick reference for essential contact information:
- Transylvania County Detention Center: (828) 884-3147
- Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO): (828) 884-3169
- Brevard Police Department (BPD): (828) 883-2212
- TCSO Narcotics Task Force: (828) 883-3080
Taking these immediate steps and understanding the complexities of the Transylvania County DUI system will help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
Sources
North Carolina Penal Code
Transylvania County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety