Union County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Union 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 Union 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.
2714 B Cureton St, Monroe, NC 28112 is the primary address for Stegall’s Towing, a key local node for vehicle impoundment following a DWI arrest in Union County.
Union County DUI Bail: A Local Guide
Navigating a DUI arrest in Union County, North Carolina, involves understanding several logistical and financial hurdles beyond the immediate legal charges. This guide provides specific local information to help you understand the process.
Vehicle Impoundment and Release
Following a DWI arrest, your vehicle's fate depends on the circumstances. If you had a valid driver’s license and no prior pending DWI charges, your vehicle will likely be towed for safekeeping by the Union County Sheriff’s Office (UCSO) or Monroe Police Department to a local towing contractor on a rotational list.
However, if your license was already revoked for an impaired driving offense, or if you were unlicensed and uninsured, your vehicle is subject to mandatory seizure under N.C.G.S. § 20-28.3. This often means your vehicle is transferred to Eastway Wrecker in Charlotte, a state contractor located over 25 miles away. Their contact number is (877) DWI-TOWS / (877) 394-8697.
If your vehicle is impounded locally, Stegall’s Towing at 2714 B Cureton St, Monroe, NC 28112, is a primary service provider, covering zip codes 28110 and 28112. Stegall’s advertises 24/7 availability, but you should verify if release operations are also 24/7. Call them at (843) 658-3575 or email 6723300@gmail.com.
To retrieve your vehicle, you will need the title/registration and ID to prove ownership. Because your license is likely revoked, a second individual with a valid driver’s license must be present to drive the vehicle off the lot. The registered owner must physically attend to sign the release, or provide a notarized power of attorney.
Navigating the Union County Judicial Center
The Union County Judicial Center, located in downtown Monroe, has strict rules. Cell phones, computers, cameras, and personal electronic devices are strictly prohibited for the general public. Unauthorized devices must be returned to the vehicle. This creates a challenge for those relying on ride-sharing services because they can't summon a ride upon exiting the courthouse without retrieving their phone from outside.
Parking is available in a surface lot near the railroad tracks at the corner of Church St. and Charlotte Ave. Allow at least 15 minutes for parking and security screening.
Courtroom Attire
Union County judges enforce strict dress code standards. Shorts, tank tops, halter tops, sheer clothing, hats, and sunglasses are banned. Shirts must be tucked in, and no inappropriate graphics are allowed. Bailiffs can deny entry.
DMV License Logistics
Monroe has a driver's license office, but it doesn't host administrative hearing officers for contested DWI revocations or refusal hearings. Most hearings for Union County residents are consolidated at the NCDMV Headquarters in Huntersville or the Brookshire Blvd location in Charlotte. The Monroe DMV follows a "Walk-In" vs. Appointment system. The mornings (7am - 12pm) are typically reserved for appointments booked online. Afternoons (12pm - 5pm) are strictly walk-in services.
Specialized Court Programs
Union County operates a specialized DUI/Drug Court track that focuses on treatment and monitoring, with contact available at (704) 698-3235.
Ignition Interlock Devices
Smart Start has a Monroe location at 1969 Old Charlotte Highway, Monroe, NC 28110. They can be reached at (800) 831-3299.
The Union County Judicial Center is located in downtown Monroe.
Sources
North Carolina Penal Code
Union County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety