Allendale County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Allendale County, SC: Complete Guide

Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) can be a disorienting experience. In Allendale County, it's essential to understand the immediate steps, deadlines, and local resources available to you. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what to expect following a DUI arrest in Allendale County, helping you navigate the legal and administrative processes ahead.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Allendale County, the primary arresting agency will likely be the South Carolina Highway Patrol. You will be transported to the Allendale County Detention Center located at 107 Law Enforcement Ct, Allendale, SC 29810. The phone number for the detention center is 803-584-8143.

The booking process involves:

• Fingerprinting and Photographing: Your fingerprints and a mugshot will be taken.
• Inventory of Possessions: Your personal belongings will be inventoried and stored.
• Health Screening: You'll undergo a brief health screening.
• Holding Cell: You will be placed in a holding cell pending your bond hearing.

You are typically allowed to make phone calls shortly after the booking process is complete. Use this opportunity to contact a family member, friend, or a licensed bail bondsman.

A bond hearing will be scheduled, where a judge sets the amount of bail required for your release. In Allendale County, the typical bail amount for a first-offense DUI is $400. For a second offense, bail is typically $2100. Paying this amount (or securing a bond through a bail bondsman) will allow you to be released from jail while awaiting trial.

Critical Deadlines

Several critical deadlines must be met to protect your rights and driving privileges:

• Implied Consent Hearing Request: You have 30 days from the date of your arrest to request an Implied Consent Hearing with the South Carolina Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings (OMVH) in Columbia. Missing this deadline forfeits your right to appeal your license suspension. The request must be accompanied by a $200 non-refundable filing fee.
• ADSAP Enrollment: You are legally mandated to enroll in the South Carolina Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP) within 30 days of your conviction or administrative mandate.
• Court Appearance: The date of your initial court appearance will be provided on your release paperwork. It is crucial to attend this hearing.

DUI Enforcement in Allendale County

While specific DUI checkpoint locations are not published, the South Carolina Highway Patrol actively conducts DUI enforcement throughout the state, including Allendale County.

Local Resources

• Allendale County Magistrate Court: 292 Barnwell Hwy, Allendale, SC 29810. Phone: 803-584-3755. You can track case status online.
• Allendale County Detention Center: 107 Law Enforcement Ct, Allendale, SC 29810. Phone: 803-584-8143. You can search for inmates online.
• SCDMV Fairfax Branch: 3657 Allendale Fairfax Rd, Fairfax, SC 29827. Phone: 803-584-2694. Open Wednesdays only (9:30 AM – 5:00 PM).
• New Life Center - Allendale: 571 Memorial Avenue, Allendale, SC 29810. Mailing Address: PO Box 806, Allendale, SC 29810. Phone: 803-584-4238. This is the local DAODAS affiliate administering ADSAP services.

To find a licensed bail bondsman, you can conduct research. The South Carolina Association of Counties may provide resources to help you.

What Makes Allendale County Different

Allendale County presents unique challenges due to its rural infrastructure. The SCDMV Fairfax Branch, located at 3657 Allendale Fairfax Rd, Fairfax, SC 29827, is only open one day a week: Wednesdays from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. This severely limits access to services such as obtaining a Temporary Alcohol License (TAL) or replacing a seized ID card, potentially impacting employment and creating logistical difficulties in retrieving an impounded vehicle.

Additionally, ADSAP services in Allendale County are exclusively administered by the New Life Center, located at 571 Memorial Avenue, Allendale, SC 29810.