Anderson County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Anderson County, SC: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Anderson County can be a disorienting experience. This guide provides immediate, practical information about what to expect, critical deadlines, and local resources to help you navigate the process. Understanding the specific procedures in Anderson County is vital for protecting your rights and making informed decisions.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Anderson County, several key events occur within the first 24 hours. Typically, the arresting agency will be the Anderson County Sheriff's Office, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, or the City of Anderson Police Department. After the arrest, you will be transported to the Anderson County Detention Center (ACDC), located at 1009 David Lee Coffee Pl., Anderson, SC 29625.

At the Detention Center, the booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and a health screening. You will also be given the opportunity to make phone calls, typically collect calls through Pay-Tel Communications. Families can set up an account at www.paytelconnect.com to prepare for these calls.

Bail is usually set at Bond Court, held twice daily at the Anderson County Summary Court for county and Highway Patrol arrests (6:30 AM and 4:00 PM) and at the Anderson Municipal Court for city arrests (8:00 AM and 4:00 PM). First-offense DUI bail generally ranges from $400 to $1,017, depending on the BAC tier and mandatory state assessments. If you cannot post the full bail amount, you'll need to contact a licensed bail bondsman.

Critical Deadlines

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

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 30 calendar days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings (OMVH). This request must be mailed to the OMVH at the Edgar A. Brown Building, 1205 Pendleton St., Suite 325, Columbia, SC 29201, along with a $200.00 non-refundable filing fee.
• Court Appearance Date: You will receive a notice to appear in either the Anderson County Summary Court or the Anderson Municipal Court. Missing this court date can result in a Failure to Appear (FTA) bench warrant for your arrest.
• License Suspension Timeline: If you refused a breathalyzer test or your BAC was 0.15% or higher, your license is subject to immediate administrative suspension, regardless of the outcome of your criminal case.

DUI Enforcement in Anderson County

DUI enforcement in Anderson County is conducted by the Anderson County Sheriff's Office (Anderson County Sheriff's Office), the South Carolina Highway Patrol (South Carolina Highway Patrol), and the City of Anderson Police Department. Keep an eye out for increased patrols during holidays and special events.

Local Resources

• Anderson County Summary Court & Central Traffic Court: 2404 North Main Street, Anderson, SC 29621
• Anderson Municipal Court: 401 S. Main Street, Anderson, SC 29624 (City Hall)
• Anderson County Detention Center (ACDC): 1009 David Lee Coffee Pl., Anderson, SC 29625. Booking/Inmate Lookup Phone: (864) 260-4363.
• SCDMV Anderson: 331 29 Bypass North, Anderson, SC 29621. Phone: (864) 260-2205.
• Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI): Contact the 10th Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office in Anderson at (864) 260-4042.

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What Makes Anderson County Different

The impound process in Anderson County differs based on the arresting agency. If arrested by the City of Anderson Police Department, your vehicle is likely impounded at the Public Works Complex (City of Anderson), located at 1100 Southwood St., Anderson, SC 29624. Payment must be made at the Court Collections Office at City Hall (401 S. Main St.). Be aware of the limited hours of operation (Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 3:15 PM) and the midday closure between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM.

If arrested by the Anderson County Sheriff's Office or the Highway Patrol, your vehicle will be towed by a private wrecker service on a rotational list. Contact the central dispatch center at (864) 260-4444 to determine the location of your vehicle.

Anderson County also has a judicially supervised Treatment Court, an intensive 18-month program focused on drug and alcohol rehabilitation as an alternative to incarceration. Contact the 10th Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office at (864) 260-4042 to inquire about Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), which may be an option for first-time offenders.

Remember to dress appropriately for court appearances. The courts in Anderson County strictly enforce a dress code: no shorts, cut-offs, baggy pants, flip-flops, tank tops, or clothing with offensive graphics are allowed.

As a next step, contact the Anderson County Detention Center at (864) 260-4363 to confirm your booking information and any outstanding requirements for release.