Anderson County Court Process

Navigating a DUI Arrest in Anderson County, SC: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've been arrested for a DUI in Anderson County, South Carolina, understanding the local procedures is crucial. The process involves navigating both criminal court and administrative license suspension hearings, and immediate action is required to mitigate the consequences. This guide provides a detailed overview of what to expect and how to proceed.

Understanding the Anderson County DUI Landscape

Anderson County's DUI enforcement is robust, driven by its location on the I-85 corridor and proximity to Clemson University. In 2022 alone, the Anderson County Detention Center processed 3,355 DUI bookings, highlighting the prevalence of these charges. Enforcement is handled by the Anderson Police Department (within city limits), the Anderson County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) in unincorporated areas, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) on major roadways. Be aware that specialized DUI task forces, funded by the South Carolina Office of Highway Safety, operate within the ACSO. These officers are highly trained in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), making challenges to the arrest based on procedural errors more difficult. Sobriety checkpoints are common, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights between 6:00 PM and 3:00 AM, and during holidays like Christmas, New Year's Eve, and the Fourth of July. A frequent checkpoint location is the US-29 bridge at the Georgia state line.

Immediate Steps: Vehicle Impound and Towing

The first logistical hurdle after a DUI arrest is dealing with your impounded vehicle. Where your vehicle is towed depends on the arresting agency.

City of Anderson Police Department Impounds: If arrested by the City of Anderson Police Department, your vehicle is likely at the City of Anderson Public Works facility at 100 Civic Center Blvd, Anderson, SC 29621. To retrieve your vehicle, you must first pay the towing fee of $125 at the City of Anderson Revenue Collections Department at 401 Main Street, Anderson, SC 29624. You must pay this fee before going to Public Works. Public Works is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, but closes for lunch from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Plan accordingly, as failure to retrieve your vehicle promptly will result in daily storage fees of $15.00.

Anderson County Sheriff's Office and Highway Patrol Impounds: If arrested by the ACSO or SCHP, your vehicle will be towed by a private wrecker service on a rotational list. To locate your vehicle, contact the central dispatch center at (864) 260-4444. These private companies operate independently and set their own storage rates, which accrue even on weekends and holidays. While fees must align with state tariffs, the lack of centralized oversight can lead to higher costs if the vehicle remains impounded for an extended period.

Jail Release and Bond Hearings

Release from the Anderson County Detention Center is governed by specific bond court schedules. Missing the designated window can result in prolonged incarceration. Be aware of these schedules and ensure someone is available to assist with posting bond as quickly as possible.

Administrative License Suspension

A DUI arrest triggers an automatic administrative license suspension by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You have only 30 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative Hearing to contest this suspension. Failure to request a hearing within this timeframe results in automatic suspension. This hearing is separate from your criminal court case and is handled by the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings (OMVH).

Key Contacts and Next Steps

1. Locate Your Vehicle:

• City of Anderson PD: 100 Civic Center Blvd, Anderson, SC 29621
• ACSO/SCHP: Call (864) 260-4444 to find the towing company.

1. Pay Towing Fees:

• City of Anderson PD: 401 Main Street, Anderson, SC 29624

1. Request an Administrative Hearing: Contact the OMVH immediately to preserve your right to challenge your license suspension. The deadline is 30 days from your arrest.

Taking these steps promptly is crucial to minimizing the disruption and expense associated with a DUI arrest in Anderson County.