Charleston County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Charleston County, SC: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI can be a disorienting experience. In 2024, the Charleston Police Department recorded 592 primary DUI arrests, a 31% increase from the previous year. This guide provides a clear roadmap of what to expect and what steps you need to take immediately following a DUI arrest in Charleston County.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The moments following a DUI arrest in Charleston County are critical. Here's a general timeline:

• Arrest and Booking: After being arrested, you will be taken to the Charleston County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) for processing. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information.
• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls after the booking process is complete.
• Bond Hearing: A bond hearing will be scheduled. Bond for DUI in South Carolina is determined by a magistrate.
• Release: Once bail is posted, you will be released from the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center.

The Charleston County Sheriff's Office processes arrestees at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center, located within Charleston County.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have serious consequences for your driving privileges and your case. Be aware of these key dates:

• ALR Hearing Request: You typically have a limited time (often 15 days) from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). This hearing is separate from your criminal case and determines whether your driver's license will be suspended.
• Court Appearance: You will receive a notice with your court date. It is crucial to appear in court on the scheduled date.
• License Suspension: If you refuse the breathalyzer or have a BAC of 0.15% or higher, your license will be confiscated immediately, leading to an administrative suspension.

DUI Enforcement in Charleston County

Law enforcement agencies in Charleston County actively enforce DUI laws. They utilize data-driven enforcement paradigms that rely heavily on geographic bottlenecks and historical collision data. DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols are commonly deployed on major traffic arteries connecting urban nightlife districts to surrounding residential areas.

Recurring checkpoint locations on the downtown peninsula include the intersection of King Street and Huger Street, Calhoun Street at Halsey Boulevard, Calhoun Street at Pitt Street, East Bay Street at South Street, and Morrison Drive at Jackson Street. Enforcement is often concentrated on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, typically starting around 9:00 PM and continuing until midnight or later. The "DUI Checkpoint Strike Force" and "Drunk Driving Enforcement Zones" are routinely activated in partnership with Joint Base Charleston Security Forces, particularly around holidays like Memorial Day.

Local Resources

• Charleston County Magistrates Court: Handles traffic and criminal court hearings. Traffic & Criminal Court: Magistrates/Summary Courts
• Charleston Municipal Court: Located at 180 Lockwood Drive, Charleston, SC 29403. Municipal Court | Charleston, SC - Official Website
• Charleston County Sheriff's Office: Sheriff's Office | Charleston County, SC | Search for Arrests
• Charleston Center (DAODAS): Provides Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP) services. Charleston Center: Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS)
• Finding a Licensed Bail Bondsman: To find a licensed bail bondsman, you can inquire with the Charleston County Sheriff's Office or conduct an online search. **

Charleston County's DUI landscape has unique characteristics:

• Enforcement Hotspots: DUI checkpoints are frequently set up on Folly Road near Albemarle Road, Harborview Road at Highway 30, Berryhill Road near Kay Street on Johns Island, and Highway 61 near Sycamore Avenue in West Ashley.
• Prosecution in Summary Courts: Arresting police officers are frequently required to act as the sole prosecutors for their own DUI cases in summary courts.
• ADSAP: Individuals convicted of DUI are required to complete the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP). Alcohol & Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP)
• Vehicle Holds: Following a DUI arrest, law enforcement officers possess the statutory authority to place a mandatory investigative or safety hold on the vehicle. For a first-time DUI offense, the vehicle can be subjected to a 12-hour mandatory hold.

If your vehicle was towed by Jennings Towing Company, the official city franchise, you can contact them at (843) 554-6385 to inquire about its release.