Chesterfield County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Chesterfield County, SC: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI can be a disorienting experience. In Chesterfield County, understanding the specific local procedures can significantly ease the process and help you navigate the legal complexities ahead. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of what to expect after a DUI arrest in Chesterfield County, from securing your release to handling court appearances and license implications.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following an arrest for Driving Under the Influence, you'll likely be taken into custody by either the South Carolina Highway Patrol or the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office. You'll be transported to the Chesterfield County Detention Center, located at 319 Goodale Road, Chesterfield, SC 29709, for booking. During the booking process, you will be fingerprinted, photographed, and potentially subjected to chemical testing if a breathalyzer test wasn't administered at the scene.

The booking process can take some time. According to local sources, there can be significant delays during routine operational shifts, headcounts, and meal times at the Detention Center. It's important to be patient and cooperate with the officers.

After booking, you'll be able to make phone calls. This is a crucial step to contact family, a bail bondsman, and a DUI attorney.

Bail is set by the Magistrate's Office, which, conveniently, is physically attached to the jail facility. This means all bonding activities occur directly at this adjoining office, which remains fully operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, streamlining the release process. For a first-offense DUI with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) under 0.10%, bail is generally capped around $400, though state assessments and court costs can push the total required financial outlay toward the $1,000 mark. If granted, a Personal Recognizance (PR) bond might be an option if you have no prior criminal record and the incident didn't involve significant property damage or injury.

Critical Deadlines

Several critical deadlines arise immediately after a DUI arrest:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 30 calendar days from the date of your Notice of Suspension to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings (OMVH). Missing this deadline results in an automatic license suspension.
• Court Appearance: The date for your initial court appearance will be set soon after your arrest. This date is crucial, and missing it can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• License Suspension: If you refused a breathalyzer test or had a BAC of 0.15% or higher, your license will be immediately suspended. Even with a TARL, this suspension becomes permanent if the ALR hearing is lost.

DUI Enforcement in Chesterfield County

The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office are the primary agencies responsible for DUI enforcement in Chesterfield County. While specific checkpoint locations are not publicly advertised, it's important to be aware of increased enforcement efforts during holidays and weekends.

Local Resources

• Chesterfield County Magistrate Court: 200 West Main Street, Chesterfield, SC 29709. Phone: 843-623-9009 (Magistrate) / 843-623-2574 (Clerk of Court)
• Chesterfield County Detention Center: 319 Goodale Road, Chesterfield, SC 29709. Booking/Inmate Lookup Phone: 843-623-3385 (Direct Booking Line) / 843-623-2261 (Main Detention Center)
• SCDMV Chesterfield Branch: 100 Laney St, Chesterfield, SC 29709. Phone: 843-623-3541. Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; Wed: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
• Finding a Licensed Bail Bondsman: Because Chesterfield County is a rural area, you may need to contact regional bail bond agencies that service multiple counties. These agencies are licensed by the South Carolina Department of Insurance.
• Finding a DUI Attorney: Seek a DUI attorney who is familiar with the Chesterfield County court system and South Carolina DUI laws.

What Makes Chesterfield County Different

Several factors make navigating a DUI arrest in Chesterfield County unique:

• Magistrate's Office Location: The Chesterfield County Magistrate's Office is physically connected to the Detention Center. This streamlines the bonding process, as paperwork doesn't need to be transported across town.
• Bail Amounts: For a first-offense DUI with a BAC under 0.10%, bail is generally capped around $400, with additional court costs potentially raising the total to around $1,000.
• Court Procedures: Chesterfield County Magistrate Court is not a court of record, meaning proceedings are summary in nature. This highlights the importance of retaining competent legal counsel.
• Electronic Device Ban at Courthouse: Chesterfield County enforces a strict prohibition on portable electronic devices within the courthouse, including cell phones, laptops, and tablets. Be sure to leave these devices secured in your vehicle.
• Impound Lot Location: If your car is towed, it will likely go to Burch's Towing & Recovery at 770 Burch Rd, Chesterfield, SC 29709. Their release line is 843-623-6877. They are open Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, but offer 24-hour emergency service subject to after-hours fees.
• Towing Fees: The maximum tow fee for a standard Class A vehicle is $272.00, and daily storage is capped at $47.00.

To begin resolving your situation, immediately contact the Chesterfield County Detention Center booking desk at 843-623-3385 to confirm custody status and bond amounts.