Clarendon County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Clarendon County, SC: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Clarendon County, South Carolina, triggers a complex legal and administrative process. With South Carolina ranking fifth nationally for drunk driving fatalities per capita, law enforcement in Clarendon County takes DUI enforcement seriously. This guide provides immediate, practical information to navigate the days and weeks following your arrest. It will help you understand the steps involved, critical deadlines, and resources available to you in Clarendon County.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The immediate aftermath of a DUI arrest in Clarendon County typically unfolds as follows:

1. Arrest and Field Sobriety Tests: The Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, Manning Police Department, or the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) may initiate a traffic stop if they suspect impaired driving. Field sobriety tests may be administered.
2. Breathalyzer or Blood Test: You will be asked to submit to a breathalyzer test or, in some cases, a blood test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC). Refusal to submit to testing can result in an automatic license suspension.
3. Booking at the Clarendon County Detention Center: If arrested, you'll be transported to the Clarendon County Detention Center (CCDC) located at 320 E Boyce St, Manning, SC 29102. The booking process involves a thorough search, inventory of your personal property, and medical and mental health screenings. All physical currency is deposited into an electronic commissary account.
4. Phone Call: After the booking process, you are permitted one free telephone call.
5. Bail Hearing: Bail consideration hearings are held twice daily at the CCDC, at 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM. If arrested after 9:00 AM, you will likely remain incarcerated until the 5:30 PM hearing. For a first DUI offense, bail is often set at or below $1,000, as it is statutorily capped at the maximum fine.
6. Vehicle Impound: Your vehicle will be impounded and towed by a private wrecker service operating under the SCHP Troop 1 rotation list.

Critical Deadlines

Several crucial deadlines follow a DUI arrest:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 30 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). Failure to request this hearing within the deadline will result in the automatic suspension of your driver's license.
• ADSAP Enrollment: If your license is suspended, you must enroll in the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP) within 30 days of the suspension being finalized.
• Court Appearance: You will receive a notice with your court appearance date. Missing this date can result in further legal consequences.

DUI Enforcement in Clarendon County

Clarendon County law enforcement agencies, including the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol, actively enforce DUI laws. Due to its location along major interstate corridors, Clarendon County sees a high volume of traffic, leading to frequent DUI enforcement efforts. While specific DUI checkpoint locations are not publicly released in advance, awareness of increased enforcement during holidays and weekends is advisable.

Local Resources

• Clarendon County Magistrate Court: 102 South Mill St, Manning, SC 29102. Phone: 803-435-2670.
• Clarendon County Detention Center: 320 E Boyce St, Manning, SC 29102. Phone: 803-435-0032.
• Manning SCDMV: 3721 Alex Harvin Hwy, Manning, SC 29102. Phone: 803-473-3432.
• Clarendon Behavioral Health Services (ADSAP Provider): 14 North Church Street, Manning, SC 29102.
• Clarendon County Sheriff's Office: 803-435-4414
• Finding a Licensed Bail Bondsman: A licensed bail bondsman can assist with posting bail. The South Carolina Department of Insurance regulates bail bondsmen.
• Finding a DUI Attorney: A DUI attorney can provide legal representation and guidance. The South Carolina Bar can provide referrals.

What Makes Clarendon County Different

Several factors distinguish DUI cases in Clarendon County:

• SCHP Wrecker Rotation System: Following a DUI arrest, your vehicle will be towed by a wrecker service operating under the SCHP Troop 1 rotation system. It is critical to contact the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office dispatch at 803-435-4414 or SCHP Troop 1 to determine the location of your impounded vehicle.
• Bail Hearing Schedule: Unlike larger cities, the Clarendon County Detention Center relies on a rotating panel of four Magistrates who conduct bail consideration hearings strictly at 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM daily. This rigid schedule can cause significant delays in release.
• ADSAP Requirement: If your license is suspended, you must enroll in ADSAP through Clarendon Behavioral Health Services, located at 14 North Church Street, Manning, SC 29102. Out-of-state or unauthorized online classes are not accepted by the SCDMV.
• SR-22 Insurance: South Carolina requires an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility to reinstate a suspended license following a DUI conviction.

Contact the Clarendon County Magistrate Court at 803-435-2670 to confirm your court date and understand the next steps in your case.