Georgetown County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Georgetown County, SC: Complete Guide

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Georgetown County, South Carolina can be a disorienting experience. This guide provides clear, actionable steps to navigate the immediate aftermath, understand critical deadlines, and access local resources. Positioned along U.S. Highway 17, the Georgetown County Sheriff's Office and the SC Highway Patrol Troop 5 conduct frequent sobriety checkpoints to combat impaired driving.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Georgetown County, you'll be transported to the Georgetown County Detention Center located at 2394 Browns Ferry Road, Georgetown, SC 29440. The arresting officer will complete the booking process, which includes:

• Fingerprinting and Photographing: Your fingerprints and a mugshot will be taken.
• Inventory of Possessions: Your personal belongings will be inventoried and stored securely.
• Health Screening: A brief medical screening will assess any immediate health concerns.

After booking, you will be eligible to make phone calls. Inmates at the Georgetown County Detention Center can make outgoing calls, but they cannot receive incoming calls. Phone calls are subject to monitoring and recording. Commissary is available to inmates to purchase phone time.

Bail is typically set at a bond court hearing. Bond court schedules are restrictive, operating at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, or 3:00 PM depending on the arresting agency. The Georgetown County Sheriff's Office provides a list of qualified surety bail bondsmen.

Critical Deadlines

Several deadlines are critical after a DUI arrest:

• Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearing: You have only 30 days from the date of arrest to request an ALR hearing with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) to contest the suspension of your driver's license. This request must be accompanied by a $200 cashier's check. Failure to request a hearing within this timeframe will result in automatic license suspension.
• Court Appearance: You will receive a notice with your court date. Missing this date can result in further penalties.

DUI Enforcement in Georgetown County

Georgetown County law enforcement agencies, including the SC Highway Patrol, actively enforce DUI laws through various methods, including sobriety checkpoints. While specific checkpoint locations vary, U.S. Highway 17 is a known area for increased enforcement. The Fifteenth Judicial Circuit has a Special DUI Prosecutor assigned to it.

Local Resources

• Georgetown County Magistrates - Central Traffic Court: 333 Cleland Street, Georgetown, SC 29440, Phone: 843-545-3381.
• Georgetown County Detention Center: 2394 Browns Ferry Road, Georgetown, SC 29440, Phone: 843-545-3400.
• Georgetown SCDMV Branch: 214 Ridge Street, Georgetown, SC 29440, Phone: 843-527-8730.
• Clerk of Court: Clerk of Court | Georgetown County, SC
• Online Services: Online Services | Georgetown County, SC
• Georgetown County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (GCADAC): 1423 Winyah Street, Georgetown, SC 29440. This is the nearest approved DUI school.

What Makes Georgetown County Different

Georgetown County's location along the busy U.S. Highway 17 corridor contributes to active DUI enforcement. The Georgetown County Sheriff's Office bond court operates on a restrictive schedule, running exclusively at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, or 3:00 PM depending on the arresting agency. The Georgetown County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (GCADAC) is the primary clinical evaluator for substance abuse and administers the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP). Enrollment requires a 10-year SC driving record, a photo ID, a Social Security card, and an initial $100 intake deposit.