Greenville County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Greenville County, SC: Complete Guide

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Greenville County

Being arrested for a DUI in Greenville County, South Carolina can be a stressful and confusing experience. This guide is designed to provide you with immediate, practical information to help you understand what happens next and navigate the complex legal process. We'll cover everything from what to expect immediately after your arrest to critical deadlines you need to be aware of. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with a qualified DUI attorney to discuss the specific details of your case.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest are critical. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens:

• Arrest: You'll be placed under arrest by the arresting officer, usually after failing field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer test showing a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher (the legal limit in South Carolina).

• Transportation: You will be transported to the Greenville County Detention Center.

• Booking Process: At the detention center, you'll go through the booking process. This involves:

• Providing your personal information (name, address, date of birth, etc.)

• Fingerprinting

• Mugshot

• Inventory of your belongings

• Health screening

• Phone Calls: You have the right to make a phone call after you've been booked. Use this call wisely. It's generally best to contact a family member, friend, or, most importantly, a DUI attorney. Avoid discussing the details of your case with anyone other than your attorney.

• Bail Hearing: You will likely see a magistrate judge to set bail. The amount of bail will depend on the circumstances of your arrest, your criminal history, and other factors.

• Release: Once bail is posted (either by you or a bail bondsman), you will be released from custody. Make sure you understand the conditions of your release, including any court dates you must attend.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines in a DUI case can have serious consequences. Here are some key dates to keep in mind:

• ALR Hearing Deadline: In South Carolina, you have a limited time (usually 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. This is a crucial deadline. Failure to request a hearing within the timeframe will result in automatic license suspension.
• Court Appearance Dates: You will receive a notice to appear in court for your arraignment. This is your first court appearance where you will be formally charged. Missing this court date can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• License Suspension Timeline: If you don't request an ALR hearing, or if you lose the ALR hearing, your license suspension will begin. The length of the suspension depends on the circumstances of your case and any prior DUI convictions.

DUI Enforcement in Greenville County

Greenville County, like other areas in South Carolina, actively enforces DUI laws. Expect to see DUI checkpoints, especially on weekends and holidays. Law enforcement officers are trained to identify impaired drivers through observation and field sobriety tests. Familiarize yourself with your rights during a traffic stop. You are not required to perform field sobriety tests, although refusal can have consequences related to your license.

Local Resources

Here are some local resources that may be helpful:

• Greenville County Court Information: Search online for the Greenville County Clerk of Court for information about court locations, schedules, and procedures.
• Bail Bondsmen in the Area: Search online directories for licensed bail bondsmen operating in Greenville County. Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of any bail bond agreement.
• DUI Attorneys: A qualified DUI attorney can provide invaluable guidance and representation throughout the legal process. Search online directories or contact the South Carolina Bar Association for referrals. It is generally recommended to consult with at least two or three attorneys before making a decision.

What Makes Greenville County Different

While South Carolina DUI laws are consistent statewide, some local procedures in Greenville County may differ.

• Unique Local Procedures: [This section requires local research. Are there any specific procedures or practices unique to Greenville County's DUI processing? This could include specific court policies, common practices by local law enforcement, etc.]
• County-Specific Programs: [This section also requires local research. Are there any specific DUI diversion or rehabilitation programs offered within Greenville County? Examples could include alcohol education programs or community service opportunities.]
• Typical Bail Amounts: While bail amounts vary case by case, first-time DUI offenders in Greenville County typically see bail amounts in the range of . Factors influencing this include BAC level, presence of aggravating circumstances (e.g., accident, child in the car), and prior criminal history.

This guide provides a starting point for understanding the DUI process in Greenville County. Remember to consult with a qualified DUI attorney to discuss the specific details of your case and protect your rights. Good luck.