Greenwood County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Greenwood County, SC: Complete Guide

**(dui.guide)*Being arrested for DUI can be overwhelming, and knowing what to do next is crucial. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of the DUI process in Greenwood County, South Carolina, from the moment of your arrest to navigating the legal and administrative hurdles ahead. We'll cover everything from posting bail to understanding your court dates and protecting your driving privileges.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Greenwood County

Following a DUI arrest in Greenwood County, you'll be transported to the Greenwood County Detention Center for processing. Understanding what happens next is key to navigating the legal system and protecting your rights. This guide provides a roadmap of the procedures, deadlines, and resources available to you.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

• Initial Stop & Arrest: The process begins with a traffic stop, often initiated by an officer from the Greenwood County Sheriff's Department. If the officer suspects you are driving under the influence, they will administer field sobriety tests and potentially a breathalyzer test.

• Transportation to Greenwood County Detention Center: If arrested, you'll be transported to the Greenwood County Detention Center, located at 528 Edgefield St, Greenwood, SC 29646. Phone: (864) 943-8063.

• Booking Process: At the Detention Center, you'll undergo the booking process, which includes:

• Taking your photograph ("mugshot")

• Fingerprinting

• Inventorying your personal belongings

• A medical screening

• Phone Calls: After booking, you will be allowed to make phone calls. Use this opportunity to contact a loved one and a DUI attorney.

• Bail Hearing: You will typically see a magistrate judge within 24 hours of your arrest for a bond hearing. The judge will set your bail amount based on factors such as your criminal history, the severity of the offense, and your ties to the community.

• Posting Bail: You can post bail in several ways in Greenwood County. You can pay the full amount in cash to the Greenwood County Detention Center, use a bail bondsman, or, less commonly, use a property bond. Keep in mind that the Greenwood County Detention Center may have specific requirements for acceptable payment methods. Contact them directly to confirm.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing Request: 15 Days You have only 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). Failure to request this hearing within the deadline will result in an automatic suspension of your driver's license.
• Initial Court Appearance: Your initial court appearance (arraignment) date will be listed on the paperwork you received at the time of your arrest.
• License Suspension: If you do not request an ALR hearing or if you lose the hearing, your license suspension will begin. The length of the suspension depends on factors such as your BAC level and whether you refused to take a breathalyzer test.

DUI Enforcement in Greenwood County

The Greenwood County Sheriff's Department actively enforces DUI laws. While specific checkpoint locations are not publicly advertised, DUI enforcement can occur at any time and any place in the county.

Local Resources

• Greenwood County Detention Center: 528 Edgefield St, Greenwood, SC 29646. Phone: (864) 943-8063. http://www.greenwoodsc.gov/
• Greenwood County Sheriff's Department: 528 Edgefield St, Greenwood, SC 29646. Phone: (864) 942-8600. http://www.greenwoodsc.gov/countywebsite/
• South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Greenwood: 510 W Alexander Ext, Greenwood, SC 29646. Phone: (864) 227-6434. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Wednesday 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. https://www.scdmvonline.com/Locations/Greenwood
• Finding a DUI Attorney: Seek experienced DUI attorneys in Greenwood County by [searching online]. Verify their good standing with the South Carolina Bar.

What Makes Greenwood County Different

While DUI laws are consistent statewide, some aspects of the process are specific to Greenwood County.

• Typical First Offense Bail: Expect a bail amount between $500 and $2,000 for a first offense DUI in Greenwood County.
• Detention Center Location: Booking and processing occur at the Greenwood County Detention Center, located at 528 Edgefield St.
• Sheriff's Department Involvement: The Greenwood County Sheriff's Department is the primary law enforcement agency handling DUI arrests in the county.

After posting bail, remember to contact the investigating officer to obtain a vehicle release authorization before going to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.