Kershaw County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Kershaw County, SC: Complete Guide

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Kershaw County can be a disorienting experience. In 2023, predictive models indicate approximately 136 DUI arrests occurred in the county. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you navigate the complex legal and administrative processes that follow a DUI arrest in Kershaw County, South Carolina. It will cover everything from getting out of jail and understanding your deadlines, to license implications and retrieving your vehicle.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Immediately following a DUI arrest in Kershaw County, you will likely be transported to the Kershaw County Detention Center (KCDC). The Kershaw County Sheriff's Office (KCSO), the Camden Police Department, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) are the primary arresting agencies in the area. Booking procedures at the KCDC involve fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information. You can find information on the Kershaw County Detention Center FAQ page.

You will typically be allowed to make a phone call shortly after the booking process is complete. Use this call to contact a family member, friend, or a licensed bail bondsman.

Bail in Kershaw County allows for release from custody while awaiting trial. The amount of bail is set by a magistrate. The amount can vary depending on the specifics of your case and your prior criminal history.

Critical Deadlines

Several critical deadlines must be met to protect your rights and driving privileges:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 30 calendar days from the date of your DUI arrest to request a Contested Case Hearing (Implied Consent Hearing) with the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings (OMVH) to challenge your administrative license suspension. Missing this deadline results in a permanent and unappealable suspension.
• Court Appearance Date: Your initial court appearance date will be indicated on the paperwork you receive at the time of your arrest. Failure to appear can result in additional charges and penalties.
• License Suspension Timeline: Your driver's license is immediately suspended at the scene of the arrest if you either refuse to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, or provide a breath sample registering a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .15% or higher.

DUI Enforcement in Kershaw County

DUI enforcement in Kershaw County is proactive and data-driven. Law enforcement agencies, including the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) and the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office (KCSO), strategically place checkpoints in areas with a history of alcohol-related collisions or high traffic volume from establishments serving alcohol.

Notable corridors for DUI checkpoints include:

• U.S. Highway 521 (Broad Street)
• U.S. Highway 601

Enforcement activity typically peaks during weekend evening hours, specifically Friday and Saturday nights between 10:00 PM and 3:00 AM.

Kershaw County is part of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, which receives specialized funding from the Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs (OHSJP) to maintain "Special DUI Prosecutors" who focus on DUI cases.

Local Resources

• Kershaw County Clerk of Court: For court records and information, contact the Clerk of Court.
• Kershaw County Magistrate Court: Kershaw County Magistrate Court handles initial appearances and bond hearings.
• Camden DMV: 1056 Ehrenclou Drive, Camden, SC 29020. Phone: (803) 432-4340. Hours: M-Tu, Th-F: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; W: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM; Closed Sat-Sun.
• Kershaw County Central Communications: 803-425-1500 for non-emergency dispatch.
• Alpha Behavioral Health Center: For treatment options, you can contact Alpha Behavioral Health Center.

To find a licensed bail bondsman, contact several and compare fees and services. A bail bondsman will typically require a percentage of the total bail amount as their fee.

What Makes Kershaw County Different

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

• Checkpoint Locations: Law enforcement frequently establishes checkpoints on entrance and exit ramps of I-20, as well as on U.S. Highway 521 (Broad Street) and U.S. Highway 601.
• Special DUI Prosecutors: As part of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, Kershaw County benefits from specialized DUI prosecutors dedicated to handling DUI cases.
• Video Recording Requirements: South Carolina law mandates strict video recording procedures at the incident scene and in the breath testing room, which can be a crucial point of contention in DUI cases.
• Wateree Trailer & Supply Inc.: If your vehicle is towed, it may be taken to a private towing company. Wateree Trailer & Supply Inc. is located at 1814 Highway 1 South, Lugoff, SC 29078 and can be contacted at 803-438-1007.