Lexington County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Lexington County, SC: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI can be a disorienting experience. In Lexington County, South Carolina, the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD) actively enforce DUI laws, with the SCHP handling the majority of DUI interdictions on major roadways. In 2024, the LCSD reported 92 DUI arrests, highlighting the importance of understanding the legal processes and immediate steps required to navigate this challenging situation. This guide provides a clear overview of what to expect, critical deadlines, and local resources available to you after a DUI arrest in Lexington County.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Lexington County

Following a DUI arrest, you'll be transported to the Lexington County Detention Center. The immediate aftermath involves booking, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. It is crucial to exercise these rights.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

• Arrest and Booking: After the DUI arrest, you will be taken to the Lexington County Detention Center, located at 521 Gibson Road.
• Processing: The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and gathering personal information.
• Phone Calls: You will typically be allowed to make phone calls shortly after booking. Use this opportunity to contact a licensed bail bondsman or a DUI attorney.
• Bail: Bail is determined by a Lexington County magistrate. Bond hearings typically occur twice daily.
• Release: After posting bail, you'll be released from the Detention Center.

Critical Deadlines

• 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 DMV to challenge the suspension of your driver's license. Failure to request a hearing within this timeframe results in an automatic license suspension.
• Court Appearance Date: Your court appearance date will be listed on your citation. Missing this date can result in additional penalties.
• ADSAP Enrollment: If convicted of DUI or an Implied Consent violation, you must enroll in the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP) within 30 days of your conviction date.

DUI Enforcement in Lexington County

Law enforcement in Lexington County uses strategic methods to deter impaired driving. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department employs a unique "Traffic Safety Locations" public awareness campaign, publishing a list of neighborhoods, intersections, and roadways where their specialized Traffic Unit will conduct heightened saturation patrols each weekend. Known checkpoint locations are strategically positioned near high-traffic corridors such as U.S. Route 378, U.S. Route 1 (Augusta Road), and U.S. Route 521. Peak enforcement times align with national trends, spiking dramatically on Friday and Saturday nights, and during holiday periods.

Local Resources

• Lexington County Sheriff’s Department: 521 Gibson Road. Phone: 803-785-8230.
• Lexington County Detention Center: 521 Gibson Road.
• Lexington County DUI Court: DUI Court.
• Lexington County Magistrate Court: Magistrate Court.
• South Carolina DMV - Lexington: DMV - Lexington.
• LRADAC (Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council): 1068 South Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29073. Phone: 803-726-9400.
• Finding a Licensed Bail Bondsman: Contact a licensed bail bondsman to assist with posting bail.
• Finding a DUI Attorney: Seek legal representation from a DUI attorney familiar with Lexington County procedures.

What Makes Lexington County Different

Lexington County's DUI landscape is shaped by several unique factors. One critical aspect is the structural anomaly where arresting police officers often prosecute their own misdemeanor DUI cases in summary courts. To combat this, "Special DUI Prosecutors" are deployed to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, which includes Lexington County, to handle complex DUI jury trials. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department proactively publishes "Traffic Safety Locations" on social media, indicating areas of heightened mobile patrol. If your vehicle is impounded, you must visit the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department headquarters at 521 Gibson Road to obtain the official vehicle release form.

The Lexington County Sheriff's Department Front Desk can be reached at 803-785-8230 to verify which specific towing company has custody of your vehicle.