Pickens County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Pickens County, SC: Complete Guide

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Pickens County can be a disorienting experience. The immediate aftermath involves navigating legal procedures, understanding your rights, and making critical decisions that can impact your future. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what to expect following a DUI arrest in Pickens County, outlining the steps you need to take, deadlines you must meet, and resources available to help you through the process. South Carolina has seen a staggering 24.6% increase in DUI arrests, making clear guidance essential.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Pickens County, the arresting officer will typically transport you to the Pickens County Detention Center located at 701 S. Catherine St, Pickens, SC 29671. The primary arresting agencies in Pickens County include the Pickens County Sheriff's Office (PCSO), the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) Troop 3, the Clemson University Police Department (CUPD), and municipal departments such as the Easley and Pickens City Police.

The booking process involves:

• Fingerprinting and Photographing: Your fingerprints and a mugshot will be taken.
• Inventory of Possessions: All personal belongings will be inventoried and stored securely.
• Health Screening: A brief health screening will be conducted.
• Holding Cell: You will be placed in a holding cell until you can see a magistrate judge.

You have the right to make phone calls, but this is usually after the booking process is complete. Contacting a licensed bail bondsman or a DUI attorney should be a priority.

Bail in Pickens County is set by a magistrate judge. Bond hearings are held at 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM daily. According to recent data, bail for a first DUI offense is typically around $992 and bail for a second DUI offense is typically $2100.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences in a DUI case. Here are some key deadlines to be aware of:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have 30 calendar days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings (OMVH). This is crucial to contest the suspension of your driver's license. The OMVH is located at Edgar A. Brown Building, 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 325, Columbia, S.C. 29201.
• Court Appearance: The date of your initial court appearance will be set soon after your arrest. This date is on your citation.
• License Suspension: If you refused a breathalyzer test or had a BAC of .15% or higher, your license is immediately suspended.

DUI Enforcement in Pickens County

Law enforcement in Pickens County is proactive in DUI enforcement. The Pickens County Sheriff's Office deploys a specialized Community Action Team (CAT) to detect impaired drivers. Known checkpoint locations include:

• Walhalla Highway at Terrapin Crossing Road in Pickens
• South Norris Drive at Cook Road in Norris
• Saluda Dam Road at North Fishtrap Road in Easley
• Old Easley Highway near the Greenville-Pickens Speedway
• Farrs Bridge Road at Clear Dawn Drive
• Moorefield Memorial Highway at Odell Road in Liberty

Peak enforcement times are typically Friday and Saturday nights, after Clemson University football games, and during holiday weekends. Pickens County participates in initiatives like "Hands Across the Border" and the "Sober or Slammer!" campaign. The Pickens County Sheriff's Office consistently processes over 1,000 total arrests annually across all crime categories.

Local Resources

• Pickens County Central Magistrate Court: 310 W. Main Street (Highway 93), Liberty, SC 29657, (864) 898-5551.
• Pickens County Detention Center: 701 S. Catherine St, Pickens, SC 29671, (864) 898-5500. Inmate information can be found on the Pickens County Sheriff's Office website.
• SCDMV Pickens Branch: 2133 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens, SC 29671, (803) 896-5000. Open Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Wed: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
• Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP): Required for license reinstatement. Behavioral Health Services (BHS) of Pickens County, 309 E. Main St., Pickens, SC 29671.
• Finding a Licensed Bail Bondsman: You can find listings of licensed bail bondsmen through online directories, but remember that dui.guide does not endorse or recommend any specific company.
• Finding a DUI Attorney: Contact the South Carolina Bar or utilize online resources to locate experienced DUI attorneys in the Pickens County area.

What Makes Pickens County Different

Several factors make navigating a DUI in Pickens County unique:

• Aggressive Enforcement: Pickens County law enforcement is known for its proactive DUI enforcement, with frequent checkpoints and saturation patrols, especially around Clemson University and major routes like Highway 123 and Saluda Dam Road.
• Judicial Backlog: The Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor has acknowledged that DUI cases in Pickens County can take close to a year to resolve due to judicial backlogs.
• Zero Tolerance: Due to a past scandal, officers in Pickens County are unlikely to offer professional courtesies or deviate from standard booking procedures.
• Dash-Cam Evidence: South Carolina law requires mandatory video recording of DUI stops, which defense attorneys in Pickens County often use to challenge evidence.
• Impound Fees: If your car is impounded, it will likely be towed to Buddy's Towing & Recovery at 108 S 5th St, Easley, SC 29640. Tow fees are capped at $272, and daily storage is $47.

Understanding these local nuances can help you navigate the DUI process more effectively.