Camden County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Camden County.
How Bail Bonds Work
Option 1: Cash Bond (Pay Full Amount)
How it works: Pay the full bail amount to the court
Pros: Get full amount back after case concludes (minus court fees)
Cons: Requires full amount upfront
Option 2: Bail Bondsman (Most Common)
How it works: Pay 10-15% fee to bondsman, they post full bail
Cost: Typically 10% of bail amount (non-refundable)
Pros: Only need 10% upfront instead of full amount
Cons: Fee is non-refundable, may require collateral, co-signer assumes liability
Co-Signer Liability Warning
Important for Co-Signers:
- You are 100% liable if defendant does not appear in court
- You must pay the full bail amount if defendant skips
- Bondsman can seize collateral (house, car, etc.)
- You cannot cancel the bond - only the court can
- Liability continues until case is fully resolved
Release Timeline
Arrest & Booking (2-8 hours)
Fingerprinting, photographing, background check, medical screening
Arraignment (Within 24-48 hours)
First court appearance, judge sets bail amount, charges are read
Bail Posted (1-4 hours)
Family contacts bondsman, paperwork signed, fee paid
Release (2-6 hours)
Processing, release paperwork, return of personal property, court date assigned
Total Time Estimate
From arrest to release: 12-48 hours depending on booking workload, time of arrest (weekends take longer), and how quickly bail is posted.
After Release: Critical Deadlines
1. Request MVD Hearing - 15 Days
You have only 15 days from arrest to request your administrative license hearing. This is separate from your criminal case.
2. Retrieve Your Vehicle
Impound fees accrue daily. Get your car as soon as possible to avoid hundreds in storage fees.
Calculate Impound Costs3. Hire an Attorney
A attorney can help with license hearings, plea negotiations, and potentially getting charges reduced or dismissed.
Find Camden County Lawyers4. Appear at ALL Court Dates
Missing court will result in bond forfeiture, arrest warrant, and additional charges. Your co-signer will be liable for the full bail amount.
Camden County, NC DUI Bail: What You Need to Know
If you've been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Camden County, North Carolina, you're likely wondering about bail. Unlike larger cities, Camden County's unique logistical framework significantly impacts the DUI arrest and release process. Understanding this system can help you navigate the immediate aftermath of an arrest.
Where Will I Be Taken After a DUI Arrest?
Because Camden County doesn't have its own jail, you'll be transported to the Albemarle District Jail (ADJ) in Elizabeth City, Pasquotank County. This transport, a roughly 25-minute drive from the northern parts of Camden County to Elizabeth City, is a critical logistical element. It means the arresting officer is out of service in Camden County for potentially two hours, impacting overall law enforcement availability. The ADJ is located at , Elizabeth City, NC.
How is Bail Determined in Camden County DUI Cases?
Bail in Camden County, as in North Carolina generally, is determined by a magistrate. The magistrate considers several factors, including your criminal history, ties to the community, and the severity of the alleged offense. Because DUI is generally a misdemeanor in North Carolina (unless there are aggravating factors like serious injury or death), bail is typically set at a relatively low amount.
Keep in mind that North Carolina operates on a secured and unsecured bond system. A secured bond requires you to pay the full bail amount to be released. An unsecured bond allows you to be released on the promise to pay the bail amount if you fail to appear in court. Camden County follows the NC bail schedule. Expect a typical first-time DUI bail to range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, but this can vary.
What Happens After Booking at the Albemarle District Jail?
Once at the Albemarle District Jail, you'll be booked and processed. This includes fingerprinting, photographing, and a health screening. It's also where you'll be allowed to make a phone call. This call is crucial; use it to contact a family member or attorney who can assist with posting bail. If you can’t post bail immediately, you’ll remain in custody until your first court appearance.
Also, during the booking process, you'll be asked to submit to a breathalyzer test using an Intoxilyzer machine. This test provides the official Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) reading used in your case. Refusal to take this test will result in an immediate, automatic one-year driver's license suspension under North Carolina's implied consent laws.
What About DUI Checkpoints?
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) frequently uses DUI checkpoints (checking stations) in Camden County, especially on US Highway 17 and near the Pasquotank River bridges. These checkpoints are legal under North Carolina General Statute § 20-16.3A, but they must operate systematically and predictably. If you were arrested at a checkpoint, it's essential to note the location, time, and how the checkpoint was conducted, as these details can be crucial in challenging the legality of the stop.
What If I Was Arrested After an Accident?
Many DUI arrests in Camden County result from single-vehicle accidents, often occurring on less-traveled roads. If you were injured in an accident, you might be transported to Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City for treatment and blood draws. These blood draws can be used as evidence in your DUI case, so it's important to understand your rights and consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
What is the First Judicial District?
Camden County is part of the First Judicial District (District 1), which encompasses seven counties. This means the District Attorney's office, public defenders, and judges rotate through the district. DUI cases are usually grouped together on certain court dates when the necessary personnel are present at the Camden County Courthouse. Understanding this schedule can help you anticipate the timeline of your case.
What Should I Do Next?
- Secure Your Release: Contact a friend or family member to arrange for bail. Be prepared to pay the required amount at the Albemarle District Jail.
- Document Everything: Remember as many details as possible about the circumstances of your arrest, including the location, the officer's actions, and any statements you made.
- Contact an Attorney: A DUI attorney can advise you on your rights, explain the legal process, and represent you in court.
The Camden County Clerk of Court can be reached at . Contact them to find out your next court date.
Sources
North Carolina Penal Code
Camden County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety