Craven County License Hearing Guide

Navigating a DUI Arrest in Craven County: A Detailed Guide

If you've been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Craven County, North Carolina, understanding the local procedures is crucial. This guide provides a detailed overview, drawing on specific Craven County practices, to help you navigate the process. Knowing where to go and what to expect can significantly ease the stress of this challenging situation.

Understanding Law Enforcement Jurisdictions

DUI enforcement in Craven County isn't handled by a single agency. It's essential to know which agency made the arrest, as this influences vehicle impound location and initial paperwork.

• Craven County Sheriff's Office (CCSO): Primarily patrols unincorporated areas like Vanceboro and Cove City. All arrestees, regardless of arresting agency, are processed at the Craven County Detention Center (CCDC) at 1100 Clarks Road. The CCSO manages the county-wide rotation wrecker list for vehicle impoundment.
• New Bern Police Department (NBPD): Enforces DUI laws within New Bern city limits. The NBPD utilizes specific agreements with towing providers like J&S Wrecker Service instead of the county-wide rotation list. The NBPD headquarters is located at 601 George Street.
• Havelock Police Department: Focuses on US 70 and areas surrounding MCAS Cherry Point. Arrests of military personnel require coordination with a Unit Representative for release, following a different track than civilian releases.
• North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP): Patrols state and interstate highways. NCSHP arrests strictly adhere to the "Rotation Wrecker" regulations.

The Arrest-to-Booking Process

After a DUI arrest, you will be transported to the Craven County Detention Center (CCDC) at 1100 Clarks Road in New Bern. Here's what happens:

1. Booking: Personal information is recorded, and your mugshot and fingerprints are taken.
2. Property Storage: All personal belongings, including your cell phone, wallet, and keys, will be inventoried and stored. Note: Any property needed by family needs to be retrieved within 24 hours from the detention center. After 24 hours the property remains sealed until your physical release.
3. Magistrate Review: You will appear before a magistrate who determines the initial conditions of your release, including setting bail.

Understanding Bail and Pretrial Release

The magistrate sets bail based on factors like the severity of the charge, your criminal record, flight risk, and ties to the community. Here's a breakdown of common bond types:

• Written Promise to Appear: Rare for DUI charges.
• Unsecured Bond: You sign a bond but pay nothing upfront unless you fail to appear in court. Common for first-time offenders with local ties.
• Secured Bond: Requires collateral or cash. Standard for repeat offenders or cases involving accidents. Bonds for standard DUIs often range from $500 to $2,500 secured. Aggravated cases, such as those involving a "Driving While License Revoked" charge, can see significantly higher bonds. For example, Inmate Isaiah Alston (booked 01/17/2026) faced a $75,000 bond for a combination of charges including DWLR and drug possession.
• Cash Bond: The full amount must be deposited with the court. Reserved for high-risk cases.

Posting Bail in Craven County

If a secured bond is required, you have two primary options:

1. Professional Bail Bondsman: A licensed bail agent charges a non-refundable premium (typically 15% of the total bond amount). Bail bondsmen in New Bern operate 24/7. Key providers include Amistad Bail Bonds and McConnuighey Bail Bonds. Always verify a bondsman's authorization through the NC Judicial Branch's Odyssey system before engaging their services.
2. Cash Payment: Pay the full bond amount in cash at the Craven County Sheriff’s Office. Be aware that the business office generally accepts cash only for most direct transactions and they do not have an onsite ATM.

Craven County Community Bail Fund: If you are indigent and your bond is $5,000 or less for a non-violent crime, the Craven County Community Bail Fund may be able to assist. They typically respond within 24 hours of a request.

Communication and Visitation at the CCDC

Inmates have access to phones for collect calls or prepaid accounts, but access may be restricted during the initial "Detox Hold." Family members cannot call the booking area to speak with the arrestee; they must wait for the arrestee to call out. The Sheriff’s Office business line (252-636-6620) is staffed from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for general inquiries, while the detention booking desk operates 24/7 for bond inquiries.

Judicial Restructuring: District 3

Historically, Craven County was part of District 3B. However, recent changes have shifted the district court designation to District 3. Ensure all legal filings and bail bonds reflect the current District 3 designation to avoid administrative issues. While the name has changed, many of the personnel, including judges like W. David McFadyen III, remain the same.

Vehicle Impoundment

Depending on the arresting agency, your vehicle will be towed to a specific impound lot. NCSHP arrests often result in vehicles being towed to geographically distant lots based on the rotation wrecker list. Contact the arresting agency to determine the location of your vehicle and the associated fees.

Key Takeaway

If a family member needs the arrestee’s cell phone to retrieve contact numbers for a bail bondsman, or needs the keys to the impounded vehicle to avoid storage fees, they must act immediately and retrieve the property within 24 hours from the detention center. The Craven County Sheriff’s Office business line is 252-636-6620.