Duplin County Vehicle Impound Guide

Navigating DUI Impound and Consequences in Duplin County, NC

If you've been arrested for Driving While Impaired (DWI) in Duplin County, North Carolina, understanding the impound process and related consequences is crucial. This guide provides specific, actionable information to help you navigate the legal and administrative challenges ahead.

Understanding the Impound Process

In Duplin County, as in North Carolina generally, a DWI arrest can lead to the immediate impoundment of your vehicle. This is especially likely if you are arrested by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) along Interstate 40 or NC Highway 24, primary corridors with high DWI enforcement. The impound is typically handled by local towing companies contracted by law enforcement.

What to do: Immediately after your release, determine where your vehicle was towed. The arresting officer should provide this information. Contact the towing company to understand their fees and procedures for vehicle release. Be prepared to present proof of ownership and valid identification.

The 30-Day Civil Revocation and Limited Driving Privilege

Upon a DWI charge with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, or a refusal to submit to a breath or blood test, your driver's license is immediately revoked for 30 days under N.C.G.S. 20-16.5. This is a civil revocation, separate from any criminal penalties.

Action: After 10 days of the revocation, you may be eligible for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP). This allows you to drive for essential purposes, such as work, medical appointments, and court-ordered activities.

Requirements for LDP:

• Substance Abuse Assessment (DL-123 form): Complete an assessment with a state-approved provider. In Duplin County, a convenient option is Addiction Services of Coastal Carolina, located at 112 Courthouse Plaza, 2nd Floor, Kenansville. Their phone number is (910) 347-4477 or (910) 238-3006. The assessment fee is $100.
• Petition to the Court: File a petition for an LDP with the District Court. This petition must be signed by a District Court Judge.
• No Prior Convictions: You must have no prior DWI convictions within the past seven years.

Refusal Hearing: A Critical 10-Day Deadline

If you refused a breath or blood test, your license is subject to a one-year revocation. You have the right to contest this refusal at a DMV hearing.

Critical Deadline: You MUST request this hearing within 10 days of receiving the revocation notice.

Important: The request must be mailed to NCDMV Headquarters in Raleigh, NOT the local Kenansville office. Missing this deadline means the one-year revocation becomes absolute, and you will not be eligible for a Limited Driving Privilege during the first six months of the revocation.

Navigating the Kenansville DMV

The Kenansville Driver License Office offers some logistical advantages. It's located at and is one of the few offices in the state that opens at 7:00 AM. This early opening can save you significant time, as the office is typically less crowded between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.

Walk-In Policy: While appointments can be booked online, they often fill up weeks in advance. The Kenansville office accepts walk-ins, particularly in the early morning or after 12:00 PM.

Payment Logistics: Hearing fees ($425 for restoration hearings) are NOT typically paid at the counter for a same-day hearing. They are processed through the NCDMV headquarters. The local office primarily handles the issuance of the license once the hearing officer has entered the restoration into the system.

Courtroom Logistics: What to Expect

The Duplin County Courthouse maintains strict security protocols. No cell phones are permitted in the courtroom. There are no public storage lockers, so leave all electronics in your vehicle to avoid being turned away at the metal detector.

Dress Code: Judges in District 5 generally enforce a respectful dress code. "Business Casual" is the safest minimum. Avoid shorts, tank tops, hats, and flip-flops, as they can result in the bailiff denying you entry.

District Court District 5: Understanding the System

Duplin County is part of District Court District 5, which also includes Jones, Onslow, and Sampson counties. This means prosecutorial resources and judicial rotation schedules are shared across these counties.

Important Note: Some older legal forms or online directories might still reference "District 4." Always verify under District 5 when filing motions or checking calendars to ensure you are looking at the correct docket.

First Appearance Strategy

At your first appearance, the judge will ask about your plan for legal representation. If you intend to hire private counsel, clearly state, "I am hiring private counsel." Requesting a court-appointed attorney triggers a $60 application fee and a review of your indigency status. If you are not indigent, the request will be denied, wasting time and potentially money.

Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

For convictions involving a BAC of 0.15 or higher, or for repeat offenses, an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is mandatory.

Installer: Smart Start of Kenansville is co-located with Addiction Services of Coastal Carolina at 112 Courthouse Plaza.

Next Steps

If you have been charged with DWI in Duplin County, immediately contact a qualified attorney to discuss your case. Understanding the specific procedures and timelines is crucial for protecting your rights and minimizing the potential consequences. Remember to schedule your substance abuse assessment with Addiction Services of Coastal Carolina at (910) 347-4477 or (910) 238-3006, located at 112 Courthouse Plaza, 2nd Floor, Kenansville, NC 28349.