Greene County Bail Information

Navigating a Greene County DUI Arrest: What You Need to Know About Bail, Vehicle Release, and Court Procedures

If you've been arrested for Driving While Impaired (DWI) in Greene County, North Carolina, the immediate aftermath can be confusing. The Greene County Detention Center, located at 301 N. Greene Street in Snow Hill, is the central hub for processing DUI arrests, regardless of whether the initial stop was made by the Snow Hill Police Department (SHPD) or the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), who are the most likely to initiate a DUI stop on highways like US 13 and NC 903. Here's a breakdown of what to expect regarding bail, vehicle release, and the court system.

The Arrest Process and "Intoxilyzer" Room

Following a DUI stop, if the officer establishes probable cause based on Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), you will be arrested and transported to the Greene County Detention Center. Here, you'll be taken to the "Intoxilyzer" room for a breath test using a device like the Intoxilyzer EC/IR II. You'll be advised of your rights related to the test, and then subjected to a mandatory 15-minute observation period before the test is administered to prevent "mouth alcohol" contamination.

If you refuse the breath test, the refusal is noted, and the Magistrate will likely issue an immediate 30-day civil revocation of your driver's license. Officers may then seek a search warrant from the Magistrate’s office (also at 301 N. Greene Street) for a blood sample, which would be drawn at a local medical facility or by EMS, depending on county protocols.

Getting Released: The Magistrate and Bond

After booking, you'll be presented to a Magistrate, an independent judicial officer located at the same 301 N Greene St. address (phone: (252) 747-3315). The Magistrate determines probable cause and sets your conditions of release based on Judicial District 9A's Bail and Pretrial Release Policy. Although the policy emphasizes individual assessment, there's a "Recommended Bond Policy Schedule" that Magistrates use as a baseline. For a standard Class 1 Misdemeanor DWI, the bond is typically unsecured or a low secured amount, provided you have local ties.

Critically, you likely won't be released until you are sober, and no longer a danger to yourself or others. This often means being released to a "sober, responsible adult." If no such adult is available, you'll be held until your Breath Alcohol Concentration (BAC) drops below a statutory threshold (usually 0.05) or 24 hours have elapsed. Note that if the DUI involved a domestic disturbance, a "48-Hour Rule" hold may be applied, preventing your release until a Judge sets bond.

Retrieving Your Vehicle: Towing and Potential Predatory Fees

Under N.C.G.S. 20-28.3, your vehicle will be immediately seized if you were driving while your license was revoked for a previous impaired driving offense or without a valid license and liability insurance. Otherwise, the vehicle is "towed" for safekeeping.

Greene County uses a rotation list of private towing companies, rather than a central county-owned impound lot. This means the impound fee's can vary. The officer who arrested you will contact the "next" wrecker on the list. Key towing services in Snow Hill include:

• JPJ Towing & Truck Brokers: (919) 751-4646 (specializes in heavy duty towing)
• Richie’s Roadside Assistance: (252) 290-5299 (offers 24/7 service in Snow Hill and Wilson)
• Snow Hill Auto Body Towing: (410) 632-2044

Contact the Greene County Sheriff's Office at (252) 747-4700 to identify which towing company has your vehicle.

If your vehicle was towed for safekeeping, you (or the owner, if it's not you) can retrieve it upon showing proof of ownership and paying the towing and storage fees. Be warned: Towing companies may charge high daily "storage fees." Contact the towing company immediately and try to negotiate a release to minimize these costs. If the vehicle was seized under N.C.G.S. 20-28.3, you'll need to petition the Clerk of Court (Form CR-336B) for release and may have to post a cash bond equal to the vehicle's fair market value.

Staying Informed: Inmate Tracking

To track an inmate's status in Greene County, use the NC VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) system at vinelink.vineapps.com for automated notifications regarding custody changes. While the GCSO App offers contact information and a tip line, it's not ideal for real-time inmate tracking.

Next Steps: Contact the Clerk of Court

Once you have been released and retrieved your vehicle, your first step is to contact the Greene County Clerk of Court to learn more about your upcoming court dates.