Hoke County License Hearing Guide

Navigating a Hoke County DUI: A Detailed Guide to the DMV and Legal Process

If you've been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Hoke County, North Carolina, understanding the local legal and administrative landscape is crucial. This guide provides a detailed overview of the process, from the initial arrest to potential license reinstatement, focusing on the specific procedures and logistical considerations within Hoke County.

Understanding the Arrest Process in Hoke County

The agency that arrests you significantly impacts the subsequent process. The Hoke County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), Raeford Police Department (RPD), and North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) all operate within the county, each with its own patrol zones and protocols.

• Hoke County Sheriff's Office (HCSO): Primarily patrols unincorporated areas like Rockfish and Westgate. Arrests can occur miles from Raeford, but all detainees are transported to the Hoke County Detention Center at 125 E. Edinborough Avenue for processing. This transport time can affect BAC calculations.
• Raeford Police Department (RPD): Enforces traffic laws within Raeford's city limits, particularly along Highway 401 Business and Highway 211. Their proximity to the Magistrate's Office and County Courthouse (both in downtown Raeford) allows for quicker processing times. RPD frequently conducts checkpoints near major intersections.
• North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP): Has jurisdiction on all state highways, with a heavy presence on US 401 (Fayetteville Road). NCSHP troopers are highly trained in DUI detection and utilize the Hoke County Detention Center for breath testing using the Intoximeter EC/IR II.

Chemical Testing and Refusal Consequences

Following an arrest, you'll be asked to submit to a chemical test, typically a breath test using the Intoximeter EC/IR II at the Hoke County Detention Center. You have the right to a witness during the test, but they must arrive within 30 minutes and be cleared for entry into the secure facility. This clearance process can be time-consuming, so ensure your witness is en route immediately.

Refusing a breath test triggers two immediate consequences:

1. Administrative Revocation: The officer files a refusal affidavit with the DMV, resulting in an immediate 6-month license revocation, followed by a 1-year revocation. Your license will be seized immediately.
2. Blood Draw Warrant: The officer may seek a search warrant from the Magistrate's Office (227 N. Main St) to draw your blood. If granted, you'll likely be transported to FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital-Hoke on Hwy 401, or EMS personnel may conduct the draw at the jail.

Navigating the Hoke County Detention Center

The Hoke County Detention Center (HCDC) at 125 E. Edinborough Avenue in Raeford is the central processing point for all DUI arrests. Upon arrival, your personal belongings will be cataloged, and a medical screening will be conducted. If your vehicle keys are seized, they'll be sealed in a property bag. To retrieve your impounded vehicle, a family member must have you sign a property release form, requiring their presence at the jail lobby during staff availability.

To track an inmate's status, use the NC SAVAN / VineLink system (vinelink.vineapps.com or the VINELink mobile app). Be aware that there may be a 1-4 hour delay between booking and the record appearing online.

DMV Implications and License Reinstatement

A DUI arrest in Hoke County will inevitably involve the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The Raeford Driver License Office, which has experienced sporadic closures in recent years due to staffing fluctuations, is where you'll eventually need to address license reinstatement.

If your license was revoked due to a DUI conviction or refusal, you'll need to meet specific requirements for reinstatement, including:

• Paying Restoration Fees: The standard restoration fee is $100, payable to the NCDMV.
• Completing Substance Abuse Assessment and Treatment: You'll need to undergo a substance abuse assessment and complete any recommended treatment programs.
• Obtaining Proof of Insurance: You'll need to provide proof of financial responsibility (usually an SR-22 form) from your insurance company.
• Meeting Ignition Interlock Requirements: Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

Key Contacts and Resources

• Hoke County Detention Center: 125 E. Edinborough Avenue, Raeford, NC 28376. Phone: 910-875-5113 (Inmate Information).
• Raeford Police Department: 315 N. Main Street, Raeford, NC.
• Hoke County Magistrate's Office: 227 N. Main St, Raeford, NC.
• NC SAVAN / VineLink: vinelink.vineapps.com

To begin the process of license reinstatement after a DUI revocation, contact the NCDMV at 919-715-7000 to confirm specific requirements and restoration eligibility.