Nash County Bail Information

Initial Detention and Booking at the Nash County Detention Center

Following a DWI arrest in Nash County, you'll be taken to the Nash County Detention Center, located at 222 West Washington Street, Nashville, NC 27856. This facility serves as the central intake point for all law enforcement agencies in the county. The detention center has a capacity of 259 male and 36 female inmates.

The booking process includes a medical screening to assess your fitness for confinement and to determine if hospitalization is needed due to alcohol poisoning or withdrawal. If a breath test wasn't administered roadside, you'll be required to take one using the Intoxilyzer EC/IR II in the booking area. Refusal to submit to this test will trigger an immediate report to the DMV. Your personal belongings will be cataloged and stored; remember that personal items from outside are prohibited, and necessities must be purchased through Kimball's Commissary Company, the facility's vendor.

Understanding Bond Setting and the Pretrial Integrity Act

The initial determination of your release conditions is made by a Magistrate, governed by N.C.G.S. § 15A-534. However, the Pretrial Integrity Act, enacted in October 2023, significantly impacts bond setting for repeat offenders. If you are arrested for DWI and already have a pending DWI or another Chapter 20 offense, the magistrate must deny your release.

In this case, you'll be held in custody to appear before a District Court Judge, who has the exclusive authority to set your release conditions. If a judge is unavailable (for example, during a weekend arrest), you could be held for up to 48 hours before a magistrate can reassume authority to set a bond. This can create a "weekend bottleneck" at the Nash County Detention Center.

For first-time offenders not subject to the Pretrial Integrity Act, magistrates use a recommended bond schedule. Options include:

• Written Promise to Appear: Typically used for Level 5 DWI cases with no aggravating factors and strong community ties.
• Unsecured Bond: A monetary amount is set, but no money is required upfront. You're liable for the amount if you fail to appear in court.
• Secured Bond: Required for higher-risk defendants. The suggested range for Class H and I felonies (which can include Habitual DWI) is $5,000 - $25,000, though magistrates have discretion based on flight risk and danger to the community.

A magistrate may also order a "sobering hold" under N.C.G.S. § 15A-534.2, holding you until your blood alcohol concentration drops below 0.05 or for 24 hours, regardless of your ability to post bond.

Utilizing Bail Bonding Services

If a secured bond is required, you'll likely need to use a professional bail bondsman. Agencies like Amistad Bail Bonds and independent agents operate 24/7 near the Nashville courthouse complex. The premium is capped at 15% of the bond amount. For example, a $2,000 bond will require a non-refundable fee of $300.

Vehicle Impoundment and Towing

Following a DWI arrest, your vehicle may be impounded. The NCSHP and NCSO use a Rotation Wrecker List to ensure fairness and rapid response. Towing companies on the rotation for the Nashville/Rocky Mount area include Coastal Wrecker Service (252-977-1025), Ralph's Wrecker Service (252-442-7894), and Taylor’s Exxon (252-459-7100).

Base tow rates for passenger vehicles often start around $200-$370, with labor rates for complex recoveries (winching) capped at approximately $200 per hour. Storage fees typically range from $30 to $50 per day.

If your license was revoked for a prior impaired driving offense at the time of the DWI arrest, your vehicle is subject to immediate seizure under N.C.G.S. § 20-28.3. The vehicle will be towed to a designated impound lot and "frozen," meaning it cannot be released without a court order. An "innocent owner" (like a spouse who didn't know the driver was revoked) can petition the Clerk of Court for release, requiring a hearing within 10 days and posting a bond equal to the vehicle's fair market value. Regardless of the outcome, the owner is required to pay all towing and storage fees before the vehicle is released.

Navigating the Nash County Courthouse and eCourts

Your case will be processed through the Nash County Courthouse, located at 234 West Washington Street, Nashville, NC 27856. The courthouse operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Free parking is available, but spaces can be competitive. Be aware of the strict dress code: shorts, tank tops, hats, flip-flops, and clothing with profane language are prohibited. Cell phones and other electronic devices are generally prohibited and must be left in your vehicle.

Nash County implemented eCourts (Track 8) in April 2025, transitioning to digital files (Odyssey Integrated Case Management System). You can search case statuses, court dates, and judgments online through the "Portal."

Administrative License Revocation (DMV)

Parallel to the criminal charges, a DWI arrest triggers immediate administrative actions by the NCDMV. Upon being charged with DWI, you receive an immediate 30-day civil revocation if your BAC is 0.08 or higher. After 10 days, you may petition the court for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP) for the remainder of the 30 days. This requires proof of insurance (DL-123), a substance abuse assessment, and a court hearing.

To contact the Clerk of Superior Court for filings and record-keeping, call 252-220-3000.