Wake County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Wake County.
How Bail Bonds Work
Option 1: Cash Bond (Pay Full Amount)
How it works: Pay the full bail amount to the court
Pros: Get full amount back after case concludes (minus court fees)
Cons: Requires full amount upfront
Option 2: Bail Bondsman (Most Common)
How it works: Pay 10-15% fee to bondsman, they post full bail
Cost: Typically 10% of bail amount (non-refundable)
Pros: Only need 10% upfront instead of full amount
Cons: Fee is non-refundable, may require collateral, co-signer assumes liability
Co-Signer Liability Warning
Important for Co-Signers:
- You are 100% liable if defendant does not appear in court
- You must pay the full bail amount if defendant skips
- Bondsman can seize collateral (house, car, etc.)
- You cannot cancel the bond - only the court can
- Liability continues until case is fully resolved
Release Timeline
Arrest & Booking (2-8 hours)
Fingerprinting, photographing, background check, medical screening
Arraignment (Within 24-48 hours)
First court appearance, judge sets bail amount, charges are read
Bail Posted (1-4 hours)
Family contacts bondsman, paperwork signed, fee paid
Release (2-6 hours)
Processing, release paperwork, return of personal property, court date assigned
Total Time Estimate
From arrest to release: 12-48 hours depending on booking workload, time of arrest (weekends take longer), and how quickly bail is posted.
After Release: Critical Deadlines
1. Request MVD Hearing - 15 Days
You have only 15 days from arrest to request your administrative license hearing. This is separate from your criminal case.
2. Retrieve Your Vehicle
Impound fees accrue daily. Get your car as soon as possible to avoid hundreds in storage fees.
Calculate Impound Costs3. Hire an Attorney
A attorney can help with license hearings, plea negotiations, and potentially getting charges reduced or dismissed.
Find Wake County Lawyers4. Appear at ALL Court Dates
Missing court will result in bond forfeiture, arrest warrant, and additional charges. Your co-signer will be liable for the full bail amount.
The Wake County Justice Center (WCJC) serves as the operational nerve center for the county’s criminal justice system, located at 300 South Salisbury Street. It's where you will deal with all criminal aspects of a DUI charge, including initial appearances and bond hearings.
DUI Bail in Wake County: What to Expect
When arrested for DWI in Wake County, your bail will be set by a magistrate. If you are unable to post bond, your first appearance will be in Courtroom 304 within 72 hours. Here, the judge will review your bond conditions. This courtroom is the intake valve for in-custody defendants. The sessions typically run at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Where to Post Bail
The Wake County Justice Center (WCJC) at 300 South Salisbury Street houses the Magistrates' Office, where bail is initially set and posted. The Clerk of Superior Court (Criminal Division), also in the Justice Center, can be reached at (919) 792-4300. The WCJC operates Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county-observed holidays.
Navigating the Wake County Court System
The WCJC is a high-security facility with rigorous security protocols, including airport-style magnetometer screening. Prohibited items include all potential weaponry (firearms, pocket knives, brass knuckles), aerosol sprays (mace/pepper spray), knitting needles, and glass containers. No lockers are generally available, so unauthorized items must be discarded or returned to your vehicle.
Upon arrival, be sure to immediately check the docket monitors to find out where your hearing will be held.
The Risk of Missing Your Court Date
Missing a name call in Courtroom 101 or the administrative dockets is a common issue. If you step out or are in the wrong building when your name is called, the judge may issue an Order for Arrest (OFA) and a "Called and Failed" entry, potentially resulting in bond forfeiture.
The Clerk of Superior Court can be reached at PO Box 351, Raleigh, NC 27602.
Sources
North Carolina Penal Code
Wake County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety