Aiken County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Aiken County, SC: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Aiken County, South Carolina kicks off a complex legal and administrative process. This guide provides immediate, practical guidance to help you navigate the system, understand your rights, and take the necessary steps to protect your future. Aiken County relies heavily on a multi-agency law enforcement network including the Aiken County Sheriff's Office, the Aiken Department of Public Safety, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol (Troop 7). Let's break down what you need to know.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Aiken County

After being pulled over and arrested for DUI in Aiken County, you'll be transported to the Aiken County Detention Center. This marks the beginning of a process involving criminal charges and a separate administrative battle with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). Understanding the timeline and the specific procedures in Aiken County is crucial.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest in Aiken County are critical. Here's a general timeline:

• Arrest and Booking: You'll be taken to the Aiken County Detention Center at 435 Wire Road, Aiken, SC 29801.
• Processing: You'll be booked, fingerprinted, and photographed. This process can take several hours.
• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls, typically after the booking process is complete. Contact a family member or a DUI attorney as soon as possible.
• Bond Hearing: Aiken County Detention Center has a rigid bond hearing schedule. This creates narrow windows for release, necessitating immediate coordination with bail bond agencies.
• Bail: Bail for a first DUI offense in Aiken County is typically $400. For a second offense, it's $2100.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can severely impact your case and your driving privileges. Here are the key deadlines to be aware of:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have 30 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing with the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings (OMVH). This is crucial to potentially avoid a suspended license.
• Court Appearance: You will receive a notice with your court date. Missing this date will result in a warrant for your arrest.
• ADSAP Enrollment: If convicted of DUI, you must enroll in the South Carolina Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP) within 30 days of your conviction to avoid being held in contempt of court.

DUI Enforcement in Aiken County

Aiken County relies heavily on a multi-agency law enforcement network including the Aiken County Sheriff's Office, the Aiken Department of Public Safety, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol (Troop 7).

Local Resources

• Aiken County Magistrate Court / Traffic Court: 223 Park Ave SW, Aiken, SC 29801, Phone: 803-642
• Aiken County Detention Center: 435 Wire Road, Aiken, SC 29801, Phone: 803-642-2040. Inmate Search: https://www.aikencountysheriff.net/185/Inmate-Search
• Aiken Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Services (ADSAP Provider): 1105 Gregg Hwy, Aiken, SC 29801, Phone: (803) 649-1900. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings (OMVH): Edgar A. Brown Building, 1205 Pendleton St., Suite 325, Columbia, SC 29201. (Where to file ALR hearing requests).
• Eastside Automotive & Towing LLC (Representative of SCHP Rotation): 195 Beaufort St, Aiken, SC 29801, Phone: 803-766-7986, Hours: Tue-Fri: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
• SCDMV Branch (Aiken - Richland Ave East): (Address needed - research this). Important Note: This branch opens at 9:30 AM on Wednesdays, unlike other weekdays when it opens at 8:30 AM. Check the SCDMV's online wait-time tracker before visiting.

What Makes Aiken County Different

Several factors make navigating a DUI in Aiken County unique:

• Strict Video Documentation Requirements: South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 56-5-2953) mandates exhaustive video documentation of the entire arrest and breath-testing procedure. This creates vulnerabilities for the prosecution if the video is incomplete or flawed. The operational status of local dash-cams and the Detention Center's Datamaster room are therefore critical.
• The 30-Day ALR Hearing Deadline: The 30-day deadline to request an ALR hearing is a critical trap. Failing to file the request and the $200 fee within 30 days results in automatic license suspension.
• Temporary Alcohol License (TAL) Process: After successfully filing the hearing request with the OMVH, you must physically visit the SCDMV branch on Richland Ave East in Aiken to obtain your Temporary Alcohol License (TAL).
• Wednesday Morning SCDMV Quirks: The SCDMV branch on Richland Ave East in Aiken has a delayed opening of 9:30 AM on Wednesdays. Plan accordingly.
• Impound Lot Hours: Eastside Automotive & Towing, a common impound location, is closed Saturday through Monday. This can lead to increased storage fees if your arrest occurs on a weekend.
• IID Installation Synergy: If your car is impounded at Eastside Automotive & Towing, you can coordinate your state-mandated Intoxalock installation at the same location, minimizing logistical challenges.
• Bail Bond Agencies Along Wire Road: Due to the Aiken County Detention Center's rigid bond hearing schedule, a highly concentrated cluster of bail bond agencies located strategically along Wire Road.

Remember, you have 30 days from the date of your arrest to request an ALR hearing by filing Form ADH-001 (or equivalent request document) and a $200 certified check via tracked, certified mail with a return receipt requested to the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings (OMVH) at the Edgar A. Brown Building, 1205 Pendleton St., Suite 325, Columbia, SC 29201. Don't wait.