After a DUI arrest in South Carolina, a person typically appears before a bond hearing the following morning, where a judge sets bond conditions and release terms. Once released, the individual receives back personal property such as a phone and wallet, but the vehicle involved in the arrest is usually towed and must be retrieved separately. The Greg McCollum Complete Legal Defense Team helps clients understand these next steps and what to expect in the hours and days after release.
The Bond Hearing Process
After a DUI arrest in Myrtle Beach, individuals are generally brought before a judge at a scheduled bond hearing the following morning, often alongside several other defendants. During this hearing, the judge reviews the case and sets a bond. A defense lawyer is not required to be present at this stage, though some clients request that one attend on their behalf.
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Getting Released and Retrieving Personal Property
Once bond is set and processed, the individual is released from jail. At that point, personal belongings that were taken during booking, including a phone, wallet, or purse, are returned. A phone that has been held for an extended period may be dead and unable to power on immediately, so charging arrangements are often one of the first practical concerns after release.
Dealing With a Towed Vehicle
A vehicle involved in a DUI arrest is commonly towed from the scene, which means the person leaving the jail has no car, no clear information about where it has been taken, and no immediate way to get home. Figuring out how to get the vehicle back becomes something the individual has to handle on their own right after release. This can be a disorienting part of the process, particularly early in the morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my phone and wallet be returned when I get out of jail after a DUI arrest? In most cases, personal property such as a phone and wallet is returned upon release, though a phone may need to be charged if it lost power while in custody.
Do I need a lawyer present at my bond hearing? A lawyer is not required to attend a bond hearing, though some individuals request that one be there with them.
What happens to my car after a DUI arrest? A vehicle involved in a DUI arrest is often towed from the scene. The person released from jail may not know where the car has been taken and has to figure out how to get it back.
How soon after arrest does the bond hearing happen? Based on typical practice, individuals often go before a judge for a bond hearing the morning after their arrest.
What should I do first after being released from jail on a DUI charge? After release, common first steps include collecting personal property, such as a phone or wallet, and figuring out how to locate and retrieve a towed vehicle.
Why Work With Greg McCollum Complete Legal Defense Team
Facing a DUI arrest in Myrtle Beach can be disorienting, especially in the hours immediately following release from jail. Greg McCollum brings over 30 years of experience and a background as a former prosecutor to DUI defense matters throughout the South Carolina Grand Strand area. That combination of experience can help individuals understand their situation and consider their available options moving forward.
If you have questions about what happens after a DUI arrest, call the Greg McCollum Complete Legal Defense Team at (843) 626-5480. Consultations are confidential.
