What To Expect If You’re Arrested During a Holiday in North Carolina

By 828 Bail Bonds — Your 1st Rate in the 828 and Beyond

The holidays in North Carolina bring family gatherings, travel, celebrations… and unfortunately, a spike in arrests. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, and holiday weekends tend to be some of the busiest times for law enforcement statewide.

If you or someone you love is arrested during a holiday, the experience can be confusing and overwhelming — especially with court closures, limited magistrate availability, and delayed processing times.

This guide breaks down exactly what to expect, step-by-step, along with how 828 Bail Bonds operates 24/7/365 to keep you or your loved one from sitting in jail longer than necessary.

Why Holiday Arrests Increase in North Carolina

Holiday weeks typically see increases in:

• DUI / DWI arrests

• Disorderly conduct

• Assaults stemming from family gatherings or parties

• Shoplifting and larceny (especially around Christmas)

• Traffic-related charges

• Drug possession

• Probation violations

Crowded roads, alcohol consumption, and heightened stress levels create the perfect environment for law enforcement activity to increase.

1. Court Closures & Holiday Schedules

One of the biggest challenges of a holiday arrest is that North Carolina courts close for state-recognized holidays. This means:

• No first appearances

• No bond hearings

• No clerk assistance

• No judges available

For example, during Thanksgiving, courts are typically closed on Thursday and Friday, leaving many people stuck waiting unless they post bail.

But the jail does NOT close.

And 828 Bail Bonds never closes either — we operate 24/7/365, even when the entire system slows down.

2. Magistrate Hours May Be Limited or Delayed

Even though magistrates do not close completely, their hours often shift or shrink during holidays.

This can cause:

• Backlogs

• Extended processing times

• Longer wait times to see a magistrate

• Delays in bond paperwork

Some counties experience multiple-hour delays, especially at night or during major holidays like Christmas Eve and New Year’s weekend.

3. Expect Slower Processing Times

Holiday staffing shortages can impact every part of the system:

• Intake

• Fingerprinting

• Medical clearance

• Magistrate interviews

• Release processing

• Document verification

This means someone who might normally be processed in 1–3 hours could wait 6–12+ hours during a holiday surge.

4. Types of Bonds Available During Holidays

Even when courts are closed, bonds can still be issued based on:

✔ Magistrate-Set Bonds

Most charges receive a bond directly from a magistrate, allowing a bondsman to post bail immediately.

✔ Secured Bonds

An 828 Bail Bonds agent can post this type of bond 24/7.

✔ Unsecured Bonds

No payment is required up front — the defendant signs a promise to appear.

✔ Written Promise to Appear

Issued for minor charges.

⛔ No Bond / Hold Situations

Some cases may require a judge, including certain domestic violence charges or probation violations. With courts closed for the holiday, these individuals may have to wait until the next business day.

828 Bail Bonds will always explain options clearly and help you determine what’s possible right now based on the exact charge and county.

5. How 828 Bail Bonds Helps During a Holiday Arrest

We pride ourselves on being North Carolina’s most dependable, around-the-clock bail bonding agency, especially when courts are closed.

Here’s how we support families during holiday arrests:

✔ 24/7/365 Availability

Even on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or at 3 AM on New Year’s morning — we answer.

✔ Fast Response Times Across WNC

We serve all of Western North Carolina, including Asheville, Hendersonville, Rutherfordton, Shelby, Marion, Haywood County, Polk County, Transylvania County, and beyond.

✔ Knowledge of Each County’s Holiday Processes

Not all counties operate the same. We know:

• Which counties have slower holiday processing

• Which ones have limited magistrates

• Which facilities backlog the quickest

• How long do typical holiday releases take

This means we help you avoid unnecessary delays.

✔ Accurate Court Date Guidance

Missing a court date during the holidays can cause serious problems. We help you:

• Confirm your court date

• Check for upcoming closures

• understand how holidays affect first appearances

• avoid FTA / Failure to Appear situations

✔ Respectful, Compassionate Service

The holidays are stressful enough — our team is trained to treat every family with dignity, urgency, and compassion.We care about your future.

6. What Families Should Do Right Away

If someone is arrested during a holiday:

1. Stay calm — gather info

You need:

• Full name

• County of arrest

• Date of birth

• Possible charges (if known)

2. Call 828 Bail Bonds immediately

We’ll verify the booking, check the bond amount, and start the process right away.

3. Don’t wait for the courts to reopen

If your bond is approved, we can post it right now.

4. Prepare for extended processing

Even after the bond is posted, holidays often slow down release times.

7. How Long Will Someone Stay in Jail During a Holiday Arrest?

It depends on:

• The charge

• The bond type

• County workload

• Magistrate availability

• Time of day

• Whether medical clearance is required

• Whether fingerprints or mugshots are delayed

• Whether holidays create a backlog

  

Typical Wait Times (Holiday Weekend):

• Short delays: 2–4 hours

• Moderate delays: 4–8 hours

• Severe delays: 10–12+ hours

• No bond situations: Until courts reopen

We’ll always give realistic expectations based on that specific county.

8. Your Rights Still Apply — Even During Holidays

No matter the day:

• You have the right to know your charges

• You have the right to a bond (unless legally restricted)

• You have the right to contact a bail bondsman

• You have the right to humane treatment

• You have the right to legal counsel

828 Bail Bonds is here to walk you through every step.

Final Thoughts: Holiday Arrests Are Hard — Jail Doesn’t Have to Be Harder

A Holiday Arrest in North Carolina can be stressful, emotional, and confusing. Court closures and limited hours can create delays that leave people sitting longer than they should.

But with 828 Bail Bonds, you have a reliable team working non-stop — even when the rest of North Carolina is celebrating, closed, or asleep.

When the unexpected happens, remember:

We are available 24/7/365.

We care about your future.

And in the 828, you’re always 1st rate.

For immediate help, call:

828-537-BAIL (Covers ALL of Western North Carolina)

828-668-BAIL — Buncombe, Madison

828-677-BAIL — Haywood, Jackson, Swain

828-554-BAIL — Macon & Surrounding Areas

828-900-BAIL — Henderson, Polk & Transylvania

828-521-BAIL — Rutherford & Surrounding Areas

704-980-BAIL — Cleveland, Gaston & Lincoln