Chatham County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Chatham County, GA: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Chatham County, Georgia, can feel like navigating a maze. The "Savannah Model" of DUI enforcement involves the Savannah Police Department, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia Department of Driver Services, creating a complex system. This guide provides immediate, practical guidance to help you understand the process and take the necessary steps to protect your rights and driving privileges. It will walk you through everything from getting your car back to understanding critical deadlines.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Chatham County

After a DUI arrest in Chatham County, you'll face a series of immediate logistical and legal challenges. Unlike standard criminal proceedings, a DUI arrest in Chatham County involves navigating municipal police, county detention, and state administrative mandates. This often creates a "Jurisdictional Gap," where you could face unnecessary financial penalties, legal prejudices, or administrative delays. This guide is designed to help you navigate these friction points.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

• Arrest: The process begins with an arrest by the Savannah Police Department (SPD) or another law enforcement agency operating within Chatham County.
• Booking: You will be taken to the Chatham County Detention Center (CCDC), managed by the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), located at 1050 Carl Griffin Dr. Here, you will be processed, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, and inventorying your belongings.
• Phone Calls: You will generally be allowed to make a phone call shortly after booking. Use this to contact a loved one or an attorney.
• Bail: Bail amounts vary depending on the circumstances of your arrest and your prior record. You can post bail in cash or through a bail bondsman.
• Release: After posting bail, you will be released from the CCDC.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing (30 Days): You only have 30 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). This is crucial to potentially prevent your license from being suspended. Failing to file the $150 appeal within 30 days results in a hard license suspension.
• Court Appearance: You will receive a notice of your court appearance date. It's essential to appear in court on this date, or a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
• 72-Hour Impound Cliff: Failure to retrieve your vehicle by the 3rd day triggers an $87.55 admin fee.

DUI Enforcement in Chatham County

While specific DUI checkpoint locations are not publicly advertised, the Savannah Police Department (SPD) actively enforces DUI laws throughout the county. Understanding the nuances of how DUI enforcement operates in Chatham County can be helpful.

Local Resources

• Chatham County Detention Center: 1050 Carl Griffin Dr, Savannah, GA
• Savannah Police Department Northwest Precinct (Vehicle Release): 602 E. Lathrop Ave., Savannah, GA. Open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily (7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on holidays).
• Sapp’s Wrecker Service (Primary Towing Contractor): 176 Godley Rd, Port Wentworth, GA. Dispatch/Access: 24 hours, 7 days a week.
• Georgia Department of Driver Services (Savannah): Check the DDS website (dds.georgia.gov) for the nearest location and hours.
• Chatham County Court System: Information can be found at courts.chathamcountyga.gov.
• DUI Attorneys: (General info, no specific recommendations) Many experienced DUI attorneys practice in Chatham County. Research and choose one who fits your needs.
• Bail Bondsmen: A list of bail bondsmen can be found online or through referrals.

What Makes Chatham County Different

Chatham County's DUI process has several unique aspects:

• The "Savannah Model" and Jurisdictional Gap: The separation of arrest authority (SPD), detention authority (CCSO), and administrative authority (DDS) creates potential logistical challenges.
• The Northwest Precinct Bottleneck: The Savannah Police Department (SPD) requires a physical Vehicle Release Form from the Northwest Precinct (602 E. Lathrop Ave., Savannah, GA) before Sapp’s Wrecker Service can release your vehicle. The precinct is only open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily (7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on holidays). If you are released from jail after 7:00 p.m., you cannot retrieve your vehicle until the next morning, incurring extra storage fees.
• The "Glovebox Trap": The SPD Northwest Precinct requires a valid picture ID and your vehicle registration or title to release your vehicle. If your registration is in your glovebox, you'll need to pay a "gate fee" to Sapp's Wrecker Service to retrieve it before going to the Northwest Precinct.
• The 72-Hour Impound Cliff: Failure to retrieve your vehicle within 72 hours of impoundment triggers an $87.55 administrative fee. For example, if you are arrested on Friday night, you must retrieve your vehicle by Monday night to avoid this fee.
• Strategic Towing Partners: Sapp’s Wrecker Service (176 Godley Rd, Port Wentworth, GA) is the primary "Head-Out" contractor for DUI impounds.
• Weekend Cost: If you are arrested on Friday night and fail to retrieve your vehicle before Monday night, you will face a minimum of $612.85 in costs to retrieve the vehicle, comprised of a Base Tow ($257.50), 3 Days Storage ($139.05), Admin Fee ($87.55), and Likely After-Hours Fee ($128.75).

To start the process of retrieving your vehicle, contact Sapp's Wrecker Service at 176 Godley Rd, Port Wentworth, GA, to inquire about their procedures and fees.