Chatham County DUI Bail Guide

The Savannah Police Department (SPD) maintains strict chain-of-custody rules, prohibiting towing contractors from releasing a vehicle without a physical Vehicle Release Form issued by the SPD.

DUI Bail and Release in Chatham County, Georgia: A Local Guide

Navigating a DUI arrest in Chatham County, Georgia, involves several logistical hurdles, particularly regarding bail and vehicle release. This guide provides specific local information to help you understand the process.

Getting Your Vehicle Back: The Northwest Precinct Bottleneck

After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is likely impounded. Unlike a simple tow, this is a "custodial impound," meaning the City of Savannah has legal authority over the vehicle. You can't just go to the tow yard.

• Mandatory Release Form: Sapp's Wrecker Service, the primary "Head-Out" contractor, cannot release your vehicle without a Vehicle Release Form from the Savannah Police Department (SPD).
• Designated Release Point: The only place to get this form is the SPD Northwest Precinct, located at 602 E. Lathrop Ave., Savannah, GA.
• Hours: The precinct is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 7 days a week, but reduced to 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on holidays.
• The "Travel Gap": The Chatham County Detention Center is about 6 miles from the Northwest Precinct. If you're released in the evening (after 7:00 p.m.), you'll have to wait until the next morning to get the release form, resulting in an extra day of impound fees.
• Documentation Rigidity: You must have a valid picture ID and current vehicle registration or title. Insurance cards are not accepted. If your registration is in the glovebox, you'll need to visit the tow yard (Sapp's), pay a fee to retrieve it, then go to the Northwest Precinct, and finally return to Sapp's.
• Strategic Towing Partners: Sapp's Wrecker Service is the primary contractor. Their headquarters is at 176 Godley Rd, Port Wentworth, GA and they are open 24 hours, 7 days a week for dispatch/access.

Financial Exposure: Impound Fees and Deadlines

The costs associated with impounding your vehicle can add up quickly.

• The "72-Hour Cliff": An administrative fee of $87.55 is triggered if you don't retrieve your vehicle within 72 hours of impoundment.
• Weekend Scenario: If arrested Friday night and bonded out Saturday morning, failing to get your vehicle by Monday night incurs this fee.
• Cumulative Weekend Cost Example: Base Tow ($257.50) + 3 Days Storage ($139.05) + Admin Fee ($87.55) + Likely After-Hours Fee ($128.75) = $612.85 minimum to retrieve the vehicle.
• Abandonment and Auction: Vehicles unclaimed after five weeks are processed for public auction on Liberty Auctions website or www.govdeals.com.

Jail Release: Chatham County Detention Center

The Chatham County Detention Center (CCDC) is located at 1050 Carl Griffin Dr, Savannah, GA 31405. The booking phone number is 912-651-3700, and the Shift Commander can be reached at 912-652-7710.

First Appearance

First appearance hearings are typically held virtually on weekdays at 2:00 p.m.

Navigating the Courts: Recorder's Court and State Court

Your DUI case will likely be handled in two court systems. Most SPD arrests are initially docketed in Recorder's Court of Chatham County, located at 133 Montgomery St., Savannah, GA 31401. Their phone number is 912-652-7425.

Approved Bonding Methods and Surcharges

Shift Change at the Detention Center

The CCDC operates on 12-hour shifts. During shift changes (6:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.), release processing may be delayed. The Main Lobby is closed to the public from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. Monday-Thursday, and all weekend from Friday 6:00 p.m. to Monday 9:00 a.m..

Visit the SPD Northwest Precinct at 602 E. Lathrop Ave., Savannah, GA between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to begin the vehicle release process.