Chatham County DUI Court Guide
Everything you need to know about appearing in court for your DUI case in Chatham County, Savannah.
Last verified: January 6, 2026
Chatham County State Court
About the Chatham County Court System
Chatham County State Court handles most misdemeanor DUI cases (first and second offenses) in Savannah. Chatham County Superior Court handles felony DUI charges (fourth offense within 10 years, child endangerment, or cases involving serious injury/death). Per O.C.G.A. 40-6-391, fourth offense DUI within 10 years is a felony in Georgia.
Critical: Do NOT Do These Things
Warrant issued immediately
Anything you say can be used against you
Can be used as evidence
Additional criminal charges per O.C.G.A. 40-5-121
Bail revoked, returned to jail
Others can be subpoenaed to testify
Security Screening & Prohibited Items
What to Expect
- Metal detector screening (remove belt, watch)
- Bag/purse X-ray scanning
- Allow 15-20 minutes for security
- Typical wait: 1-3 hours once inside
Do NOT Bring
- Weapons (including pocket knives)
- Pepper spray or mace
- Large bags or backpacks
- Food or drinks (water OK)
Court Day Checklist
Required Documents
Day-Of Reminders
Tip: Screenshot or print this checklist. Check items off as you prepare the night before.
How DUI Cases Move Through Court
1. Arraignment
First appearance, typically within 48-72 hours after arrest in Georgia.
What Happens:
- Judge reads charges under O.C.G.A. 40-6-391
- Enter plea (usually Not Guilty)
- Bail is set or reviewed
- Next court date scheduled
What to Know:
- Most plead Not Guilty initially
- Attorney will advise on plea
- Write down next court date
- Request public defender if needed
2. Pre-Trial Hearings
Multiple court dates over 2-6 months. Your attorney handles most of this.
What Your Attorney Does:
3. Plea Bargain or Trial
Over 90% of cases resolve through plea bargaining, not trial.
Plea Bargain (Common)
- Reduced to reckless driving
- Lower penalties
- Faster resolution
- Known outcome
Trial (Rare ~5%)
- Jury decides guilt
- Higher risk/reward
- Takes 6-12+ months
- More expensive
4. Sentencing
Judge imposes penalties per O.C.G.A. 40-6-391. First offense often includes Risk Reduction Program (DUI School).
Common Outcomes (1st Offense DUI):
DUI Court Program Available
Chatham County offers DUI Court as an alternative program for eligible DUI offenders. This intensive supervision program can result in reduced penalties and may help avoid jail time.
Typical Requirements:
Benefit: Avoid or reduce jail time through intensive supervision and treatment. Ask your attorney if you qualify.
Related Chatham County Guides
The most significant friction point in the Savannah system is the physical decoupling of the release authorization from the storage location.
DWI Court Procedures in Chatham County, Georgia
Navigating a Driving While Impaired (DWI) charge in Chatham County, Georgia, involves several key steps and locations. Understanding these procedures can help you navigate the legal process more effectively.
Impounded Vehicle Retrieval
If your vehicle was impounded after a DWI arrest, retrieving it involves a specific process. The Savannah Police Department (SPD) requires a Vehicle Release Form before Sapp's Wrecker Service (the primary "Head-Out" contractor) can release your vehicle. This form can only be obtained from the SPD Northwest Precinct at 602 E. Lathrop Ave., Savannah, GA. The precinct's hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 7 days a week, with reduced hours (7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) on holidays. Be aware that you'll need valid picture identification and your current vehicle registration or title to get the release form; insurance cards are not accepted. Sapp's Wrecker Service is located at 176 Godley Rd, Port Wentworth, GA and is accessible 24/7 for dispatch.
A significant financial cliff exists: an $87.55 administrative fee activates if you fail to retrieve your vehicle within 72 hours.
Chatham County Detention Center
The Chatham County Detention Center, located at 1050 Carl Griffin Dr, Savannah, GA 31405, is where individuals arrested for DWI are initially processed. You can contact the booking desk at 912-651-3700. Keep in mind that shift changes occur around 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., which may cause delays in release processing. 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.
Recorder's Court and State Court
Your case will likely begin in the Recorder's Court of Chatham County, located at 133 Montgomery St., Savannah, GA 31401 (phone: 912-652-7425). This court handles initial DUI arraignments. If you plead not guilty and request a jury trial, your case will be "bound over" to the State Court of Chatham County at the Eugene H. Gadsden Courthouse, 400 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 127, Savannah, GA. The phone number for the State Court is 912-652-7224. Important figures in the State Court include Judge Derek J. White, who presides over DUI Court, and Chief Judge Gregory V. Sapp. Note that cell phones must be silenced and cannot be used in the courtrooms.
Chatham County DUI Court
For repeat offenders (2 DUIs in 5 years or 3 in a lifetime), the Chatham County DUI Court may be an option. This program requires bi-weekly court appearances and random drug/alcohol screening. Treatment is mandatory at Recovery Place.
To contact the Chatham County Detention Center, call 912-651-3700.
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