Cobb County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Cobb County, GA: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI can be a disorienting experience. As the third most populous county in Georgia, Cobb County has a robust judicial system for processing DUI cases, and understanding the process is crucial. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of what to expect following a DUI arrest in Cobb County, from the immediate aftermath to navigating the legal and administrative challenges ahead.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

After being arrested for DUI in Cobb County, you'll be taken into custody by the arresting officer. This could be an officer from the Cobb County Police Department (CCPD), Marietta Police Department, or another local agency. You will then be transported to the Cobb County Adult Detention Center for processing.

The booking process typically involves:

• Photographing and Fingerprinting: Standard procedures for identification purposes.
• Inventory of Personal Belongings: Your possessions will be cataloged and stored securely until your release.
• Health Screening: A brief medical evaluation to identify any immediate health concerns.
• Opportunity to Make Phone Calls: After booking, you will generally be allowed to make a limited number of phone calls to contact family, a licensed bail bondsman, or a DUI attorney.

Bail is often set according to a pre-determined schedule for misdemeanor offenses like DUI. A licensed bail bondsman can assist with posting bail, which allows you to be released from custody while awaiting your court date. The process can take several hours, so contacting a bondsman promptly is advisable. The Magistrate and Probate Complex (Building D1) located at 32 Waddell Street, Marietta, GA 30090, handles warrants and first appearances.

Critical Deadlines

Several critical deadlines arise immediately following a DUI arrest:

• Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearing: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). Failing to request this hearing within the deadline results in an automatic suspension of your driver's license.
• Arraignment: Your first court appearance, known as the arraignment, will be scheduled. At the arraignment, you will be formally advised of the charges against you and asked to enter a plea.
• License Suspension: If you do not request an ALR hearing, your license will be suspended, and the length of the suspension will depend on factors such as prior DUI convictions.

DUI Enforcement in Cobb County

The Cobb County Police Department actively enforces DUI laws throughout the county. DUI checkpoints are often conducted in areas with high traffic volume, especially near entertainment districts. Precinct 1, encompassing Smyrna/Vinings/Cumberland, sees high enforcement due to the commercial and residential density around the I-285/I-75 interchange. The Cobb County DUI Court celebrates 15 years of helping offenders in recovery.

Local Resources

• Superior Court of Cobb County: 70 Haynes Street, Marietta, GA 30090. Handles felony DUI cases. Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• State Court of Cobb County (Divisions 1 & 2): 12 East Park Square, Marietta, GA 30090. Handles misdemeanor DUI cases. Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Magistrate and Probate Complex (Building D1): 32 Waddell Street, Marietta, GA 30090. Handles warrants and first appearances.
• Finding a Licensed Bail Bondsman: A licensed bail bondsman can assist with posting bail. Ensure the bondsman is licensed to operate in Georgia.

What Makes Cobb County Different

Cobb County's judicial system has some unique aspects relevant to DUI cases. The State Court is divided into two divisions, though all twelve courtrooms are now equipped for jury trials. Cobb County also has a specialized DUI Court program, presided over by Judge Eric Brewton, which offers a rigorous post-conviction therapeutic intervention for recidivist offenders. This program is structured into five phases and requires court appearances every other Tuesday at 3:30 PM during Phase 1. The Superior Court bench consists of judges elected in non-partisan elections for four-year terms. Cobb County employs a franchise system that divides the county into geographic zones. These zones are contiguous with the police precinct boundaries, ensuring a seamless integration between law enforcement operations and towing support.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Where will I be taken after a DUI arrest in Cobb County? You will likely be taken to the Cobb County Adult Detention Center for processing.

2How long do I have to request an ALR hearing in Cobb County? You have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an ALR hearing.

3What court handles most misdemeanor DUI cases in Cobb County? The State Court of Cobb County (Divisions 1 & 2) typically handles misdemeanor DUI cases.

Find a local DUI attorney in our attorney directory or browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Cobb County.

Sources

• Cobb County DUI Arrests
• Cobb County Superior Court
• State Court Record Search
• Clerk of Superior Court
• Cobb County DUI Court
• Cobb County DUI Process
• Cobb County DUI Court Celebrates 15 Years
• GSCCCA — Clerk Results
• Superior Court Clerk
• Superior Court Clerk — Records Search

To request an ALR hearing, contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services.