DeKalb County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in DeKalb County, GA: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in DeKalb County, Georgia kicks off a complex process involving both the State Court of DeKalb County and the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). This guide provides immediate, practical advice to navigate the DeKalb County DUI system, from retrieving your vehicle to understanding court appearances and license reinstatement. What sets DeKalb apart is its decentralized system – the jail, administrative hearing complex (Camp Circle), and downtown Decatur courthouse are all distinct locations, each with its own operating hours and procedures. This guide will help you avoid the "logistical nightmares" inherent in the process.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in DeKalb County, the first 24 hours are critical. Here’s a general timeline:

• Arrest & Booking: You'll be taken to the DeKalb County Jail. Specific booking procedures and processing times can vary, and can be slow during shift changes (6-7 AM/PM).
• Phone Calls: You will typically be allowed to make a phone call once the booking process is complete. Use this call to contact a family member, friend, or attorney.
• Bail: Bail amounts in DeKalb County vary depending on the specific charges and your prior record. A bondsman can help you with posting bail.
• Release: Once bail is posted, you will be released from jail with a court date.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences in a DeKalb County DUI case. Be aware of these key dates:

• ALR Hearing Deadline: You have just 30 calendar days from the date of arrest to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing with the DDS. This is crucial to potentially prevent your license from being suspended.
• Court Appearance Date: This date will be provided upon your release from jail. Missing this date can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• License Suspension Timeline: If you don't request an ALS hearing within 30 days, your license will be automatically suspended on the 46th day after your arrest.

DUI Enforcement in DeKalb County

Understanding DUI enforcement patterns in DeKalb County can be helpful. While specific checkpoint locations are not regularly published, be aware that DUI Task Forces and saturation patrols are common throughout the county.

Local Resources

• DeKalb County Police Department Property and Evidence Section: 3630 Camp Circle, Decatur, GA 30032. This is where you obtain the Vehicle Release Form.
• DeKalb County Recorders Court Traffic Division: Located at Camp Circle.
• DeKalb County State Court: Located in Downtown Decatur.
• Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) - Decatur Customer Service Center: 2801 Candler Road, Suite 82, Decatur, GA 30034. Hours: Tuesday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.; Saturday: 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.
• Brown & Brown Wrecker Service (North-Central Precinct): 3854 North Peachtree Road, Chamblee, GA 30341. Phone: (770) 457-3879.
• S&W Towing (Tucker Precinct & all large vehicle tows): 2158 Tucker Industrial Road, Tucker, GA 30084. Phone: (770) 493-9083.
• SmartStart Ignition Interlock: 2701 Candler Rd, Decatur.
• DDS Mailing Address for ALS Hearing Requests: P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013

What Makes DeKalb County Different

DeKalb County's DUI process has unique aspects you need to know:

• Decentralized System: Unlike some counties, the jail, Camp Circle administrative offices, and downtown Decatur courthouse are in different locations. Plan your travel accordingly.
• Vehicle Release Bottleneck: You cannot simply go to the tow lot to retrieve your car. You must first obtain a Vehicle Release Form from the DeKalb County Police Department Property and Evidence Section at 3630 Camp Circle, Decatur, GA 30032.
• Wednesday Closure at Property & Evidence: The Property and Evidence Section is completely closed on Wednesdays. If your arrest occurs late Tuesday, you will not be able to retrieve the release paperwork until Thursday morning, adding to your impound fees.
• Lunch Closure at Property & Evidence: The Property and Evidence Section is closed for lunch from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Arriving just before lunch will likely result in significant delays.
• Precinct-Based Towing: The impound lot where your car is taken depends on the location of your arrest, not where you live.
• DeKalb County DUI Court: This is a treatment court that requires a guilty plea and a minimum 12-month program. Successful completion can lead to reduced jail time and fines.
• The "Owner Must Be Present" Rule: To get the Vehicle Release Form, the registered owner of the vehicle must be present. If someone else needs to retrieve it, they need an "Authorization of Release Letter" from the arresting officer, which can be difficult to obtain.

To start the process of getting your car back, immediately contact the DeKalb County Police Department Property and Evidence Section at 3630 Camp Circle, Decatur, GA 30032 during their operating hours (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to understand the specific documentation you'll need.