DeKalb County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in DeKalb County, GA: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in DeKalb County can be a disorienting experience. Knowing the steps to take immediately following your arrest can help protect your rights and navigate the complex legal process ahead. This guide provides a clear overview of what to expect, from jail procedures and vehicle impoundment to deadlines for protecting your driving privileges.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

After a DUI arrest in DeKalb County, the arresting officer will likely transport you to the DeKalb County Jail for processing. The booking procedure includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information. Be aware that shift changes at the jail occur around 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM, which can cause delays in processing. After booking, you will be able to make phone calls.

Bail is set according to a predetermined schedule. You can post bail in a few ways:

• Cash Bond: Pay the full amount in cash, cashier's check, or U.S. Postal Money Order. A $20 non-refundable fee is mandated by state law for all bonds. Personal checks are not accepted.
• Professional Bondsman: Hire a commercial surety for a non-refundable fee (typically 12% to 15% of the total bond amount).
• Pretrial Release (OR): If you qualify as a low-risk defendant with strong community ties, the Pretrial Services Division may authorize release on your "Own Recognizance" (OR) without needing to pay bail. This often involves strict reporting conditions.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences for your driving privileges and your legal case. Key deadlines to be aware of are:

• Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Hearing Request: You have only 30 calendar days from the date of arrest to request an ALS hearing with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). If you don't request a hearing within this timeframe, your license will be automatically suspended.
• Court Appearance Date: The date for your arraignment will be set by the DeKalb County State Court. It's crucial to appear on time and prepared. Contact the DeKalb County Clerk of Court to determine your next court date.

DUI Enforcement in DeKalb County

DUI enforcement in DeKalb County is handled by the DeKalb County Police Department.

Local Resources

• DeKalb County State Court Traffic Division: 2620 Camp Circle, Decatur, GA 30032
• DeKalb County Courthouse: 556 North McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030
• DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) Property and Evidence Section (Vehicle Release Forms): 3630 Camp Circle, Decatur, GA 30032. Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (closed Wednesdays and for lunch from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM).
• Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) - Decatur: 2801 Candler Road, Suite 82, Decatur, GA 30034. Open Tuesday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.; Saturday: 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Bail Bondsman: A licensed bail bondsman can assist with posting bond. Look for licensed bondsmen in the DeKalb County area.
• DUI Attorney: A DUI attorney can provide legal representation and guidance throughout the DUI process.

What Makes DeKalb County Different

DeKalb County has unique aspects to its DUI arrest process:

• Decentralized Vehicle Impoundment: Unlike some jurisdictions, DeKalb County uses a precinct-based system for vehicle impoundment. This means your vehicle will be towed to a specific private impound lot depending on where the arrest occurred.
• Vehicle Release Form Requirement: You cannot directly retrieve your vehicle from the tow lot. You must first obtain a Vehicle Release Form from the DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) Property and Evidence Section.
• Specific Impound Lots: Different precincts use different towing companies:
• North-Central Precinct: Brown & Brown Wrecker Service, 3854 North Peachtree Road, Chamblee, GA 30341.
• Tucker Precinct: S&W Towing, 2158 Tucker Industrial Road, Tucker, GA 30084.
• East Precinct: Statewide Wrecker Service, 6995 Covington Hwy, Lithonia, GA 30058.
• South Precinct: South DeKalb Towing & Transport, 7043 Rogers Lake Rd, Lithonia, GA.
• Property and Evidence Closure: The DKPD Property and Evidence Section, where you obtain the vehicle release form, is closed on Wednesdays and for lunch from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, potentially delaying vehicle retrieval.

To start the process of reclaiming your vehicle, contact the DeKalb County Police Department Property and Evidence Section at 3630 Camp Circle, Decatur, GA 30032.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where do I go to get my car back after a DUI arrest in DeKalb County? You'll need to get a Vehicle Release Form from the DeKalb County Police Department Property and Evidence Section at 3630 Camp Circle, Decatur, GA 30032, before going to the designated impound lot for the precinct where you were arrested.
2. What happens if I miss the 30-day deadline to request an ALS hearing in DeKalb County? Your driver's license will be automatically suspended by the Georgia DDS.
3. Can I pay my bond with a personal check at the DeKalb County Jail? No, the DeKalb County Jail does not accept personal checks for bond payments. You must use cash, a cashier's check, or a U.S. Postal Money Order.

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

Sources

• DeKalb County Sheriff's Office - Bonding & Inmate Services
• Georgia Department of Driver Services - Decatur Location
• DeKalb County Police Property Room
• City of Dunwoody - Towing & Impounds
• Georgia Department of Public Safety - Maximum Rate Tariff No. 5
• DeKalb County Committee Defers Decision on Proposed Towing, Impound Fee Increases
• DeKalb County Magistrate Court - Abandoned Motor Vehicles
• Brown & Brown Wrecker Service
• Statewide Wrecker Service
• South Dekalb Towing & Transport, Inc. | BBB Business Profile