Henry County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Henry County, GA: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI can be a disorienting experience. The Henry County Jail, located at 120 Henry Parkway, serves as the central processing hub for all arrests in Henry County. This guide provides immediate, practical information on navigating the DUI process in Henry County, Georgia, from understanding the booking procedure to reclaiming your vehicle.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest in Henry County are critical. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

• Arrest and Booking: Following the arrest, you will be transported to the Henry County Jail at 120 Henry Parkway. The Henry County Police Department (HCPD) is the primary patrol agency for unincorporated Henry County, but the Henry County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) also conducts traffic stops. During intake, you will undergo medical screening, fingerprinting, and have your personal property confiscated.
• Phone Calls: You will be issued a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for phone use through ICSolutions Advanced Technology. All calls are recorded and monitored, so be mindful of what you say. Calls require either a debit from your commissary account or a prepaid account set up by family via ICSolutions. The jail explicitly states they are not liable for lost or stolen PINs.
• Bail: For standard misdemeanors like a first DUI, bond is often set automatically via a "bond schedule." If other charges are involved, you may need to appear before a judge at the Jail Courtroom (120 Henry Parkway). Weekend hearings are conducted remotely via WebEx.

Bond options in Henry County include:

• Cash Bond: Refunded at the end of the case (minus a $20 fee).
• Surety Bond (Professional Bondsman): A non-refundable fee, typically 12% to 15% of the total bond amount.
• Property Bond: Equity in the property must be double the bond amount. Requires original Warranty Deed and current tax statement, with all owners present. A Transfer Bond is an option for property owners in other Georgia counties, requiring assessment by the Sheriff of that county.

Critical Deadlines

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

• Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Hearing: You have 30 calendar days from the date of arrest (or service of the DDS-1205 form) to request an ALS hearing with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). Requesting a hearing stops the license suspension until the hearing is held. Failure to request a hearing within 30 days will result in an automatic one-year license suspension on the 46th day after arrest.
• Court Appearance: The date for your first court appearance will be on your citation. Contact the Clerk of State Court for any scheduling inquiries.
• License Suspension: If you do not request an ALS hearing or are unsuccessful at the hearing, your license will be suspended 46 days after your arrest.

DUI Enforcement in Henry County

Henry County is a significant enforcement node along the Interstate 75 corridor south of Atlanta. The Henry County Police Department and the Henry County Sheriff's Office actively patrol the area.

Local Resources

• Superior Court of Henry County: 1 Courthouse Square.
• State Court of Henry County: The Clerk of State Court has issued specific warnings about phone scams targeting defendants, clarifying that court officials will never demand payment over the phone to avoid arrest.
• Henry County Jail: 120 Henry Parkway
• Henry County Community Service Program: 533 Hampton Street, McDonough, GA. Offenders are credited with 2 hours toward their sentence for every 1 hour of work performed.
• Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) - Locust Grove Customer Service Center: 619 Tanger Blvd, Locust Grove, GA 30248. Hours: Tuesday – Friday (8:00 AM – 6:00 PM); Saturday (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM). Closed Sundays and Mondays. This center handles reinstatements, vision exams, and road tests.
• Finding a Licensed Bail Bondsman: Search for licensed bail bondsmen who operate in Henry County.
• Finding a DUI Attorney: Consult with a qualified DUI attorney to discuss your legal options.

What Makes Henry County Different

Henry County has specific procedures and policies that differentiate it from other jurisdictions:

• Inmate Property Rule: Inmates have only 15 days from the date of booking to have a third party pick up their personal clothing (belts, shoes, jackets, etc.). If not retrieved, these items are donated or discarded. The designee must present valid photo ID between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
• Electronic Monitoring Fees: If ordered by the court, electronic monitoring through Sentinel Offender Services costs $25.00 for activation and $40.00 per day, payable one week in advance.
• Courtroom Cell Phone Ban: Henry County courts strictly enforce Rule 22, prohibiting electronic devices inside the courtroom. Deputies can confiscate devices, and violators may be held in contempt of court.
• Vehicle Release Form: If arrested by the HCPD, you must obtain a "Vehicle Release Form" from the HCPD Records Unit at 108 South Zack Hinton Parkway, McDonough, GA, before retrieving your vehicle from the impound lot.
• Payment for Probation Fees: Probation fees must be paid via money order or online at www.henrypay.com, with a 4% service fee added to all online or phone payments.
• Cash Only Impound Policy: New Image Towing, one of the towing companies on the Henry County wrecker rotation list, operates on a strict "Cash Only" policy.

If your clothing needs to be picked up from the Henry County Jail, remember the 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday-Friday timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where do I go to retrieve my personal belongings left at the Henry County Jail? Have a designated person pick them up at 120 Henry Parkway between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, within 15 days of your booking.
2. How do I pay probation fees in Henry County? You can pay via money order or online at www.henrypay.com, noting the 4% service fee for online payments.
3. What do I need to get my car out of impound if the Henry County Police Department arrested me? You'll need a Vehicle Release Form from the HCPD Records Unit at 108 South Zack Hinton Parkway, McDonough, GA, along with your driver's license, proof of ownership, and proof of insurance.

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

Sources

• Henry County Sheriff's Office - Bonding
• Henry County Jail - Inmate Services
• Henry County Police Department - Records Unit
• Henry County - Community Service
• Georgia Department of Driver Services - Locust Grove
• Georgia Department of Public Safety - Wrecker Qualifications
• Henry County Portable Electronic Device Policy