Putnam County DUI Guide

If you've been arrested for DUI in Putnam County, Georgia, you're likely feeling overwhelmed. The immediate aftermath involves navigating legal procedures, understanding your rights, and making critical decisions that can impact your future. This guide provides a clear roadmap of what to expect and the steps you need to take.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Putnam County

Following a DUI arrest, you'll be taken into custody by law enforcement, likely a deputy from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, and transported to the Putnam County Jail. This guide will walk you through the process, from posting bail to understanding court proceedings, license implications, and retrieving your vehicle.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Here's a timeline of what typically happens immediately after a DUI arrest in Putnam County:

1. Arrest and Booking: You're arrested by a law enforcement officer, usually from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, based on probable cause (e.g., observed erratic driving, failed field sobriety tests, or a BAC reading of 0.08 or higher).
2. Transportation to Jail: You'll be transported to the Putnam County Jail located at 111 Ridley Dr, Eatonton, GA 31024.
3. Booking Process: At the jail, you'll be processed, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information. Your personal belongings will be inventoried and stored.
4. Phone Call: You have the right to make a reasonable number of phone calls, typically to contact a family member, friend, or attorney.
5. Bail Hearing or Bond Setting: A judge or magistrate will set your bail amount. Bail is a financial guarantee to ensure your appearance in court. Typical bail amounts for a first-time DUI offense in Georgia range from $1,000 to $2,500, but this can vary.
6. Posting Bail: You can post bail in a few ways:

• Cash Bail: Paying the full bail amount in cash to the Putnam County Jail.
• Bail Bondsman: Hiring a licensed bail bondsman who will post a bond on your behalf for a non-refundable fee (usually 10-15% of the bail amount).
• Property Bond: Using real estate as collateral, but this process is more complex.
• Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: Being released on your own promise to appear in court, but this is rare for DUI cases unless you are a low-risk, first-time offender.

1. Release: After bail is posted, it can take 2 to 6 hours for processing before you are released from the Putnam County Jail.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 15 business days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). This hearing is separate from your criminal court case and determines whether your driver's license will be suspended. Failure to request a hearing within this timeframe will result in an automatic license suspension.
• Court Appearance Date: Your citation will list your initial court appearance date (arraignment). Missing this date will result in a warrant for your arrest. Contact the Putnam County Clerk of Courts at 100 S Jefferson Ave #236, Eatonton, GA 31024 to confirm your court date if needed.
• License Suspension Timeline: If you do not request an ALR hearing, your license will be suspended 30 days after your arrest if your BAC was .08 or higher.

DUI Enforcement in Putnam County

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office actively patrols for impaired drivers. While specific DUI checkpoint locations are not publicly released, it is important to be aware of increased enforcement efforts during holidays and weekends.

Local Resources

• Putnam County Probate Court: 100 S Jefferson Ave Suite 207, Eatonton, GA 31024. Phone: (706) 485-5476. Handles some initial court processes. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
• Putnam Judge-Superior Court: 100 S Jefferson Ave #236, Eatonton, GA 31024. Phone: (706) 485-4501. Handles felony cases and appeals. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
• Putnam County Clerk of Courts: 100 S Jefferson Ave #236, Eatonton, GA 31024. Phone: (706) 485-4501. Maintains court records. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
• Putnam County Sheriff's Office: 111 Ridley Dr, Eatonton, GA 31024. Phone: (706) 485-8557. Primary law enforcement agency in Putnam County. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.

To find a licensed bail bondsman, conduct an internet search for "bail bondsman near Eatonton, GA".

Finding a qualified DUI attorney is crucial. Seek recommendations from trusted sources and schedule consultations to discuss your case.

What Makes Putnam County Different

Typical bail amounts for a first-time DUI offense in Putnam range between $1,000 and $2,500, but can be higher depending on the specifics of your case.