Fulton County DUI Court Guide
Everything you need to know about appearing in court for your DUI case in Fulton County, Atlanta.
Last verified: January 6, 2026
State Court of Fulton County
About the Fulton County Court System
Fulton County State Court handles most misdemeanor DUI cases (first and second offenses) in Atlanta. Fulton County Superior Court handles felony DUI charges (fourth offense within 10 years, serious injury, or vehicular homicide). Atlanta Municipal Court handles cases from Atlanta city limits. Per O.C.G.A. 40-6-391, fourth DUI within 10 years is a felony in Georgia.
Critical: Do NOT Do These Things
Warrant issued immediately
Anything you say can be used against you
Can be used as evidence
Additional criminal charges per O.C.G.A. 40-5-121
Bail revoked, returned to jail
Others can be subpoenaed to testify
Security Screening & Prohibited Items
What to Expect
- Metal detector screening (remove belt, watch)
- Bag/purse X-ray scanning
- Allow 15-30 minutes for security
- Typical wait: 1-4 hours once inside
Do NOT Bring
- Weapons (including pocket knives)
- Pepper spray or mace
- Large bags or backpacks
- Food or drinks (water OK)
Court Day Checklist
Required Documents
Day-Of Reminders
Tip: Screenshot or print this checklist. Check items off as you prepare the night before.
How DUI Cases Move Through Court
1. Arraignment
First appearance, typically within 48-72 hours after arrest in Georgia.
What Happens:
- Judge reads charges under O.C.G.A. 40-6-391
- Enter plea (usually Not Guilty)
- Bail is set or reviewed
- 10-day DDS deadline reminder
- Next court date scheduled
What to Know:
- Most plead Not Guilty initially
- Attorney will advise on plea
- Write down next court date
- Request public defender if needed
2. Pre-Trial Hearings
Multiple court dates over 3-9 months. Your attorney handles most of this.
What Your Attorney Does:
3. Plea Bargain or Trial
Over 90% of cases resolve through plea bargaining, not trial.
Plea Bargain (Common)
- Reduced to reckless driving
- Lower penalties
- Faster resolution
- Known outcome
Trial (Rare ~5%)
- Jury decides guilt
- Higher risk/reward
- Takes 6-12+ months
- More expensive
4. Sentencing
Judge imposes penalties per O.C.G.A. 40-6-391. First offense often includes Risk Reduction program.
Common Outcomes (1st Offense DUI):
Risk Reduction Program (DUI School) Required
Georgia requires all DUI offenders to complete the Risk Reduction Program (commonly called DUI School). This 20-hour course is mandatory for license reinstatement and is typically required as part of sentencing.
Program Requirements:
Important: You must complete Risk Reduction to reinstate your license with DDS. Start early - classes fill up quickly.
Related Fulton County Guides
The State Court of Fulton County, located at 185 Central Avenue, SW, Atlanta, GA 30303, is the primary venue for misdemeanor DUI adjudication. The court's phone number is 404-613-5040.
Fulton County Recovery Treatment Court
Recently rebranded from the DUI Treatment Court to the Recovery Treatment Court to reduce stigma, this accountability body is led by Chief Judge Wesley Tailor and Judge Susan Edlein. The court’s mission is to break the cycle of addiction and recidivism through a collaborative approach involving judges, prosecutors, defense counsel, and treatment professionals.
The Recovery Treatment Court (RTC) operates on a tiered "Phase" system, where the intensity of supervision—and thus the cost of monitoring—gradually decreases as the participant demonstrates sustained sobriety. The program is a rigorous, 24-month commitment designed as an alternative to incarceration for repeat offenders. It operates on a "user-fee" basis, requiring participants to pay roughly $50 per week in program fees, in addition to their monitoring costs.
Electronic Monitoring in Fulton County
Defendants in Fulton County DUI cases, particularly those participating in the Recovery Treatment Court, often face electronic monitoring requirements. Understanding the providers and logistics is crucial. Several authorized SCRAM providers operate in the area.
A 2nd Chance Monitoring, located at 756 Glass St NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30318, is affiliated with A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds, offering a consolidated service model for defendants in the pretrial phase. They provide SCRAM CAM, SCRAM GPS (utilizing the Omnilink OM500), and SCRAM Remote Breath Pro. Installation fees typically range from $100 to $150, and daily monitoring rates for SCRAM CAM are estimated at $10 - $12 per day ($300 - $360/month). They typically require the installation fee plus the first two weeks of monitoring fees to be paid upfront, totaling approximately $350 - $400.
GPS Monitoring & Tracking Services (Atlanta Ankle Monitor), headquartered at 1800 Peachtree St NW, Suite 315, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, offers a professional environment and cultivates relationships with the Fulton County judiciary. They also offer SCRAM CAM and SCRAM Remote Breath.
ProntoTrak offers mobile installation, which can be convenient for those in North Fulton.
Courthouse Security and Decorum
At the State Court of Fulton County, certain items and attire are prohibited to maintain order and respect for the judicial process. Prohibited items include weapons of any kind, cameras (without a court order), voice recorders (without a court order), and video equipment (without a court order).
The dress code also has specific restrictions:
- Hats and head coverings are banned unless they serve a religious or medical purpose.
- Sunglasses may not be worn inside the courtroom.
- T-shirts depicting violence, sexual acts, drugs, or profanity are forbidden.
- Tube tops, halter tops, plunging necklines, bare midriffs, miniskirts, shorts, and ripped or torn jeans are forbidden.
- Baggy pants falling below the waist (sagging) are forbidden.
- Muscle shirts (undershirts) are forbidden.
Misdemeanor First Appearance Hearings are held at the Fulton County Jail (901 Rice Street, Atlanta, GA 30318) on weekdays at 9:00 AM, and on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays at 11:00 AM.
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