Henry County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Henry County, GA: Complete Guide

A DUI arrest in Henry County, Georgia triggers a complex legal and logistical process. Situated along the busy I-75 corridor, Henry County sees significant DUI enforcement. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you understand what happens next and how to navigate the Henry County justice system. Expect a rigid, rule-based environment where knowing the specific procedures can make a huge difference.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Henry County

Immediately after a DUI arrest, you'll be taken into custody. The arresting officer, either from the Henry County Police Department (HCPD) or the Henry County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), will transport you to the Henry County Jail for processing. Your vehicle will be impounded, setting off a separate, often costly, procedure to retrieve it. This guide will walk you through everything from understanding the bifurcated impound process to navigating court appearances and protecting your driving privileges.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest are crucial. Here’s a timeline of what to expect:

• Arrest and Transport: You'll be transported to the Henry County Jail, located at an address we will provide in the Local Resources section below.
• Booking: The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information. Your personal belongings, including your phone and wallet, will be inventoried and stored until your release.
• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make a phone call, typically after the booking process is complete. Use this call wisely. Contact a family member, friend, or attorney.
• Bail: Bail is set to ensure your appearance in court. The amount can vary depending on the specifics of your case, but you'll need to arrange payment through a bondsman or directly with the court. Remember that bonding agencies typically charge a non-refundable premium of 12-15%.

The primary arresting agency in unincorporated Henry County is the HCPD, while the HCSO also conducts traffic stops, often related to warrant service. Understanding which agency made the arrest is crucial for vehicle impoundment, as described in the next section.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences in a DUI case. Here are a few key dates to keep in mind:

• ALR Hearing Deadline: You have only 30 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). Failing to request this hearing within 30 days will result in an automatic suspension of your driver's license. This is a change from the old 10-day rule.
• Arraignment Date: This is your first court appearance, where you will be formally charged with DUI. The date will be indicated on your release paperwork.
• Future Court Dates: Subsequent court dates will be scheduled throughout the legal process.

DUI Enforcement in Henry County

Henry County acts as a significant enforcement node along the Interstate 75 corridor south of Atlanta. The HCPD and HCSO actively patrol the area. While specific checkpoint locations are not publicly released in advance, be aware of increased enforcement during holidays and weekends.

Local Resources

Here's a directory of essential contacts and resources in Henry County:

• Henry County Police Department Records Unit: 108 South Zack Hinton Parkway, McDonough, GA. This is where you must go to obtain a Vehicle Release Form before retrieving a vehicle impounded by the HCPD.
• Henry County Jail:
• Henry County State Court Community Service Program: 533 Hampton Street, McDonough, GA.
• HenryPay (Online Probation Fee Payments): www.henrypay.com (Note: a 4% service fee is added to all online/phone payments.)

Remember: This is a general guide. Specific legal advice can only be obtained from a qualified attorney.

What Makes Henry County Different

Henry County presents unique challenges for DUI defendants:

• The HCPD Release Form Bottleneck: If the HCPD made the arrest, you must get a Vehicle Release Form from the Records Unit before going to the tow yard. This adds an extra step and potential delay.
• Bifurcated Impound Protocol: Knowing whether the HCPD or HCSO made the arrest dictates the impound procedure.
• The Cash Economy: Some tow yards, like New Image Towing, operate on a "cash-only" basis, requiring you to secure cash after release from jail.
• The "2 for 1" Community Service Incentive: Henry County State Court offers a unique credit system where every 1 hour of community service counts as 2 hours towards your sentence. Work options include litter crews and the recycle center. Saturday slots are limited and require advance sign-up.
• Electronic Monitoring Costs: If ordered to wear a SCRAM anklet or GPS monitor, expect to pay around $40 per day ($280 per week) to providers like Sentinel Offender Services. Fees must be paid one week in advance.

Remember the 15-day property clock: The jail discards inmate clothing after 15 days, so family members need to act quickly to retrieve belongings.

Your next step should be to contact the Henry County Police Department Records Unit at 108 South Zack Hinton Parkway, McDonough, GA, if your vehicle was impounded by the HCPD.