Henry County DUI Court Guide

The Henry County Jail is the central processing hub for all arrests in the county, located at 120 Henry Parkway. For a DUI defendant, the facility represents a complex bureaucratic maze where the primary objective—speedy release—battles against rigid administrative protocols.

Detention and Release Dynamics (The Jail)

One of the most draconian policies at the Henry County Jail involves the retention of inmate property. Inmates have exactly 15 days from the date of booking to have a third party pick up their personal clothing (belts, shoes, jackets, etc.). If these items are not retrieved within the 15-day window, they are donated or discarded. The designee picking up the items must present valid photo ID between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. "Valuables" such as wallets, keys, phones, and jewelry are retained by the Property Section and returned to the inmate upon release.

During intake, inmates are issued a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for phone use. The jail explicitly states they are not liable for lost or stolen PINs. All calls are recorded and monitored. Calls require either a debit from the inmate's commissary account or a prepaid account set up by the family via ICSolutions.

Bonding Process

For standard misdemeanors (like a first DUI), bond is often set automatically via a "bond schedule". For cases involving other charges, the defendant may need to appear before a judge at the Jail Courtroom (120 Henry Parkway). Weekend hearings are conducted remotely via WebEx.

Bond types include:

• Cash Bond: Refunded at the end of the case (minus a $20 fee).
• Surety Bond (Professional Bondsman): Typically 12% to 15% fee, which is non-refundable.
• Property Bond: Equity in the property must be double the bond amount. Requires original Warranty Deed and current tax statement. All owners listed on the deed must be physically present.

For property owners in other Georgia counties, a Transfer Bond is an option, where the Sheriff of the other county assesses the property and seals the bond in an envelope, which must be delivered untampered to the Henry County Jail.

Vehicle Impound

The HCPD is the primary patrol agency for unincorporated Henry County. If arrested by the HCPD, a "Vehicle Release Form" is required before going to the tow yard. Before travelling to the impound lot, the registered owner must physically appear at the HCPD Records Unit at 108 South Zack Hinton Parkway, McDonough, GA. Required documentation includes a valid Driver's License (or a second licensed driver) , proof of ownership, and proof of insurance. If the vehicle is held for evidence, the Records Unit cannot issue a release without authorization from the investigating detective.

Henry County utilizes a "wrecker rotation list" of approved private towing companies. "Cash Only" is the policy at providers like New Image Towing.

Alternatives to Jail

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.

For high-risk defendants, the court may order Electronic Monitoring (EM). Sentinel Offender Services is a primary vendor, providing the OM500 GPS device. The court often mandates SCRAM anklets. The cost of electronic monitoring is borne entirely by the offender:

• Activation Fee: $25.00 (one-time)
• Daily Rate: $40.00 per day
• Weekly Cost: $280.00 per week

Fees must be paid one week in advance.

Henry County operates a Community Service Program at 533 Hampton Street, McDonough, GA. For every 1 hour of work performed, the offender is credited with 2 hours toward their sentence. Work options include litter crews and the Recycle Center on West Asbury Road. Work is available on weekdays and Saturdays.

To retrieve inmate clothing, family must present valid photo ID between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday.