Savannah DUI Attorney
Call (912) 493-9506 for a Free DUI Defense Consultation
Robert F. Pirkle brings over 35 years of legal experience to every DUI case he handles. He has practiced from both sides of the courtroom, first as a prosecutor and now as a defense attorney, and that dual perspective shapes how we approach every drunk driving charge in Savannah and across Southeast Georgia. Pirkle served as Solicitor General for the State Court of Long County for 12 years and currently holds appointments as Chief Judge in municipal courts throughout the region, including Richmond Hill, Pembroke, and Walthourville, with an additional role as Associate Judge in Liberty County State Court. That firsthand familiarity with how local prosecutors build DUI cases is the lens through which we evaluate and defend every charge.
When law enforcement determines a driver has misused the privilege to drive, prosecutors may pursue significant penalties. Georgia’s Department of Driver Services may suspend or revoke your license upon a DUI arrest, a chemical test refusal, or any DUI-related offense, and that process begins the moment you’re taken into custody.
Why choose Robert F. Pirkle for your DUI defense
- Thousands of criminal and DUI cases handled since 1984
- Experience from both sides of the courtroom
- Tenacious, customized defense strategy for every client
- Proven results in and out of court
Contact our firm at (912) 493-9506 to schedule a free consultation with our Savannah DUI attorneys.
DUI Defense Services We Handle in Savannah
What Georgia Law Says About DUI Charges
Under O.C.G.A. 40-6-391, Georgia law prohibits operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances. The standard isn’t limited to a specific number: a driver can be charged if alcohol or drugs have made it less safe to drive, regardless of their measured BAC. The law covers illegal drugs and prescription medications alike, provided they impair the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
For adults, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is .08%. Drivers under 21 face a far stricter threshold of .02%, meaning a conviction is possible after minimal alcohol consumption.
Penalties for a First-Offense DUI in Savannah
Georgia courts don’t treat DUI charges lightly. The penalties can be severe, and for first-time offenders, that can come as a shock.
Penalties for first-time DUI offenders
- Mandatory minimum of 24 hours in jail (if BAC is .08% or higher), up to 1 year
- Fines ranging from $300 to $1,000
- Community service hours
- Completion of a DUI Risk Reduction Program and clinical evaluation
- License reinstatement fees
- Probation
Beyond jail time and fines, a DUI conviction in Georgia means a permanent criminal record and significantly higher insurance premiums. Those consequences don’t disappear when the sentence ends.
In Savannah, DUI arrests by the Savannah Police Department are initially arraigned at Recorder’s Court. If a jury trial is demanded, the case is bound over to the State Court of Chatham County, which handles misdemeanor DUI cases from Savannah and other Chatham County municipalities. One deadline matters above all others: drivers have just 30 days from arrest to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing. Miss that window and your license can be suspended before any criminal conviction is entered. Local courts also weigh prior convictions and the specifics of each case when determining penalties, which is why local knowledge is so important from the start.
What Sets Us Apart
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Over 100 Jury Trials Involving Serious Crimes
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Free Initial Consultations Offered
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Highly Rated by Past Clients
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Success from Both Sides of Court
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Direct Attention from Your Attorney
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More Than 35 Years of Experience
How Often Are DUI Cases Dismissed in Georgia?
Studies suggest that roughly 72% of fully reviewed DUI cases in Georgia end with dismissal or a reduction to a lesser charge before trial. Of the cases that do proceed to trial, about two-thirds end in acquittal.
Those numbers reflect real outcomes, but they don’t guarantee a result in any individual case. What they do show is that a DUI charge is not the same as a conviction. At The Pirkle Law Firm, we’ve handled thousands of DUI cases in Savannah and Southeast Georgia, and we have the tools and resources to investigate what happened and protect your rights throughout the process.
Outcomes depend on the specific facts, the available evidence, and how the Chatham County State Court evaluates the matter. Acting within the 30-day ALS window preserves more defense options, and familiarity with Chatham County procedures, deadlines, and local court practice can strengthen your position at every step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens at a DUI Arraignment in Chatham County?
At the arraignment, the judge reads your charges and asks how you plead. The court then schedules future court dates and may address conditions for your release. If you were arrested by the Savannah Police Department, your case begins at Recorder’s Court before moving to the State Court of Chatham County if a jury trial is requested.
How Long Does a DUI Case Take to Resolve in Savannah?
It depends on the case. Straightforward matters may resolve with a plea agreement in a matter of weeks. Cases involving motions, hearings, or trial scheduling in the busy Chatham County courts can take several months.
Can I Get My License Back After a DUI Suspension?
Yes, but reinstatement requires completing state-mandated programs, paying reinstatement fees, and satisfying all conditions set by the Georgia Department of Driver Services before you can apply.
Talk to a Savannah DUI Attorney for Free
A DUI charge puts your license, your record, and your future at risk. You don’t have to face it alone. The Pirkle Law Firm has handled thousands of DUI cases across Savannah and Southeast Georgia, and we bring decades of courtroom experience to every client we represent.
Call our firm at (912) 493-9506 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with our Savannah DUI lawyers today.
