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1. Can I have my case reset or continued?

You can reschedule one time only unless you are in contempt of court.  This can be done by phone or in person.  DUI’s will need to get approval from the district attorney’s office.  If you need an extension to hire an attorney we can reschedule for you.

2. Can I have a jury trial in Recorder’s Court?

No. All trials in Recorder’s Court are bench trials. Bench trials are trials in which evidence is presented to a judge, and in which the judge renders a verdict. However, if you desire a jury trial you can send your case up to state court as long as it is not a local ordinance.

3. May I pay my fine online?

Yes. However, not all tickets can be paid online as some require a mandatory court appearance.You can go to savannahga.gov to pay your fine.

4. May I pay my fine with a credit card?

Yes. The court accepts Visa, MasterCard and debit cards. The court also accepts cash, money orders and certified checks.

5. Do I need an attorney?

The assistance of counsel is your right. However, we cannot advise you as to whether or not you will need an attorney. Additionally, if you seek a court appointed attorney, you will need to contact the Public Defender’s Office. The Public Defender’s Office number is (912) 447-4901.

6. I received a citation for "no proof of insurance" (O.C.G.A. 40-6-10). I have insurance but did not have my insurance card to show to the officer. What do I do?

If you have received a citation for "no proof of insurance", you must provide the court with your insurance card showing that the vehicle you were driving was insured at the time the citation was written. You may file your proof of insurance with the court at the cashier's window prior to your court date. You may also file proof of insurance by mailing it to:
The Recorder's Court of Chatham County
Attention: Cashier
133 Montgomery Street
Savannah, GA 31499

The judge will review the proof of insurance on your court date. You do not have to appear in court; however, if the proof is not accepted by the judge, you will be notified of a new court date.

If the vehicle you were driving was not insured, you must appear in court on your court date.

If the vehicle you were driving is covered by a "fleet policy", you must appear in court and present the insurance card to the judge and to testify that the vehicle is covered by the policy referenced on the card.

7. How many points will be placed on my driver's license?

View the Georgia Points System See O.C.G.A. 40-5-57 for complete code. You can call the DMV at 678-413-8400

8. The court notified the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety that I didn't appear at my scheduled hearing, what do I do?

If you are licensed by another state, contact the licensing authority of that state. The Recorder’s Court of Chatham County has notified the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety that you failed to appear before the court to answer to the charges alleged by the officer issuing you a citation. As a result, the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety may have suspended your driving privileges. This suspension will remain active until the Department receives notice from the Court that you have met all sanctions imposed by the Court. If you are licensed by another state, contact the licensing authority of that state. Once you satisfy the sanctions imposed by the Court, you will be given the “Defendant’s Receipt” (pink receipt) of the suspension notice. If you are licensed by the State of Georgia, you must present this copy to the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety. You can do this by taking this receipt to your local Driver's License Office. If you are licensed by another state, contact the licensing authority of that state. As a result of this suspension, the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety requires that you pay a reinstatement fee before your driving privileges will be reinstated. The Court will notify the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety that you have satisfied all sanctions imposed. However, the reinstatement process will move faster if take your “Defendant’s Receipt” to the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety or local Driver's License Office.

 If you are licensed by another state, contact the licensing authority of that state. If you have any questions regarding your driving privileges you should contact: 

Savannah Office
1117 Eisenhower Dr. Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 691-7400

Main Office
2206 East View Parkway
Conyers, GA 30013-5755
(678) 413-8400

9. How do I get information about the citation I've been issued?

To allow time for your citation to be processed, please wait 3 to 4 weeks for your payment to be put in the system. All citations are subject to a fine. Depending on the agency issuing the citation, the following information may appear on the back of the citation issued to you. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL THE RECORDER’S COURT OF CHATHAM COUNTY (912) 652-7425 

IMPORTANT If you intend to enter a plea of “not guilty” to the charge(s) against you, contact the Clerk’s Office at the number listed above. You will be assigned a bench trial date different from the date indicated on the front of this citation.

 If you wish to waive your right to a hearing and enter a plea of “guilty”, you may pay your fine, in full, by appearing at or mailing your money order/cashiers check made payable to Recorder’s Court to the address below or pay online at savannahga.gov. Be sure to include your citation with your payment. Call the Clerk’s Office or visit the court’s website (www.savannahga.gov) to determine the amount of the fine. The Recorder's Court of Chatham County Attention: Cashier 133 Montgomery Street Savannah, GA 31401 You may pay your fine between the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday-Friday. No credit cards will be taken after 4:00 pm.

If you wish to appear in court to enter a plea of “guilty” or “no contest” to the charge(s) against you, appear in court on the date and time shown on the front of the citation. If you enter a plea of “not guilty” at this hearing, your case will be assigned to a trial calendar and you will be asked to return to court on the trial date. 

 PURSUANT TO GEORGIA CODE 17-6-11, IF YOU HAVE BEEN ISSUED A COURT SUMMONS AND FAIL TO APPEAR TO ANSWER TO THE CHARGE, A WARRANT WILL BE ISSUED FOR YOUR ARREST AND/OR YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE SHALL BE SUSPENDED BY THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY. THE FOLLOWING OFFENSES REQUIRE A MANDATORY COURT APPEARANCE
1. No Insurance (if unable to provide proof prior to court date).
2. Driving under the influence of alcohol/ drugs.
3. No license, Driving on a suspended or revoked license.
4. Failure to report an accident.
5. Hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident.
6. Using vehicle in fleeing or attempting to elude an officer.
7. Racing.
8. Reckless driving, aggressive driving or laying drag.
9. Fraudulent or fictitious use of driver’s license or fraudulently obtaining a driver’s license.
10. Homicide or feticide by vehicle.
11. Homicide or serious injury by interfering with a traffic control device or railroad sign/signal.
12. Serious injury by vehicle.
13. Any felony in which a vehicle is used.
14.  Suspended registration.
15.  Striking an unattended vehicle.
16.  Speeding: 35 miles or over or if in a school or work zone 30 miles and over

10. How do I find out the status of my driver's license?

THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ISSUANCE AND/OR SUSPENSION OF A PERSON'S DRIVING PRIVILEGES. IF YOU HAVE REASON TO BELIEVE THAT YOUR LICENSE HAS BEEN SUSPENDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AS A RESULT OF A TRAFFIC CONVICTION AND/OR FAILURE-TO-APPEAR, YOU WILL NEED TO PROVIDE THE COURT WITH SOME AND POSSIBLY ALL OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: 

CITATION NUMBER
 TO OBTAIN THIS INFORMATION, YOU SHOULD CALL THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY. (678) 413-8400

11. What is my right to be represented by an attorney?

You have the right to be represented by an attorney in all criminal proceedings against you. If you are not financially able to employ an attorney of your own choice, you have a right to have the Court appoint an attorney to represent you.
An attorney can help you: (1) understand the charge or charges against you; (2) determine whether a legally sufficient accusation has been filed against you; (3) determine whether you have any defense to the charge or charges against you, possible defenses may include but are not limited to self-defense, alibi, misidentification, accident, and reliance on the presumption of innocence and the State’s burden to prove you guilty on all elements of the charge or charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt; (4) prepare and conduct any trial held on the charge or charges against you; (5) determine what evidence is legally admissible against you; (6) file motions and make objections to exclude evidence which is not legally admissible against you; (7) determine what evidence you would be able to present in your defense; (8) file motions to obtain information from the prosecution, such as police reports, scientific reports, witness statements, video or audiotapes, photographs, etc.; (9) make strategic decisions as to the calling of witnesses and whether or not you should testify at trial; (10) properly preserve legal issues for appeal in the event that you are convicted at trial; (11) conduct plea negotiations on your behalf if you desire to plead guilty to the charge or charges against you; (12) make sure all of your rights as a defendant in a criminal case are protected.