DUI Case Records in Washington County

Washington County DUI records are kept by the Clerk of Superior Court in Sandersville. Anyone can search for these records. A DUI arrest in Washington County creates case files at the court level and entries on the driver's state record. Georgia law treats DUI as a criminal offense, so it shows up in both court records and criminal history databases. You can look up Washington County DUI records online through state portals, by mail, or in person at the clerk's office. This page covers where to find DUI records in Washington County and how to get copies.

Washington County Clerk of Court

DUI case files in Washington County are stored at the Clerk of Superior Court office in Sandersville. The clerk keeps records for every case that goes through the Superior Court system. This covers DUI charges, court filings, and the final outcome of each case. You can visit the office to search records or ask for copies. The staff can look up cases by the name of the person charged.

The Washington County Clerk of Superior Court can be reached at (478) 552-3186. The mailing address is P.O. Box 231, Sandersville, GA 31082.

Copy fees for Washington County DUI records follow state law. O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77 sets the rate at $0.50 per page for regular copies. Certified copies cost $2.50 for the first page, then $0.50 each after. Most people who need DUI records for legal use will want the certified version.

Washington County DUI Driving History

Every DUI conviction in Washington County gets reported to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. DDS puts it on your driving history report, also called a Motor Vehicle Report. You can check your own record through DDS Online Services. A 3-year report is $6, and a 7-year or lifetime report is $8. DUI entries remain on Georgia driving records for 10 years from the date of the offense.

Besides the online portal, Washington County residents can request driving records in person at a DDS office or by mail to P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013. Bring your license number and date of birth. Certified copies get stamped and mailed. Non-certified versions are for viewing only. Check the DDS driving history page for forms and instructions.

A first DUI conviction in Georgia leads to a one-year license suspension under O.C.G.A. § 40-5-75. Second offenses bring a three-year suspension. Third offenses mean five years without a license. These suspension records show on your driving history.

Georgia Criminal History for Washington County

Beyond court files and driving records, Washington County DUI convictions show up in the state criminal history database. The GCIC at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation keeps this data. It includes arrest details, the charges filed, and how the case ended. These records last forever unless restricted by court order. Reports cost about $15 through local law enforcement or the GCIC office.

For fingerprint-based checks, Georgia uses the IdentoGO system. You go to an enrollment center, get fingerprinted, and results go to GCIC. The GCIC criminal history page explains what you need to bring and how to submit a request by mail to P.O. Box 370808, Decatur, GA 30037.

Washington County DUI Record Access

One of the fastest ways to find Washington County DUI records online is through the GSCCCA search portal. It pulls court data from Superior Courts across Georgia. Enter a name or case number to see results. The site is maintained by the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority.

Some Georgia counties also use the eCertification portal for certified document requests. Check if Washington County participates. If it does, you can order certified copies of DUI case documents online and receive them as secure PDFs by email. This works around the clock.

Georgia DUI records are public under the state Open Records Act. You do not need to be a party in the case to request copies. You do not need to give a reason. Some details like financial account numbers may be redacted from public copies.

The state portal shown below is one way for Washington County residents to access DUI record data.

This Georgia resource helps Washington County residents search for DUI records at the state level.

DUI Fines in Washington County

Georgia DUI law is defined in O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391. This statute applies to all DUI cases in Washington County. It covers driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, toxic vapors, or any mix of these. The legal limit is 0.08 BAC for regular drivers, 0.04 for commercial drivers, and 0.02 for anyone under 21.

Penalties for a first DUI in Washington County include fines of $300 to $1,000, up to 12 months probation, and 40 hours of community service. DUI school is mandatory. A second offense within 10 years bumps fines to $600 minimum and adds a clinical evaluation requirement. Third convictions carry fines up to $5,000 and a minimum of 15 days in jail. Georgia law also requires a published newspaper notice for second and third offenses.

Georgia uses implied consent under O.C.G.A. § 40-5-55. Driving in the state means you agree to chemical testing if stopped for DUI. Refusing the test in Washington County leads to a separate one-year license suspension. The GOHS DUI laws page lists all related statutes.

A DUI stays on your driving record for 10 years in Georgia. Criminal records do not expire. Washington County residents can apply for record restriction through the GBI for some first-time offenses. The process requires court approval and a review by the prosecutor.

Nearby Counties

Browse DUI records in counties near Washington County.