Criminal Defense in Savannah
By Find Local Law Editorial Team · Last reviewed: May 26, 2026
Researched and drafted with AI assistance and verified against primary sources (statutes, Judicial Council forms, and official court websites). This is general information, not legal advice.
If you’re facing criminal charges in Savannah, where your case is heard depends on the charge. Felonies are tried in the Chatham County Superior Court within the Eastern Judicial Circuit, most misdemeanors are handled in the county’s State Court, and warrants and first appearances run through the Magistrate Court. Savannah is the county seat.
The local court decides where your case is heard; the substantive law lives in our statewide guides. Start with the Georgia criminal defense hub, then read about DUI charges, drug charges, or the criminal process.
A criminal charge moves fast, and early steps matter. To get matched with a local Savannah criminal-defense attorney, connect with a lawyer.
Local court
Court: Criminal cases for Savannah residents are handled across Chatham County's courts — felonies in the Superior Court (Eastern Judicial Circuit), misdemeanors in the State Court, and warrants and preliminary matters in the Magistrate Court.
Savannah is the seat of Chatham County. Felony charges are tried in the county's Superior Court within the Eastern Judicial Circuit, while most misdemeanors are handled in State Court and warrants and first appearances run through Magistrate Court. Verify the court's current location, hours, and filing procedures on its official website before you appear or file.
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Start your free intakeFrequently asked questions
- Which court hears my criminal case in Savannah?
- It depends on the charge. Felonies are tried in the Chatham County Superior Court, part of the Eastern Judicial Circuit, while most misdemeanors are handled in State Court. Warrants and first appearances run through Magistrate Court.
- Where is a DUI handled in Savannah?
- Misdemeanor DUI charges are generally handled in Chatham County's State Court, while a felony DUI would proceed in Superior Court. See our statewide DUI guide for how the substantive law applies.