Criminal Defense Attorney in Savannah, GA.

Ask us Anything

912-704-5150

Let's Discuss Your Case

Drug Attorney Savannah, GA
State Crimes

Learn about our areas of experties involving state crimes, and better understand your rights.

 Drug Defense Lawyer Savannah, GA
Federal Crimes

Learn about our areas of experties involving state crimes, and better understand your rights.

If you are accused of a crime, the only thing standing between your freedom and a verdict of "guilty" is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Savannah, GA.

Those who have been arrested before know that life in the legal system is no laughing matter. Aside from the imminent ramifications of fines and jail time, any goals you have of bettering yourself and advancing your life could be compromised. Without a trusted attorney by your side, you could face a lifetime of embarrassment and poor employment prospects due to a tarnished criminal record.

The good news? Dennis O'Brien and his team of experienced lawyers in Savannah are ready to clear your name. By retaining the help of a criminal defense attorney early in the legal process, you have a much better chance of securing your freedom and living a life as a productive member of society.

At O'Brien Law Firm PC, our practice was founded to fight for the rights of individuals accused of or charged with a crime. Our team of legal experts is well-equipped to take even the most difficult, contentious cases. From violent felonies to DUI, there is nothing we haven't seen and handled. As a former law enforcement officer, founding attorney Dennis O'Brien knows exactly how much a person can lose if convicted. That's why we work tirelessly to secure a verdict that is favorable for our clients.

Regardless of how serious or minor your case may be, know that we will fight fearlessly on your behalf. You deserve zealous representation - when you hire O'Brien Law Firm PC, you will receive nothing less.

 Drug Lawyer Savannah, GA
Service Areas

The O'Brien Law Firm PC Difference

Many of our clients are surprised to discover that founding lawyer Dennis O'Brien was a police officer prior to his criminal defense career. As a former Field Training Officer for the Memphis Police Department, he has over two decades of knowledge and experience in the criminal justice system. Dennis truly understands the nuance and complexities involved in a criminal defense case. This rare experience gives Dennis a clear edge in any criminal defense case and gives clients priceless peace of mind when they need it the most. Unlike some criminal defense attorneys in Savannah, Dennis O'Brien and his team believe that every client deserves effective, empathetic legal assistance. While some Savannah criminal defense firms will take weekends off or pass along cases to paralegals, Dennis personally reviews each of his cases. There is no case too small or big for O'Brien Law Firm PC. When you hire our firm, you can rest easy knowing that we will be by your side when the going gets tough.

 Federal Defense Attorney Savannah, GA
Here are just a few reasons why O'Brien Law Firm PC is Savannah's top choice in criminal defense:
  • Vigorous Representation
  • Fierce Dedication to Clients
  • Unmatched Experience
  • Face-to-Face Counsel
  • Prompt Response to Inquiries and Questions
  • Commitment to Defending Your Rights
  • Thorough, Effective Research and Investigation
  • Contact Us or Call: 912-704-5150
 Criminal Defense Law Firms Savannah, GA
Our firm has represented hundreds of criminal defense clients in Savannah and is highly qualified to take your case. Some of our specialties include:

Drug Cases in Savannah, GA

When you are charged with a drug crime in Savannah, it can change your life forever. Georgia imposes very strict punishments for drug offenses. The truth is, it's hard to get your life back on track with a drug charge on your record. Your freedom and way of life could be in the hands of your criminal defense attorney. As such, you need a competent lawyer with years of experience handling drug cases. Leaving your fate in the hands of an incompetent attorney could have long-lasting effects on your family and may result in a conviction.

 Criminal Defense Lawyers Savannah, GA

Consequences for drug crimes in Savannah often include:

  • Jail
  • Prison
  • Heavy fines
  • Community service
  • Court-ordered drug and alcohol counseling
  • Probation or parole
  • Permanent criminal record

While the consequences for a drug crime in Georgia are serious, there's reason to be hopeful: O'Brien Law Firm PC is here to fight for you. Remember - being charged with a drug crime is NOT the same thing as being convicted.

Our stellar team has represented many clients facing numerous drug-related charges. While each situation varies, one constant remains the same for clients facing drug charges: a fear of what lies ahead. At O'Brien Law Firm PC our job is to help you overcome the fear of the unknown. We do so by ensuring you understand your charges, the possible outcomes associated with those charges, and the options you need to consider from a criminal defense standpoint.

With more than a decade of experience as Savannah drug crime attorneys, we have the experience and resources to defend you in court no matter what your charges may be, including:

  • Marijuana
  • Crack
  • Cocaine
  • Heroin
  • Methamphetamine
  • Ecstasy

No matter what charge you are facing, our team has the experience and resources to build a comprehensive defense strategy for your drug case in Savannah, GA. Without a criminal defense attorney acting as your advocate, you could be facing very harsh penalties. Here are a few punishments you could be facing for drug crimes in Savannah:

  • Schedule I or Schedule II Drug Possession
    Schedule I or Schedule II Drug Possession:

    Having less than a gram (or one milliliter for liquids) of this type of drug results in a prison term of one to three years. Having four grams or milliliter carries a term of one to eight years.

  • Schedule III, IV, or V Drug Possession
    Schedule III, IV, or V Drug Possession:

    Any substance on this list is punishable by a prison sentence of one to three years.

  • Non-Narcotic Schedule II Drug Possession
    Non-Narcotic Schedule II Drug Possession:

    If you have less than two grams or milliliters of this substance, punishments can be between one year and three years. Having up to four grams or milliliters results in a prison sentence of one to eight years.

  • Possession of Marijuana
    Possession of Marijuana:

    Those who are in possession of less than an ounce of marijuana are subject to a jail sentence of up to 12 months. Fines may be no more than $1,000. Possession of more than an ounce of marijuana can result in a prison term of one to 10 years.

To avoid these life-changing punishments, you must take action now. Contact O'Brien Law Firm today for a consultation about your case.

Contact Me!
 Defense Lawyers Savannah, GA
 Criminal Defense Attorney Savannah, GA

Violent Crime Cases in Savannah, GA

Violent crime offenses in Savannah typically involve some form of bodily harm to another individual, actions committed against an individual's will, or threatening someone with bodily harm. Aggravated violent offenses are more severe charges and often occur when a violent crime is made more serious due to circumstances like deadly weapons.

Much like serious drug cases, violent crimes create an added layer of negativity that follows the accused for the rest of their life. In these cases, even an accusation is enough to cause irreparable damage to a person's reputation. Those convicted of a violent crime face severe penalties that can include years in a correctional facility.

Common crimes of this nature include but are not limited to:
  • Murder
  • Assault with the intent to murder
  • Vehicular homicide
  • Domestic violence
  • Assault
  • Battery
  • Kidnapping
  • Rape
  • Robbery
  • Carjacking

When you are accused of any of the above crimes, your freedom hangs in the balance. The outcome of your case will determine whether you leave the courtroom with your freedom intact or stripped away to serve time behind bars. Because the punishments for violent crimes are so extreme, you should be seeking legal counsel from a criminal defense attorney in Savannah, GA, as soon as possible. As a former police officer with a long record of positive verdicts in violent crime cases, Dennis O'Brien is well equipped to represent you in court.

Having a criminal defense lawyer by your side is the best way to avoid the serious punishments associated with violent crimes. These punishments usually result in prison time if convicted and include:
Forced rape: 20 years
Armed robbery: Up to 20 years
Simple assault: Up to 12 months
Aggravated assault: 10 to 20 years
Aggravated battery: Up to 20 years
Involuntary manslaughter: One to 20 years
Vehicular homicide Up to 15 years
Murder: Life in prison or the death sentence
Zealous Representation Without Judgement

As a former police officer, Dennis O'Brien has seen the toll it takes on a person when charged with a crime. His time in law enforcement allows him to empathize with his clients who desperately need competent representation. Despite being innocent until proven guilty, accusations are scary, and conviction could be a reality. That is why you must work with a trustworthy criminal defense lawyer in Savannah, GA who will work tirelessly to clear your name.

Clients choose O'Brien Law Firm because we believe in open communication, honesty, and hard work. It is not our job to act as judges for those who have been accused of crimes. Rather, our goal is to find the best defense that allows us to protect our clients' rights and freedoms.

DUI Cases in Savannah, GA

Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most common crimes committed in Georgia. Punishments for such a crime can be severe, and for understandable reasons - when a person operates a vehicle while they are intoxicated, they're putting their life and the lives of others at risk.

While DUI is a serious crime that completely upend the accused's life, the earnest desire to end drunk driving can make police officers too eager to catch a person who they believe is under the influence.

 Criminal Defense Law Firm Savannah, GA

The city of Savannah, Georgia, has implemented severe punishments for DUI, even for first-time offenders. Individuals charged with DUI in Savannah could face:

  • Very expensive fines and fees
  • Loss of license
  • Incarceration

Fortunately, if you or someone you love has been charged with DUI, there is hope. This is particularly true when the accused is administered a breath or blood test for DUI. In fact, cases that involve a breath and/or blood test are beaten daily. When you hire O'Brien Law Firm PC, we will dive deep into your DUI case in Savannah and examine every angle possible for your case to be dismissed. Here are just a few questions our team will investigate:

  • Was the stop legal? If not, your case could be dismissed
  • Is there enough evidence or probable cause to arrest you? If not, Dennis O'Brien will file a pre-trial motion and will fight hard to have your case dismissed before trial.
  • Did the police read you your implied consent rights? If not, your case could be thrown out. Failure to read implied consent rights to the accused is one of the most common police errors.
  • Were your blood testing records and breathalyzer results maintained? Breath testing comes with inherent weaknesses that can create doubt in a juror's mind.

There are numerous ways to beat a DUI case in Georgia, from unreliable field sobriety tests to inaccurate state-administered breath tests. As a veteran criminal defense lawyer in Savannah, GA, Dennis O'Brien has the knowledge and experience to expose the state's mistakes and fight for your rights. When you hire O'Brien Law Firm PC your chances of dismissal are greatly increased. When your case is dismissed, you can continue living life without the burden of a criminal record.

 Criminal Justice Attorney Savannah, GA

If you or someone you love is accused of a crime in Savannah, GA, don't leave fate up to the prosecution. Take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family before it's too late.

Contact us

Latest News in Savannah, GA

Restaurant Inspections: Mold, mildew mar rating for Sandfly coffee shop

Savannah Morning NewsHere are the Georgia Department of Health's restaurant inspection scores for Chatham County, conducted Aug. 28-Sept. 5, 2023. Scores in each category are listed by most recent inspection date.The Georgia Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Section, conducts regular restaurant inspections to help keep residents and visitors safe.Disclaimer: On any given day, an establishment may h...

Savannah Morning News

Here are the Georgia Department of Health's restaurant inspection scores for Chatham County, conducted Aug. 28-Sept. 5, 2023. Scores in each category are listed by most recent inspection date.

The Georgia Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Section, conducts regular restaurant inspections to help keep residents and visitors safe.

Disclaimer: On any given day, an establishment may have fewer or more violations than noted in their most recent inspection. An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term conditions at the establishment. A few more recent, follow-up inspections may not be included here.

Perfect Scores

SAVANNAH EVENT CATERING, 1109 S. ROGERS ST., POOLER

800 EAST, 800 E. GWINNETT ST., SAVANNAH

SERO BOX KOREAN CUISINE LLC, 1009 TOWNE CENTER BLVD., STE 107, POOLER

SAVANNAH REGIONAL YOUTH DETENTION, 191 CARL GRIFFIN DRIVE SAVANNAH

C-PORT GRABZZZ(BASE OF OPERATIONS AND MOBILE UNIT), 1899 SKIDAWAY ROAD, SAVANNAH

CANE KITCHEN, 5901 OGEECHEE ROAD, SAVANNAH

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY - TIGER DINNER AND FOOTBALL CONCESSIONS, 3219 COLLEGE ST. SAVANNAH

CLAW DOWN CAFE 0633 (MOBILE UNIT), 3219 COLLEGE ST., SAVANNAH

ARCO, 42 E. BAY ST., SAVANNAH

KLOM KLOM, 7201 HODGSON MEMORIAL DRIVE, UNIT C, SAVANNAH

RACHAEL'S 1190, 1190 KING GEORGE BLVD., STE. C, SAVANNAH

OLIVE GARDEN ITALIAN RESTAURANT #4472, 280 POOLER PKWY., POOLER

GAINZ GRILL FOOD TRUCK (MOBILE UNIT), 750 WHEATON ST., SAVANNAH

ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH THE MIGHTY FORTRESS (BASE OF OPERATION) AND POP'S GRILLING (MOBILE UNIT), 528 HARTRIDGE ST., SAVANNAH

Dining Update:Honeysuckle Gelato opens at Savannah's Eastern Wharf

Restaurant Inspections:Pizza chain needs to keep it cool in prep area

More Restaurant Inspections:Little slips sink ship at island establishment

High to Moderate Scores

B. MATTHEWS EATERY, 325 E. BAY ST., SAVANNAH, 98

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY - STUDENT UNION, 3219 COLLEGE ST., SAVANNAH, 98

HOLY PIE! PIZZARIA, 1450 DEAN FOREST ROAD, STE E., GARDEN CITY, 96

B & D BURGERS, 13 E. BROUGHTON ST., SAVANNAH, 96

BULLPEN, 5901 OGEECHEE ROAD, SAVANNAH, 96

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY-TIGER ARENA, 3219 COLLEGE ST., SAVANNAH, 96

CHATTANOOGA SUBWAY, 1040 KING GEORGE., SAVANNAH, 96

SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE, 1050 CARL GRIFFIN DRIVE, SAVANNAH, 95

ZIPBOB, 1024 US 80 BLVD., STE. 118, POOLER, 95

OAKS AT HABERSHAM, 5200 HABERSHAM ST., SAVANNAH, 95

WILD WING CAFE, 417 POOLER PKWY., POOLER, 95

TWO CRACKED EGGS, 202 E. BAY ST., SAVANNAH, 92

PAPAYA THAI CUISINE & SUSHI BAR, 801 POOLER PKWY., UNIT 105, POOLER, 92

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY - KING FRAZIER BUILDING, 3219 COLLEGE ST., SAVANNAH, 92

TAQUERIA EL TEQUILLA, 5901 OGEECHEE ROAD, SAVANNAH, 91

Low Scores and Why

MIZU JAPANESE RESTAURANT, 1450 DEAN FOREST ROAD, STE. A, SAVANNAH, 87

Inspector Notes: Observed hand washing sign, soap, and paper towels at sink PIC states is used for sushi prep. Advised PIC to ensure hand sinks are only used for hand washing. Observed dish machine with a chlorine concentration of 0 ppm. COS- Dish machine corrected to 50 ppm chlorine. Observed dish machine with a chlorine concentration of 0 ppm. Observed vacuum packaged raw tuna thawing in the walk-in cooler with packaging intact.

LOC'S CHICKEN & WAFFLES, 7360 SKIDAWAY ROAD, STE. D-1, SAVANNAH, 86

Inspector Notes: Observed facility to not have a valid certified food safety manager. Current certificate posted was expired. Observed employee items (two bottles of muscle milk, a banana, chick fil a bowl and pastry) in reach in cooler stored next to and among food product for the facility. Observed ladle handle in contact with diced chicken breast in reach in under grill. Observed holes throughout the facility in the wall ( by dish machine) and ceiling (near back door).

CUTTERS POINT SANDFLY, 7360 SKIDAWAY ROAD, UNIT K1, SAVANNAH, 84

Inspector Notes: Observed two containers of molded blueberries within the reach in cooler in main kitchen. Observed black build up on the baffle of the ice machine in the front food service area. Observed racks in reach in coolers throughout the facility to have black and brown debris build accumulation.

It Takes Two Fest Vol. 2 fills Starland Yard and Two Tides Brewing with music duos

For the Savannah Morning NewsHow much racket can just two people produce on stage? It Takes Two Fest at Starland Yard proves the answer to that question is “a helluva lot.”It Takes Two is a music festival presented by Savannah-based ...

For the Savannah Morning News

How much racket can just two people produce on stage? It Takes Two Fest at Starland Yard proves the answer to that question is “a helluva lot.”

It Takes Two is a music festival presented by Savannah-based Neurosound Booking and Two Tides Brewing Co. that highlights scrappy two-piece bands of all varieties. This is the second It Takes Two Fest this year alone, which is a testament to how many music duos Savannah boasts in its thriving music scene.

“If we can do two festivals in one year and the line up is different, Savannah's duo game has to be on point, right?” said Joseph Kapcin of Neurosound Booking.

“It is so cool to see so many genres of music and I really think this festival is going to give audiences a chance to see amazing local bands as well as the touring bands,” added Neurosound’s Melanie Chaffin. “We have bands coming to play the festival from all over the U.S., and we are so excited that there will be so many styles of music and each band is very unique. We have metal, surf rock, electronic, reggae, indie rock, punk, improv, and performance art at this festival.”

Bands will be playing alternately between two stages set up in Starland Yard and on DeSoto Avenue in front of Two Tides Brewing.

“I am really excited to see the adjacent venue idea take form” said Kapcin. “It's a tactic I have used in the past which allows more bands on the bill, because the bands are staggered and they take less time to set up and break down...I've been throwing festivals for decades now and this one is probably one the biggest I have done, so that right there will be an accomplishment in itself.”

Sail On, Sailor:Jimmy Buffett, 'Margaritaville' singer and mogul, dies: 'He lived his life like a song'

More Music:Savannah Philharmonic kicks off 15th season early with The Genius of Mozart

Savannah, regional and national touring bands to play festival

Local acts include Bero Bero, Beneath Trees, Weather Eye, Jo & Ty, Righteous Curses, Palmetto Slug, The Bushings, and Kapcin’s own Pink Peugeot (who released their latest Chris “Scary” Adams produced album, The Process of Eating Kraut, in June).

Visiting acts include Monsoon (indie rock from Athens, Georgia), Bronson Arm (sludge punk from Kalamazoo, Michigan), Teen Cobra (lo-fi rock n’ roll from Tampa, Florida), and Gentleman Pig (math rock Louisville, Kentucky).

Headliners Djunah (Chicago, Illinois) and Lung (from Cincinnati, Ohio) are two incredibly unique and powerful female-fronted acts who are about to kick off a tour together.

Djunah is Donna Diane (vocals, guitar, Moog bass synth) and Jared Karns (drums). Diane’s unrestrained, emotionally fierce vocals have drawn comparisons to PJ Harvey and Diamanda Galas, and the crushing combination of Karns’ drums and Diane’s noisy guitar crunch generate Melvins-level heaviosity.

Who needs a full band when Diane can wail on the mic, shred her guitar, and generate low end sonics by stomping her feet on Moog organ pedals, all at the same time?

“It really helps us sound larger than a typical two-piece band,” said Diane. “It’s really interesting to talk to other two-piece bands because everybody has their own way to bring in the bass or sound bigger than two people, but that Moog bass synthesizer I use is definitely huge sounding. We get a lot of surprised faces if people hear us outside the room playing and they and walk in and go, ‘What?! How can that be only two people.’ I always love blowing people’s minds that way.”

One of the takeaways from It Takes Two is how versatile a two-piece configuration can be. Being just a duo has other perks, as well.

“It’s so efficient,” said Diane. “Jared and I have both been in other bands, with obviously a lot more people. The two person band is great because there is only one person you’ve got to communicate with about logistical stuff, and hammer out musical decisions with. As a two piece band we fit all of our gear in a mini van, so that makes touring super efficient and affordable, because it’s kind of hard right now for bands to afford to tour. Being only two people definitely helps.”

Djunah recently self-released their new album, Femina Furens (which was produced by Kurt Ballou of Converge), along with a 70s Heavy Metal Magazine-inspired video for the single “Seven Winds of Sekhmet.”

“The new album has been awesome,” said Diane. “It took a long time to put out. We sat on it for almost a year before we were able to finally put it out, just because vinyl is taking so long to press. It was really a big milestone for me as a writer.

“It really felt like it was a big culmination of a lot of things. It’s been fantastic getting it out there and having people being really excited about it.”

Lung are an an exciting art-punk duo that combines drums and cello into low, sinister grunge-infused rock. Lung’s Kate Wakefield is a classically trained opera singer and cellist, and drummer Daisy Caplan formally crashed the kit for Foxy Shazam, Babe Rage, and Ayin.

The unique pairing of cello and drums came organically to Lung.

“It just kind of happened that way,” said Caplan. “We kind of play what we play, so we just went for it. I don’t know if we were expecting to get quite as much out of it as we have. It was like, ‘Let’s see what happens. Oh, this is good. Let’s keep doing it.’ Then we went though a process of experimentation on how to amplify a cello so it can be heard over drums.”

The effect of running cello through a distorted amplifier and effects pedals creates a low tone groove that gets audiences bobbing their heads rather than moshing.

“People dance to us more than you’d think,” said Caplan.

Look out for Lung’s upcoming split EP with Conan Neutron & The Secret Friends.

Family-friendly event with music, food, arts and crafts ... but use discretion

It Takes Two is a family-friendly festival with food trucks from Chazito’s, Dark Shark Tacos, The Naked Dog, and Nom Nom Poke. There will also be more than a dozen local vendors selling art, jewelry, clothing, and more.

“I plan on my own family attending and I think it will be very empowering for my daughter to see so many powerful female musicians,” said Chaffin. “There are eight bands playing the festival featuring female musicians in the lineup. As a femme musician myself I think representation is important and it is something that I wish I had experienced more of when I was just starting my music career decades ago”

“We take pride in building community in Savannah,” Chaffin added. “We have teenagers and they love to see live music. This festival is going to be very artistic and lots of the most talented creative folks in town will be performing, making art, or vending at the festival. My daughter who is now a young adult is even vending vintage clothing at this festival.”

Although it is family-friendly event, Chaffin suggests that parental discretion is advised, and ear protection because some of these bands get pretty loud.

“As parents and punk scene veterans we both understand the importance of all age events within the community,” said Kapcin. “We can't have a good community without everyone being included. The younger people in the scene also have the ability to create their own communities and future communities that are both creative and inclusive. We aim to give them a road map. We want this festival to be as accessible as possible to people of all ages and those who normally can't afford to attend a music festival. That includes the LGBTQAI community and anyone who may be searching for a community as well.”

If You Go >>

What: It Takes Two Fest

When: 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sept. 9

Where: Starland Yard and Two Tides Brewing Company, DeSoto Ave.

Cost: Free and all-ages

How a former Savannah basketball star became First Tee's National Teacher of the Year

Ariel Brown was introduced to the game of golf as a toddler, by her father, Dr. Morris Brown, who was a standout player at Savannah State.A gifted all-around athlete, Ariel Brown became a basketball and volleyball standout in high school during her years playing at Bible Baptist and Jenkins. As a senior at Bible Baptist, she led the Braves to the SCISA basketball finals as she led the city of Savannah in scoring with 24 points per game....

Ariel Brown was introduced to the game of golf as a toddler, by her father, Dr. Morris Brown, who was a standout player at Savannah State.

A gifted all-around athlete, Ariel Brown became a basketball and volleyball standout in high school during her years playing at Bible Baptist and Jenkins. As a senior at Bible Baptist, she led the Braves to the SCISA basketball finals as she led the city of Savannah in scoring with 24 points per game.

She earned a basketball scholarship to play at Jacksonville State, and after a knee injury she eventually transferred to Paine College, where she earned her degree.

After her basketball career ended, Brown came back toward one of her first loves — and has honed her golf game to become a scratch player. She passes on her passion for the sport as a teacher with the Savannah First Tee organization and Brown was recently honored as First Tee's National Teacher of the Year.

First Tee takes another Savannah swing First Tee chapter takes another swing in Savannah, restarting youth golf program from scratch

Brown said she was honored to win the award, and loves giving back through First Tee, an organization that meant so much to her growing up.

"To be able to teach for First Tee is special because it helped open so many doors for me growing up," Brown said. "There weren't many young people who looked like me playing golf when I was growing up, so I wanted to be an example to the community and introduce kids to the game. I'm someone they can relate to."

First Tee brings life lessons to schools NATHAN DOMINITZ: First Tee, partners bring golf, life lessons to schools

Her family has been dedicated to the Savannah community for decades. Her father started teaching the game of golf to kids in Yamacraw Village and built it into a respected after-school program. He had many ventures that fostered change and eventually started the prep school — Savannah Legacy Academy. The school currently serves kids from kindergarten through eighth grade. Ariel Brown teaches second and third grade and is Chief of Operations at the school.

Brown said she grew up in the Southbridge community and remembers seeing Savannah Christian grad Brian Harman, who won The Open Championship in July, constantly working on his short game until the sun went down.

"I liked golf, but you have to be a mature kid to dedicate yourself to it when you're young," Brown said. "I loved to run and wanted to be on the basketball court where the action was when I was a kid. But after going through two knee surgeries when I was in college, I came back to the game and realized I was talented."

Brown said she is playing four or five times a week now. She's still a member at Southbridge, where she regularly shoots par. She wants to compete on the amateur circuit in the Southeast, but her focus is on teaching -- through education and the sport she loves. She said she tries to keep things basic when working with youngsters.

"If they're hitting irons, I tell them to sweep the grass and that ball will pop up — I use that tip all day," she said with a laugh. "But teaching the game is so rewarding. I try to do my part and enjoy being there for all the milestones and successes my players have."

Brown said she wants to build the Savanah Legacy Academy into a unique center of education.

"We want to bring back the high school grades and make that a priority," Brown said. "I want to build a facility with a driving range, a short game area, a simulator and a few holes where we can practice. I'd like to make First Tee a mandatory class for our students here — because it goes beyond golf to teach you lessons about life."

Dennis Knight covers sports for the Savannah Morning News. Contact him at Dknight@savannahnow.com. Twitter: @DennisKnightSMN

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Ariel Brown returned to roots to earn First Tee National Teach of Year honors

Savannah Cultural Festival celebrates diversity in the Hostess City

...SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTGS) — Both visitors and Savannah residents enjoyed a trip around the world, all within the comfort of the Hostess City, thanks to the Savannah Cultural Festival.Various cultures and ethnicities were on display through the different food and crafts for sale, as well as the musical performances."We have so much going on today. We have over 50 vendors, we have five food trucks, we have activities, we have water inflatables, we even have sack races, connect 4," said event organizer Tiffany...

...

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTGS) — Both visitors and Savannah residents enjoyed a trip around the world, all within the comfort of the Hostess City, thanks to the Savannah Cultural Festival.

Various cultures and ethnicities were on display through the different food and crafts for sale, as well as the musical performances.

"We have so much going on today. We have over 50 vendors, we have five food trucks, we have activities, we have water inflatables, we even have sack races, connect 4," said event organizer Tiffany Cuthbert. "We have some amazing performers going on at the top of each hour, celebrating all of the diversity and beautifulness of Savannah."

TRENDING: Florida mother kills children, herself after court order to return son to father

Some performers, like those of the Savannah Performing Arts Collective, said they are glad to share a piece of their African culture with the world.

Vocal Director Darren DeLoach said that using his singing voice to bring people to their feet and put a smile on their faces is what first got him interested in performing years ago.

"It feels good that we are all able to come into one space, celebrate together, fellowship together, eat together, get to know people you have never seen before, and helping each other celebrate another culture, learn some things that you have probably never known before, and meet new people," DeLoach said.

Alderman Detric Leggett said he's proud to have celebrations like this within his district because it represents the community's diversity.

He said being "Savannah strong" means working together to overcome obstacles, like how the city came together in the threat of tropical storm Idalia earlier this week.

TRENDING: Jimmy Buffett's cause of death revealed

"This is who we are. We are everything. You come to Savannah, you might see people with different origins different backgrounds, and they all make the soup of what Savannah is," Leggett said. "Whatever happens in the city, we do it together. We just came together for the storm, and this is how we celebrate making it past the storm, so whatever you think Savannah is, this is much, much better."

Leggett added that he hopes to see the festival return year after year, working to represent every culture present in the Hostess City.

BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT

Event organizers wanted to give a special thanks to the team of ten community members who worked on the volunteer planning committee, helping make the festival a success.

Savannah VOICE Festival ends with finale of performances at DeSoto Hotel

...SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTGS) — The Savannah VOICE Festival wrapped up Sunday night with a finale event at the DeSoto Hotel downtown.Fox28 spoke with the couple who founded the event over eleven years ago about the doors they hope it opens for young artists.Sherill Milnes is an opera legend, a dramatic baritone who made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera by the age of 30.He said he founded the Savannah VOICE festival with his wife, another acclaimed performer, to share some of that knowledge and experience with t...

...

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTGS) — The Savannah VOICE Festival wrapped up Sunday night with a finale event at the DeSoto Hotel downtown.

Fox28 spoke with the couple who founded the event over eleven years ago about the doors they hope it opens for young artists.

Sherill Milnes is an opera legend, a dramatic baritone who made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera by the age of 30.

He said he founded the Savannah VOICE festival with his wife, another acclaimed performer, to share some of that knowledge and experience with the next generation.

TRENDING: Minor airlifted, 2 more hospitalized in golf cart crash, officials say

"Giving opportunities to budding opera singers budding singers in general, not just opera, to make them better teaching and inspiring," Milnes said. "One of my phrases is to inspire within reality."

His wife, Maria Zouves, acts as the president of the nonprofit, which hosts the two-week event every August.

She said that this year, more than 70 artists traveled from across the world to take part in the 26 different events they have hosted throughout the Hostess City.

"Our artists take away the Savannah hospitality, the charm, the beauty of the venues, the amazing team of artists that are working with them to produce the shows, to train them to help them to be better, to give them some plans for the future for them so they feel like Savannah is an artistic home," Zouves said.

She added that with performers ranging from places like Broadway, Poland, and Japan, it is a one-of-a-kind experience for the spectator as well.

"For our patrons, our audiences, our community, it really allows us to bring the whole world into the historic city of Savannah."

TRENDING: Karate instructor in McIntosh County arrested on child exploitation charges

Milnes adds that as the festival grows each year, he hopes to continue introducing a love for music to audiences across the region.

"Building audiences and showing young people in general, whether they want to have anything to do with music or not, to appreciate, to love, to get into what's in your inner soul, if you want to put it like that," said Milnes.

BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT

Savannah's Fabulous Equinox Orchestra closed off the festival with a round of performances by some of the festival's veteran singers.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.