Criminal Defense Attorney in Wilmington Island, GA.

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Drug Attorney Wilmington Island, GA
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 Drug Defense Lawyer Wilmington Island, GA
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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 Wilmington Island, 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 Wilmington Island 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 Wilmington Island, GA
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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 Wilmington Island, Dennis O'Brien and his team believe that every client deserves effective, empathetic legal assistance. While some Wilmington Island 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 Wilmington Island, GA
Here are just a few reasons why O'Brien Law Firm PC is Wilmington Island'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 Wilmington Island, GA
Our firm has represented hundreds of criminal defense clients in Wilmington Island and is highly qualified to take your case. Some of our specialties include:

Drug Cases in Wilmington Island, GA

When you are charged with a drug crime in Wilmington Island, 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 Wilmington Island, GA

Consequences for drug crimes in Wilmington Island 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 Wilmington Island 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 Wilmington Island, 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 Wilmington Island:

  • 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.

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 Defense Lawyers Wilmington Island, GA
 Criminal Defense Attorney Wilmington Island, GA

Violent Crime Cases in Wilmington Island, GA

Violent crime offenses in Wilmington Island 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 Wilmington Island, 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 Wilmington Island, 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 Wilmington Island, 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 Wilmington Island, GA

The city of Wilmington Island, Georgia, has implemented severe punishments for DUI, even for first-time offenders. Individuals charged with DUI in Wilmington Island 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 Wilmington Island 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 Wilmington Island, 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 Wilmington Island, GA

If you or someone you love is accused of a crime in Wilmington Island, 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 Wilmington Island, GA

Harper Announces Eradication of Second Yellow-legged Hornet’s Nest in Ga.

ATLANTA — Today, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the University of Georgia (UGA), the discovery and destruction of a second yellow-legged hornet’s nest on Wilmington Island near Savannah, GA. The first live detection of a yellow-legged hornet (YLH: Vespa velutina) in the open United States was confirmed in Georgia on August 9, 2023. Shor...

ATLANTA — Today, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the University of Georgia (UGA), the discovery and destruction of a second yellow-legged hornet’s nest on Wilmington Island near Savannah, GA. The first live detection of a yellow-legged hornet (YLH: Vespa velutina) in the open United States was confirmed in Georgia on August 9, 2023. Shortly after, on August 23, 2023, a yellow-legged hornet’s nest was located and destroyed by Department staff and pest management professionals in a residential neighborhood on Wilmington Island. The yellow-legged hornet is a non-native species that, if allowed to establish in the United States, could threaten honey production, native pollinators, and Georgia’s #1 industry – agriculture.

“Since the initial detection of the yellow-legged hornet in Georgia, the Department’s team of dedicated professionals have been working overtime to find any additional yellow-legged hornets in our state, and thanks to their tireless work, we have eradicated a second yellow-legged hornet’s nest,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “While this eradication is a win for our state and our agriculture industry, we’ll continue working around the clock to find any additional hornets, eradicate this invasive pest, and protect our state’s agriculture industry. The public has played a vital role in this effort, and we’re asking Georgians to continue reporting any suspected sightings directly to the Department.”

The second nest was discovered by Department staff under a bridge on Wilmington Island, GA, on September 15, 2023, and it was eradicated that evening by the same crew of pest management professionals who assisted with the eradication of the first nest. This nest was located using a variety of techniques, including capturing, marking, and releasing hornets to estimate the distance from the trapping location to the nest. Additionally, hornets were captured, taken to different locations, and released so their flight direction could be observed. As this process was repeated, the size of the search area was gradually reduced until the nest was located.

After eradication, the nest was examined by Dr. Lewis Bartlett from the University of Georgia and Dr. Jamie Ellis from the University of Florida. They identified developing hornets within the nest and confirmed there was no evidence of the production of reproductive males or queens within the colony at the time of destruction. Additionally, scientists from UGA have sequenced the genetics of hornets from the first nest and evidence suggests these hornets originated in Asia. DNA samples were taken from the second nest, and genetic analysis of these samples is ongoing.

“The University of Georgia remains committed, alongside our colleagues at the Georgia Department of Agriculture, to the task of eradicating the yellow legged hornet from Georgia and the rest of the country,” said University of Georgia Professor of Entomology and Honey Bee Program Director Dr. Keith Delaplane. “While it does not pose a serious risk to humans, pets and livestock, this hornet has proven itself a deadly predator of honey bees and other pollinators in Europe and Asia. An ideal scenario would be the discovery and eradication of every established nest before the colonies have time to issue new queens who overwinter and start the life cycle over again next spring.”

The Department has two teams of four deployed in the Savannah area that are actively trapping and surveying for additional nests, and these teams have placed 134 traps in the area around the initial detection. So far, confirmed detections of the yellow-legged hornet have been made in twelve separate locations around Wilmington Island, Whitemarsh Island, and Thunderbolt, GA. Nine of these detections were reported to the Department by citizens and three were captured in traps set by Department staff. The Department continues to explore options to more efficiently and effectively trap and track the yellow-legged hornet and recently received electronic monitoring equipment from the Washington Department of Agriculture, which will be put into use in the coming days.

The Department’s team of dedicated professionals continues to work with our partners at UGA and USDA to eradicate any additional hornets in our state, educate the public on the yellow-legged hornet, and conduct outreach to key stakeholder groups such as beekeepers and pest management professionals. Since the initial detection, USDA has provided the Department with additional operating funds to continue our efforts, and the yellow-legged hornet partnership has expanded to include Clemson University and the University of Florida.

As we continue our efforts to eradicated the yellow-legged hornet from our state, we are again asking the public to report any suspected sightings to the Department via this readily accessible form. Beekeepers have been key in reporting yellow-legged hornets, and we encourage them to continue monitoring their hives and contact us with any suspicious activity. Georgians with additional questions or concerns are encouraged to email us at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov.

–Georgia Department of Agriculture

Locals gather on Tybee Island to send off loggerhead sea turtle, Ike

(TYBEE ISLAND, Ga (WSAV) — On Tybee Island, a 3-year-old loggerhead sea turtle, Ike, was released back into his natural habitat Saturday morning. People we spoke with didn’t mind getting up at the crack of dawn to cheer on Ike’s new beginning. Some say they woke up as early as 6 a.m.Asya Loring and Loghan Wampler of Savannah told News 3 it was worth it. “It’s a cool experience it’s something that you are able to see often”, Loring said. Because not a lot of sea turtles are seen on the beach. Y...

(TYBEE ISLAND, Ga (WSAV) — On Tybee Island, a 3-year-old loggerhead sea turtle, Ike, was released back into his natural habitat Saturday morning. People we spoke with didn’t mind getting up at the crack of dawn to cheer on Ike’s new beginning. Some say they woke up as early as 6 a.m.

Asya Loring and Loghan Wampler of Savannah told News 3 it was worth it. “It’s a cool experience it’s something that you are able to see often”, Loring said. Because not a lot of sea turtles are seen on the beach. You only see them far out in the ocean or in Hawaii. If you want to be up close and a part of it, it’s something cool to try.” “I agree for sure,” Wampler responded. Plus, just any chance to be on the beach in the morning. Almost like a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing to see.” As News 3 continued speaking with people who attended, they tell us this was like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sage Mathews of Wilmington Island agreed. “It’s our first release and it’s probably… it could be a once and a lifetime opportunity,” Mathews said. “So, we are really happy to make it out.” Ike has been a resident at the Tybee’s Marine Science Center since 2020. He was a straggler on Tybee Island beach. His job as Marine Debris Ambassador was to bring awareness to water pollution through engagement.

Even though he is dealing with a flipper injury, that did not stop him from taking confident strides towards his new home. As the new loggerhead steps in as ambassador, Mathews said she hopes to experience this again. “In a couple of years, we hope to have our baby brother and head on out and experience it again,” Mathews concluded. As Ike steps down, the upcoming Marine Debris Ambassador is named Westie.

Georgia Power crews working to restore power in Chatham Co. after Idalia

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Some areas in Chatham County still don’t have power after Idalia knocked down trees and power lines.Georgia Power said power in Savannah should be 95 percent restored by 8 p.m. Friday.On Rio Road, there is a tree hanging on a power line. Crews have been out here for hours trying to get power back for folks that have been out of power for 24 hours now.On Wilmington Island Thursday morning, crews were out there trying to get power back up. There were also a few trees down including one on...

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Some areas in Chatham County still don’t have power after Idalia knocked down trees and power lines.

Georgia Power said power in Savannah should be 95 percent restored by 8 p.m. Friday.

On Rio Road, there is a tree hanging on a power line. Crews have been out here for hours trying to get power back for folks that have been out of power for 24 hours now.

On Wilmington Island Thursday morning, crews were out there trying to get power back up. There were also a few trees down including one on a house.

As far as the Southside, there are several different power companies including Alabama Power staged at the Savannah Mall.

Michelle Gilmore has been living in Queens Retreat for six years. Her daughter tells me she hasn’t been able to do any of her schoolwork, as Savannah Chatham schools went virtual for the rest of the week.

Michelle says she worried about her and her some of her neighbors with no air and electricity.

“For me the most important concerning thing is that, especially in this neighborhood they have people that, like me, have medication that needs to be refrigerated. I’m sure there are other people in the neighborhood who’s more dependent on the power than I am. Usually, it would be restored within a couple of hours or so but every since I’ve been here, this is the longest it’s ever taken.”

Gilmore’s power has since been restored.

Georgia Power representative Amanda Arnold says it’s taking a while to get power back up not only because crews have to access the outages before repair, but also because they focus areas across Georgia with the most damage first.

“Before people can get their power restored. Our crews have to do damage assessments. Before they do that, the storm has to have completely passed. Debris and trees and all that stuff has to be cleared out of the way by our partners. Then, our crews go in and do damage assessment tests and they communicate what equipment they need. What may be broken, power line down and what they need to restore the power,” said Arnold.

She says they are doing what they can to restore power in all areas. She mentioned that just because you don’t see a truck near, it doesn’t mean they aren’t working on it.

And if your power still isn’t on, they encourage you to unplug all your major appliances, so your circuit doesn’t blow when power comes back.

Copyright 2023 WTOC. All rights reserved.

Looks like Savannah's reputation as Dodge City is waning. Here's a history of the city's storms

On Tuesday, Idalia was expected to be a strong tropical storm upon its arrival on the Georgia coast, but earlier on Wednesday after making landfall in the big bend of Florida, it maintained hurricane strength.Based upon the latest models, Hurricane Idalia is projected to be a Category 1 hurricane and to pass between Savannah and Augusta ...

On Tuesday, Idalia was expected to be a strong tropical storm upon its arrival on the Georgia coast, but earlier on Wednesday after making landfall in the big bend of Florida, it maintained hurricane strength.

Based upon the latest models, Hurricane Idalia is projected to be a Category 1 hurricane and to pass between Savannah and Augusta around 8 p.m. on Wednesday. It could bring wind gusts between 55-85 mph and 1 to 3 inches of rain.

Before Tropical Storm Ian skirted Savannah's shores in 2022, former editor Adam Van Brimmer pulled together a history of the string of storms over the last century to threaten our area. As he wrote then, Savannah had a hurricane-related nickname prior to Hurricane Matthew’s glancing blow in 2016: Dodge City, as in a city with a reputation for dodging storms. The past seven years, though, have been more active than the preceding 60 years.

Here’s a look at Savannah’s stormy history.

Year: 2023

Intensity: Category 1 with wind gusts projected between 55-85 mph

Evacuation: No

What to know: Idalia made landfall in the Big Bend of Florida, as a Category 3 storm and cross the Florida-Georgia line as a Category 2, headed toward the Georgia and South Carolina coasts.

Ian

Year: 2022

Intensity: Tropical storm with winds of 65 mph

Evacuation: No

What to know: Ian made landfall near Fort Myers, Florida, as a Category 4 storm and moved northeast across the state and into the Atlantic Ocean. Ian passed well east of Savannah as a Category 1 hurricane, causing some coastal flooding.

Dorian

Year: 2019

Intensity: Tropical storm force winds

Evacuation: Yes

What to know: Dorian devastated several islands of the Bahamas as a Category 5 storm but remained offshore as it moved north along Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. The storm made landfall in North Carolina. Gov. Brian Kemp ordered an evacuation for six coastal counties, including Chatham.

Irma

Year: 2017

Intensity: Category 1 hurricane

Evacuation: Yes

What to know:Irma was projected to pose a catastrophic threat to Savannah as it swept through the Caribbean. However, weather conditions push the track south and the storm didn’t turn north until reaching the Gulf of Mexico. Irma came ashore in western Florida and caused devastating damage to crops and farmland in Southwest Georgia. Low-lying areas of Savannah, particularly on Tybee Island, experienced flooding, as the strongest winds struck at high tide.

Matthew

Year: 2016

Intensity: Category 1 hurricane

Evacuation: Yes

What to know: Matthew hugged the East Coast as it swept north out of the Caribbean. The storm passed 30 miles off the coast of Tybee as a Category 1 hurricane and winds took down thousands of trees and knocked out power to 140,000 homes in Chatham County. Neighborhoods on Tybee, marshside islands such as Wilmington and other low-lying parts of Savannah experienced flooding. Chatham County spent $22 million to clean up 1.2 million cubic yards of tree limbs, trunks and leaves following the storm.

Hermine

Year: 2016

Intensity: Tropical storm with winds of 63 mph

Evacuation: No

What to know: The system brought 3 to 4 inches of rain with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph, and high tide reached 8.5 feet Friday. At least 25,000 Georgia Power customers lost electricity.

Irene

Year: 1999

Intensity: Tropical depression with winds between 20 mph and 30 mph

Evacuation: No

What to know: Hurricane Irene mirrored Ian’s track, moving north from the Caribbean Sea and cutting a west to east path across Florida and into the Atlantic Ocean. The storm passed well offshore of Savannah.

Floyd

Year: 1999

Intensity: Category 2 hurricane

Evacuation: Yes

What to know: Floyd was an abnormally large storm, measuring 580 miles in diameter as it approached the East Coast. The hurricane’s size prompted the largest evacuation of a coastal area in American history, with 2 million people from six states fleeing ahead of the storm. Floyd swept past Georgia well offshore, delivering only tropical storm force winds to Savannah. The winds and rain left more than 55,000 without power and streets littered with downed tree limbs and leaves. There was little coastal flooding due to storm surge.

Hugo

Year: 1989

Intensity: Tropical storm

Evacuation: No

What to know:Hugo was a monster storm that devastated a historic coastal city - not Savannah, but Charleston. The storm was a Category 4 when it made landfall and remained at Category 1 strength when it reached Charlotte, 200 miles inland. Hugo brought heavy rain to Coastal Georgia and is often associated locally with a memorable football game between Georgia Southern and Middle Tennessee State in Statesboro. Nine inches of rain fell during the 26-0 Eagles’ victory.

Bob

Year: 1985

Intensity: Category 1 hurricane

Evacuation: No

What to know: Another storm that swung wide of Savannah, Bob came ashore north of Beaufort, South Carolina.

David

Year: 1979

Intensity: Category 1 hurricane

Evacuation: No

What to know: The last storm to deliver a direct hit to Savannah brought 90-mph winds that wreaked havoc on trees and electricity lines causing widespread power outages. At the height of the outage, about 75,000 of the company then known as Savannah Electric’s 88,000 customers were without power. Many homes and businesses were without power for more than a week.

Gracie

Year: 1959

Intensity: Tropical storm

Evacuation: No

What to know: Grace made landfall north of Savannah and lashed Charleston in what at the time was labeled “the most intense” storm the area had seen in decades.

Able

Year: 1952

Intensity: Category 1 hurricane

Evacuation: No

What to know: Able slipped past Savannah and came ashore north of Beaufort.

Unnamed

Year: 1947

Intensity: Category 1 hurricane

What to know: The last storm to come ashore in Georgia prior to David in 1979, this hurricane is said to have struck twice as it moved due west and inland instead of north and into South Carolina. According to reports, government officials cloud seeded the storm by dropping dry ice into the hurricane from a B-17 bomber, which some suspect contributed to the storm’s hard turn to the west prior to striking Savannah.

Unnamed

Year: 1940

Intensity: Category 1 hurricane

What to know: This hurricane caused extensive property damage in Savannah. Photos taken after the event show collapsed structures and rubble in the downtown streets as well as flooding elsewhere. According to reports, the damage estimate was $1 million in 1940 dollars - or the equivalent of $21 million today.

Unnamed

Year: 1927

Intensity: Tropical storm

What to know: Little information is recorded about the storm other than wind speeds topped 70 mph.

Municipal elections: Are you registered to vote? Do you know what precinct you live in?

Savannah Morning NewsMunicipal elections across Chatham County are heating up, with races from Tybee Island to Savannah to Pooler set for election day on Nov. 7.But that November election day is not the only date to know.Registering to voteRegistration (voter.chathamcountyga.gov/HowToRegister) to vote in November’s election closes on Tuesday, Oct. 10...

Savannah Morning News

Municipal elections across Chatham County are heating up, with races from Tybee Island to Savannah to Pooler set for election day on Nov. 7.

But that November election day is not the only date to know.

Registering to vote

Registration (voter.chathamcountyga.gov/HowToRegister) to vote in November’s election closes on Tuesday, Oct. 10.

Chatham County Board of Registrars Chairman Colin McRae encourages voters to make sure their registration is up to date before the Oct. 10 deadline. Those who have a change of address within Chatham County can update it by contacting the Board of Registrars office, and new voters can register by submitting a registration application before the deadline.

“When people move between locations in the county, they need to update their registration so that we can make sure people are voting in the area they actually reside,” McRae said. “We encourage people to reach out to our office to see how they can best go about updating their registrations to reflect where they consider themselves to reside.”

Voters also need to verify their eligibility to vote if they are already registered. By going to the My Voter Page portal at mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/, voters can check their registration status as well as verify voting precincts.

Some reminders:

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Early voting

Early voting across Chatham County's cities begins on Oct. 16 and runs through Nov. 3, and there are five advance voting locations sprinkled across the county.

When it comes to early voting, Chatham County residents have a couple new options: the new VR Annex, which was used for the Chatham County District 2 Special Election, and the Garden City Library.

The Garden City library was added to provide a new early voting option for people in the county’s Westside, McRae said.

“The Garden City location was one that fit the bill,” McRae said.

Advance voting is permitted at any of the five locations for registered Chatham County residents. For example, if a voter lives on Tybee Island but works in Savannah, they could vote at the Civic Center during their lunch break, McRae said.

Early voting sites

For those early voting on the weekend, the options will be at the VR Annex and Civic Center. Saturday early voting is on Oct. 21 and Oct. 28.

Evan Lasseter is the city and county government reporter for Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at elasseter@gannett.com.

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