But, then, for those who may get a little too carried away with all the fun of the day here are some reminders to those attending the festivities that there are definite penalties for exceeding the "good time" threshold.

While St. Patrick’s Day is a grand celebration, there will be officers on-duty to ensure that party-goers stay within the "good time" parameters. Violaters should be aware that the city and state have prepared a number of penalties and fines to restrain holiday merriment.

Probably nothing can "ruin your day" more than returning from the parade only to find your car missing because it was towed away. Before parking anywhere be sure and check that it’s a lawful parking space that doesn’t block any roadways or driveways, and most importantly, is not a part of the parade route.

This will be Savannah’s most populated day of the year and parking will be at a premium -- so be careful where you park. All of the parking garages will be open and many people park at either the Oglethorpe or Savannah Mall and take a bus to the parade and back. Police are typically forced to tow several vehicles that are found parked in what are called Creative Parking.

Below is a list of, historically, the most probable offenses and minimum fines:

6-1215(b)(1)	One drink on-street limit
6-1215(b)(2)	Size limited to 16 ounces
6-1215(b)(3)	Drinking from can, bottle, or glass prohibited
6-1215(c)	Drinking alcohol in parked motor vehicle
6-1223(a)	Unlawful for minor to drink/possess alcohol
6-2425(c)	Identification, consumption of alcohol in controlled zone (without wristband required)
6-2428	Transportation of alcoholic beverage into or out of a designated Controlled Zone
9-1002	Disorderly Conduct by: urinating in public, fighting, indecency etc.

Local ordinance offenses are punishable up to 30 days in jail or a fine not to exceed $500.00. State misdemeanor offenses require the violator to be arrested, fingerprinted, post bond and appear in court.

Persons charged with a misdemeanor offense can be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 and/or 12 months in jail.

In addition, misdemeanor arrests and convictions are reported to the Georgia Crime Information Center and the National Crime Information Center and become a part of the violator’s criminal history.

The following local ordinance offenses and all State misdemeanor offense require an appearance in court. Local ordinances (apply to business owners as well as private citizens):

6-1223(b)	Unlawful to procure alcohol for minor
6-1223(c)	Unlawful to allow minors to enter alcohol establishment
6-1223(d)	Unlawful for minor to enter alcohol establishment
6-1224(b)	Open restrooms required
6-1213	Sale outside of license premises prohibited
6-1212	Sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays

Business owners cited for violating any provisions of the "Festival Ordinance of 1999" will be required to appear in court and will be subject to a fine not to exceed $500.00 or up to 30 days in jail. Specifically:

6-2426	Restricting hours of alcohol sales
6-2427	Closing of existing alcohol establishments

Those unfortunate enough to be cited for one of the above offenses should call (912) 652-7425 to ask any questions about the fine(s). Persons cited must pay their fine(s) before their court date or, if they wish, to ask for a bench trial before the judge and must appear in court on the date on their citation.

A court appearance can be avoided by paying the fine associated with the violation up to 48 hours prior to your court date. Fines may be paid in person at the fine payment window of the Recorder’s Court, 133 Montgomery Street, or mailed to
Recorder’s Court of Chatham County
Attn: Cashier
133 Montgomery St.
Savannah, GA 31401