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Name:
Howard, Michael Edwin
Date of Booking:
03/03/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
Public Drunkenness – M
PUBLIC INDECENCY-1ST OR 2ND CONVICTION – M
CONTEMPT OF COURT – M
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
On March 3rd, 2026, at approximately 0400 hours, I was on uniformed patrol in my marked patrol unit when I saw a middle aged black male sitting against the wall of the BP Shell Station, located at 503 W. Bay St. Officer Martinez and I parked our patrol unit and engaged with the suspicious individual, later identified as Michael Howard.
Mr. Howard was outside of the establishment holding an open container of beer, and appeared to be intoxicated. We approached Mr. Howard to engage and identify; However, Mr. howard could barely communicate with us as we attempted to ID him. Once he was identified, we instructed Mr. Howard to pour out the rest of his alcoholic beverage and leave the property immediately.
Mr. Howard left the property but was moving slowly and in an unstable manner as he entered the sidewalk, westbound, down W. Bay St. Officer Martinez and I know this to be a heavier traffic area, even in the early morning hours, so we stayed behind Mr. Howard in an effort to keep traffic away from the sidewalk until he got to a safer location.
As we approached N Fahm St., Mr. Howard looked back at our patrol unit, exposed himself on the side of W. Bay St. and started to urinate into the grass. Officer Martinez and I pulled our patrol unit up to Mr. Howard. As we exited our unit, I gave Mr. Howard verbal commands to place his hands behind his back, to which he complied. Mr. Howard was arrested on the following charges:
OCGA- 16-6-8- Public Drunkenness
OCGA- 16-11-41 Public Indecency
Mr. Howard was searched, incident to arrest, and transported to Chatham County Detention Center without incident. He was booked in at approximately 0450 hours.
[End of Narrative]
The information below reflects all details available at the time of publication and was obtained directly from the official court database accessible to the public. Court records are subject to change at any time at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors, omissions, or discrepancies within the docket. No information provided should be construed as legal advice or opinion. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
3/3/26
MICHAEL EDWIN HOWARD ARRESTED AND BOOKED
What this means: Michael Edwin Howard was arrested and booked into the Chatham County jail on charges of public drunkenness, public indecency (first or second conviction), and contempt of court. All three are misdemeanor charges, which are less serious than felonies but can still result in fines and jail time.
3/9/26
FIRST APPEARANCE AND ADVISEMENT HEARING HELD FOR MICHAEL EDWIN HOWARD
What this means: Michael Edwin Howard appeared before Judge Huffman in Chatham County Recorder’s Court for his first court hearing after arrest. During this hearing, Howard was formally advised of the charges against him and his constitutional rights, including the right to an attorney. The judge set bond at $5,000 and scheduled the next court date for 3/31/26. This is a standard procedural hearing that happens shortly after someone is arrested.
3/13/26
DEFENSE ATTORNEY TINA HESSE ENTERS APPEARANCE FOR MICHAEL EDWIN HOWARD
What this means: Attorney Tina Hesse officially filed paperwork with the Chatham County court to represent Michael Edwin Howard as his defense lawyer. This means Howard now has legal representation for his charges of public drunkenness, public indecency, and contempt of court.
4/2/26
MISDEMEANOR DOCKET HEARING SCHEDULED FOR MICHAEL EDWIN HOWARD WITH OFFICER REQUIRED
What this means: A court hearing was scheduled for Michael Edwin Howard on 4/2/26 at 4:45 AM in Chatham County court. The notation indicates that the arresting officer was required to appear at this hearing, which typically happens when the case is moving forward toward trial or plea negotiations. This would be the next step in the legal process following Howard’s first appearance hearing.
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