Forsyth County Jail Release, Bail and Bond Process

Finding out someone you care about has been arrested can be scary and overwhelming. If a friend or family member is in Forsyth County Jail, this guide will help you take action to get them out as quickly as possible.

This guide will take you step-by-step, from understanding the booking process to learning about bail and bonds, helping you address your current situation quickly. With the right knowledge, you can navigate this process and provide support to your loved one during this challenging time.

Additionally, Zeliff | Watson is here to answer your questions about jail, bail, and bonds, while providing strategies to dismiss, reduce, or acquit charges and protect you from a permanent criminal record by calling (770) 887-3720. Schedule a free, confidential consultation—available in person, online, or by phone—to get help securing your friend or loved one’s release from jail and starting the process of contesting the charges.

What Happens After an Arrest?

When someone is arrested, they’re taken to the Forsyth County Jail to go through the booking process. This involves:

• Taking fingerprints and mugshots
• Running their information to check criminal history
• Confiscating personal belongings

Once this clerical work is done, the person will be placed in a holding cell while awaiting further steps, like bail.

What is Bail?

Bail is a way to secure a person’s release from jail while they wait for their court date. It’s essentially a financial guarantee to the court that you will return when requested.

• If they show up to court, the money or collateral is returned.
• If they don’t, the money is forfeited.

For misdemeanor charges (offenses carrying up to 12 months in jail), bail is usually set quickly. Felony charges, however, often require posting a bond for release, as felonies carry a minimum sentence of one year upon conviction.

Payment Options to Get Out of Jail:

• Cash: You can pay the full bail amount in cash directly to the court. No credit cards, debit cards, or checks are accepted—it must be physical cash. Additionally, a small fee (usually per charge) might be added.
• Bail Bonds Company: If you can’t afford the full bail amount, you can use a bail bonds company by paying a non-refundable fee. The bondsman guarantees the full bail amount to the court, allowing you to be released. However, if you fail to appear in court, the bondsman may take legal action to recover the total amount. By Georgia law, these companies can charge up to 15% of the bond amount as their non-refundable fee. If the person being bonded out lacks family, a local address, or strong ties to the community, the bondsman may require the full bond amount as collateral. These companies can be more flexible, often accepting credit cards or offering payment plans in certain situations.
• Property Bond: You can use property you own, such as a home or land, as collateral to secure bail. The property’s value must meet or exceed the required amount, and the court will typically assess and document its value as part of the process. Using a property bond essentially places a lien on your property until the person being bonded resolves their case. The equity in the property must be at least double the bond amount (e.g., a $25,000 bond requires a minimum of $50,000 in equity). For more details, visit this site.
• Additional Fees: A $20 bond fee is added for each charge, which is included in the total bond amount.

Bail Versus Bond

Bail is the total amount of money the court asks for to let someone out of jail until their trial. A bond is a way to pay the bail when you don’t have all the money.

For example, if Sarah is arrested and the court says her bail is $5,000, she has three choices:

• Pay the full $5,000 in cash directly to the court.
• Pay a bail bondsman a smaller fee (15% of the bail, which is $750). The bondsman promises to cover the full $5,000 for Sarah, allowing her to get out of jail without paying the entire amount upfront. However, the $750 fee Sarah pays to the bondsman isn’t refundable.
• Use a property bond, where Sarah or her family uses property, like a home or land, as collateral. In Georgia, the property must have equity worth at least twice the bail amount (e.g., $10,000 in equity for a $5,000 bond). The court places a lien on the property until Sarah’s case is resolved.

How are Bond Amounts Determined?

At a bond hearing, a judge decides whether a bond can be issued and, if so, sets the bond amount. This decision depends on several factors, including the seriousness of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and whether the defendant poses a flight risk or a danger to the public. Generally, more serious offenses lead to higher bond amounts. For instance, a person charged with shoplifting (a misdemeanor) might have their bond set at $500, while someone accused of armed robbery (a felony) could face a bond of $100,000 or more.

A prior criminal record often leads to stricter bond conditions. If the judge believes the defendant is unlikely to appear in court or poses a risk to the community, the bond could be set prohibitively high or even denied altogether. If a person cannot pay the bond amount or is denied the bond, they have the right to petition the court for another bond hearing. This gives them an opportunity to provide additional evidence or circumstances to support their release.

The Sheriff maintains an approved list of bonding companies. Below are the preferred options:

• (24/7) Best Bonding: (770) 888-4585
• (24/7) Fly Free (City Approved): (770) 887-3337
• Forsyth Bail Bonds: (770) 889-9995
• Jailbusters: (770) 888-6837
• L&WC Bonding: (770) 889-3915
• One Call (City Approved): (770) 888-8447

How Long Does it Take to Get Out of Jail?

There’s no set timeline. The process can vary based on:

• How busy the jail is
• How long the booking process takes
• The nature of the accusation against you

After booking, the bond amount must be set, which allows bail to be paid. In some cases, the process takes just a few hours, but it can stretch into days depending on the circumstances.

Mandatory Bond Hearings – First Appearance Hearing

Some offenses require the individual to appear before a judge for a bond hearing, also known as a first appearance hearing, before they can bond out of jail. Having an attorney present at this hearing is crucial because prosecutors will represent the State of Georgia and often push for stricter bond conditions.

Common Bond Conditions the State May Request:

• No-Contact Orders: Often applied in family violence cases.
• Increased Bond Amounts: Prosecutors may request amounts higher than the standard recommendation.
• Pretrial Reporting: Requires checking in with an officer on a weekly or monthly basis, similar to probation.
• GPS Monitoring: To track the defendant’s location.
• House Arrest: Restricting the defendant to their residence.
• Urine Screening: Regular tests for alcohol and drug use.
• Evaluations: Mental health, anger management, and/or substance abuse assessments.
• Travel Restrictions: Limits on movement outside specific areas.

At the bond hearing, the judge will consider background information provided by the defense attorney. It’s essential to have an attorney who can prepare and present key details that will influence the judge’s decision on bond and conditions.

Family Violence or Victim Cases

If the case involves family violence or another victim of violence, the Forsyth County Victim Advocate Office will contact the victim on the morning of the bond hearing. This allows the victim to share their wishes with the judge. Victims also have the right to attend the hearing. If a victim or family member does not receive a call and wishes to contact the Victim Advocate Office, they can call (770) 205-2268.

Viewing Bond Hearings

Bond hearings are conducted via Microsoft Teams, but the link is not available for public access. The only way for non-court personnel to view the hearing is by visiting the jail lobby, where the proceeding is displayed on a monitor.

DUI Waiting Period of 6 Hours

In most DUI cases, a judge’s approval is not required for bond. However, individuals must wait a minimum of six hours in jail before they can bond out. Visitation is not permitted during this waiting period, so contacting a defense attorney is the best way to get updates or more information.

Forsyth Pretrial Services

If pretrial reporting is a condition of the bond, individuals must call Forsyth PretrialServices at (770) 781-2158 after their release. An automated line allows individuals to leave their information, and the office typically responds with further instructions within 1-2 business days.

Superior Court Bonds Have Up To 30 Days

For certain serious offenses, such as murder, aggravated child crimes, aggravated stalking, violent crimes, and drug sales or trafficking, the Magistrate Court cannot set a bond during the first appearance. These cases are handled by the Superior Court, which generally has up to 30 days from the date of arrest to conduct a bond hearing. Even at this stage, the bond can still be denied, making it critical to have an experienced defense attorney present a strong case for a bond.  

What Happens if The Bond is Denied or Set Too High?

If a bond is denied or set too high in Georgia, you can request a bond reconsideration hearing to argue for a lower amount or eligibility for a bond. You may present evidence of strong community ties, stable employment, or lack of flight risk. Alternatively, you can file a motion in a superior court if the original decision was made in a lower court. In cases involving serious charges, your attorney can petition for a bond before a superior court judge. It’s crucial to have legal representation to navigate these proceedings effectively. Appeals to higher courts are also an option if all else fails.

Investing in a Defense

Many people are in shock immediately following an arrest and overlook the importance of taking swift action. Engaging an attorney right away can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Early legal intervention not only protects your rights but also helps preserve crucial evidence, prevents missteps that could harm your defense, and can even stop charges from being filed or moving forward with prosecution. Taking action promptly increases the likelihood of having your charges dismissed or favorably negotiated before ever reaching court.

Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation

Take the first step toward building your defense by scheduling a free, no-obligation consultation—offered in person, online, or by phone. During this confidential session, you’ll gain insights into how your case can be effectively challenged, paving the way for reduced charges, a dismissal, or even an acquittal.

What Happens During Your Consultation

At your free case evaluation, you’ll meet with one of our skilled defense attorneys who can help you get released from jail and immediately start crafting a strategy tailored to your situation. This is your chance to ask questions, receive expert legal guidance, and work collaboratively to gather evidence that strengthens your case.

Start Building Your Defense Today

After your consultation, Zeliff & Watson will take action to safeguard your rights and protect your interests every step of the way. We’ll preserve vital evidence, develop a strategic defense plan, and provide you with a clear proposal for representation. Our ultimate goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for your case while supporting you throughout the entire process.