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BAIL BONDING PROCESS

BONDING PROCESS

A bond can be made at any time, day or night, to release an inmate from the Lamar County Detention Center.  If you are charged with a bondable offense, you have the right to seek a bond for your release from the facility.  Bonding requires some type of surety be posted as a good faith promise that the accused will appear for the court date.

NOTE: If an inmate is released on bond, and fails to appear for court, the accused will (normally) be rearrested on a bench warrant, which has no bond.

The bondsman or person posting the security is held accountable for the full amount of the bond.  Posting a bond can be accomplished in several ways.  The following paragraphs briefly explain how each type of bond is made.  In some cases, bonding methods are restricted, and some types may not be allowed.
 

***NOTICE***

OCGA 15-16-21(c)(7) PROVIDES THAT THE SHERIFF'S FEE FOR TAKING A BOND IN A CRIMINAL CASE SHALL BE $13.00, PAID IN ADVANCE PRIOR TO THE SHERIFF RENDERING SUCH SERVICE.

IT IS THE POLICY OF THE LAMAR COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO ACCEPT ONE $20.00 FEE PER DEFENDANT.  ONLY CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK, CASHIER'S CHECK, OR POSTAL MONEY ORDER WILL BE ACCEPTED.  MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO "SHERIFF OF LAMAR COUNTY".

CASH BONDS

Cash bonds are generally made for traffic offenses of a minor nature, and misdemeanor violations.  In some cases, the cash bond may be accepted as a fine, and substituted for a court appearance.  However, it is YOUR responsibilty to make arrangements with the court.

PROPERTY BONDS

A property bond can be posted by persons owning tangible real estate within Lamar County.  This does not apply to automobiles, travel trailers, industrial equipment, boats, or similar property.  It must be deeded "Real Property", usually with a residential home built on it.  Undeveloped property may be accepted, if it can be determined that the existing equity (NOT the market value) is sufficient to meet the bonding standards.  A homeowner desiring to post his/her property for someone's bond must meet certain criteria:1.) Produce a current tax receipt stamped "PAID" (or proof, such as a cancelled check, to show proof of payment on taxes.)2.) Show proof of identity of all persons named on the property.3.) Lawfully swear or affirm to and sign a property bond, stating that the property exists, is owned by them, and that sufficient equity, not market value or purchase price, exists to cover the bonding standard.  Equity is the amount of principal vested to the purchaser, less any liens or mortgages.

PROFESSIONAL BONDING COMPANIES

Professional bonding companies, licensed as businesses in Lamar County, and registered with the Lamar County Sheriff's Office, are available for hire.  These companies provide bonding services in return for a paid fee.  The fee for hiring their services is (normally) not refundable.  Criteria for selecting customers seeking a professional bondsman varies from one company to another.  All companies are available 24 hours a day.  List of all approved bonding companies, and their telephone numbers, are located in different areas of the Detention Center.  Employees of the Lamar County Sheriff's Office and Detention Center are restricted by law from recommending ANY bonding company.

Approved Bonding Companies:

Absolute Waits Bonding - 770/775-2352
Afford - A - Bail - 770/358-2401
Anytime Bonding - 770/467-9758
A Sure One Bonding - 770/584-4361

BB's Bonding - 770/358-4425 

OUT OF COUNTY BONDS

A bond made from another county Sheriff's Office, to release an inmate from the Lamar County Detention Center is called a "Transfer Bond".  Procedures for this type of bond are similar to property bond procedures.  This type of bond criteria accepted for a transfer bond is determined by the county issuing the bond.  Lamar County Detention Center does not accept any bonding companies that are not registered with this facility.  Specific instructions or restrictions imposed by other Sheriff's Offices must be followed.

RETURN OF CASH BONDS

Once a case is settled in court, the District Attorney can allow refund of the Cash Bond to the person who posted it.  The individual who posted the bond must bring the Cash Bond Receipt, a Court Certified Copy of the Disposition of Charges and photo identification to the Sheriff’s Office.  The Sheriff’s office will issue a check in the amount of the bond, payable to the person who posted the cash bond.

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