Clarke County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Clarke County.
How Bail Bonds Work
Option 1: Cash Bond (Pay Full Amount)
How it works: Pay the full bail amount to the court
Pros: Get full amount back after case concludes (minus court fees)
Cons: Requires full amount upfront
Option 2: Bail Bondsman (Most Common)
How it works: Pay 10-15% fee to bondsman, they post full bail
Cost: Typically 10% of bail amount (non-refundable)
Pros: Only need 10% upfront instead of full amount
Cons: Fee is non-refundable, may require collateral, co-signer assumes liability
Co-Signer Liability Warning
Important for Co-Signers:
- You are 100% liable if defendant does not appear in court
- You must pay the full bail amount if defendant skips
- Bondsman can seize collateral (house, car, etc.)
- You cannot cancel the bond - only the court can
- Liability continues until case is fully resolved
Release Timeline
Arrest & Booking (2-8 hours)
Fingerprinting, photographing, background check, medical screening
Arraignment (Within 24-48 hours)
First court appearance, judge sets bail amount, charges are read
Bail Posted (1-4 hours)
Family contacts bondsman, paperwork signed, fee paid
Release (2-6 hours)
Processing, release paperwork, return of personal property, court date assigned
Total Time Estimate
From arrest to release: 12-48 hours depending on booking workload, time of arrest (weekends take longer), and how quickly bail is posted.
After Release: Critical Deadlines
1. Request MVD Hearing - 15 Days
You have only 15 days from arrest to request your administrative license hearing. This is separate from your criminal case.
2. Retrieve Your Vehicle
Impound fees accrue daily. Get your car as soon as possible to avoid hundreds in storage fees.
Calculate Impound Costs3. Hire an Attorney
A attorney can help with license hearings, plea negotiations, and potentially getting charges reduced or dismissed.
Find Clarke County Lawyers4. Appear at ALL Court Dates
Missing court will result in bond forfeiture, arrest warrant, and additional charges. Your co-signer will be liable for the full bail amount.
The Clarke County Jail, located at 3015 Lexington Road, Athens, GA 30605, is where all DUI arrestees are processed, regardless of the arresting agency.
Clarke County DUI Bail: What You Need to Know
If you or someone you know has been arrested for DUI in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, understanding the bail process is crucial. This guide provides essential information specific to Clarke County to help you navigate the release process.
DUI Bond Schedule in Clarke County
For most misdemeanor DUI offenses in Clarke County, a bond schedule is used. This allows for release without having to wait for a judicial hearing. DUI bond amounts in Clarke County generally include base bonds plus state-mandated surcharges. Expect the total bond amounts to be structured as follows:
- DUI (First Offense): $1,810
- DUI (Second Offense): $2,620
- DUI (Refusal): $2,620
Note: These amounts include the base bond plus state-mandated surcharges.
Keep in mind that if you are ineligible for the bond schedule (e.g., Family Violence DUI, Felony DUI, or Probation Violation), you will need to appear before a Magistrate Judge for bond consideration.
Posting Bail at the Clarke County Jail
Release from custody is primarily achieved through posting bond. Here's how it works in Clarke County:
- Cash Bond: The full bond amount can be paid in cash or by money order at the jail lobby kiosk or window. These funds are held in trust and returned upon the case's conclusion.
- Surety Bond (Professional Bondsman): A licensed bonding company can guarantee the bond for a non-refundable fee, capped by state law.
- Property Bond: Residents of Clarke County who own unencumbered real estate may use their property equity to secure the bond. This requires validation from the Tax Assessor and Sheriff.
Release Timeline and the "Sobering Up" Protocol
Even if bond is posted, release isn't immediate. The Clarke County Jail has a "sobering up" protocol. The jail will not release intoxicated individuals until they are deemed "functionally sober." Jail staff estimate sobriety based on an alcohol elimination rate of approximately 0.015 g/dL per hour. For example, someone booked at 3:00 AM with a BAC of 0.18 will likely be held until 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM, regardless of their bond status.
First Appearance Hearings
If an arrestee is ineligible for the bond schedule, they must appear before a Magistrate Judge. These hearings occur daily at 8:30 AM at the Courthouse on weekdays. On weekends and holidays, hearings are conducted at the jail (often via video link), typically in the morning.
Clarke County Jail Contact Information:
- Address: 3015 Lexington Road, Athens, GA 30605
- Main Line: 706-613-3270
- Inmate Information: 706-613-3270 (Option for Booking)
Sources
Georgia Penal Code
Clarke County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety