Fulton County DUI Bail Guide

Bail amounts, how bonds work, and what to expect when getting released from Fulton County jail in Atlanta.

Last verified: January 6, 2026

DUI Bail Amounts

OffenseBail
1st Offense DUI$1,000 - $5,000
2nd Offense (within 10 yrs)$5,000 - $10,000
3rd+ Offense$10,000 - $25,000+
High BAC (0.15+)$3,000 - $7,500
With Child Passenger$10,000+

Amounts vary by criminal history, BAC level, and circumstances. Bondsman fee: 10-15% (non-refundable). O.C.G.A. 40-6-391 governs DUI offenses in Georgia.

Where to Post Bail

Fulton County Jail
901 Rice St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Get Directions
Booking Hours
24 hours / 7 days a week

How Bail Bonds Work

The Process

1

Contact a bondsman

Available 24/7

2

Pay 10-15% fee

Non-refundable

3

Bondsman posts bail

They guarantee the court

4

You're released

Must attend all court dates

Co-Signer Warning

If you co-sign, you are legally responsible if the defendant fails to appear.

  • 100% liable for full bail amount
  • Collateral (house, car) can be seized
  • Cannot cancel once signed

Release Timeline

1

Booking

4-12 hrs

Fingerprints, photos, background check

2

First Appearance

24-72 hrs

Judge sets bail amount

3

Bail Posted

1-4 hrs

Paperwork signed, fee paid

4

Release

4-12 hrs

Property returned

Total: 24-72+ Hours

Weekends and holidays take longer at Fulton County Jail. The facility processes a high volume of arrests.

You're Out. Now What?

FAQ

The Fulton County Recovery Treatment Court (RTC), formerly the DUI Treatment Court, aims to break the cycle of addiction and recidivism. Participants pay roughly $50 per week in program fees, in addition to monitoring costs.

DUI Bail and Pre-Trial Release in Fulton County, Georgia

Navigating the DUI arrest and release process in Fulton County requires understanding local procedures and available options. After a DUI arrest, individuals are taken to the Fulton County Jail, located at 901 Rice Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. General Booking & Information can be reached at 404-612-5100, and the Bonding Administration Unit at 404-612-5136.

Release Timeline at the Fulton County Jail

Processing at the Fulton County Jail can take between 4 and 12 hours for pre-booking. DUI arrests incur an additional 4-8 hour mandatory sobriety hold upon arrival, which freezes the booking process. Shift changes, which occur between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM, and again between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, can cause further delays. These shift changes can add an additional 2-3 hours, but could add as much as 10-14 hours if a release window is missed. DUI arrestees will not be released during the same shift due to mandatory sobriety holds.

SCRAM Monitoring and the Recovery Treatment Court

For repeat offenders, the Fulton County Recovery Treatment Court (RTC) offers a 24-month program as an alternative to incarceration. The RTC operates on a tiered "Phase" system, and authorized SCRAM providers must align their services with these phases. The intensity of supervision, and therefore the cost of monitoring, gradually decreases as the participant demonstrates sustained sobriety.

SCRAM Monitoring Providers in Fulton County

Several providers operate in Fulton County, each with unique characteristics.

  • A 2nd Chance Monitoring: Located at 756 Glass St NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30318, they are affiliated with A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds, offering a consolidated service model. They are strategically located near the Fulton County Jail and offer 24/7 availability. Their services include SCRAM CAM, SCRAM GPS (utilizing the Omnilink OM500), SCRAM Remote Breath Pro, and the SCRAM TouchPoint App. They typically require an installation fee plus the first two weeks of monitoring fees upfront, totaling approximately $350-$400 on day one. They accept credit cards, debit cards, and online payments.

  • GPS Monitoring & Tracking Services (Atlanta Ankle Monitor): Located at 1800 Peachtree St NW, Suite 315, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, this provider focuses on a professionalized service, cultivating relationships with the Fulton County judiciary. This location is highly accessible via MARTA, particularly with Bus Route 110 running directly past the building.

Practical Considerations for SCRAM Monitoring

Defendants should be aware of the financial and logistical demands of SCRAM monitoring. Budgeting approximately $400 for the first month is crucial. Strict curfews and charging schedules require discipline and administrative competence. For example, A 2nd Chance Monitoring requires 2 hours of daily charging while tethered to a wall. Additionally, those relying on public transportation must account for potential delays, as missed bus transfers can trigger curfew alerts.

For immediate release from the Fulton County Jail (Rice Street), A 2nd Chance Monitoring, located at 756 Glass St NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30318, is a viable choice.

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