Macon County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Macon 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 Macon 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.
Macon County DUI Bail: What You Need to Know
If you've been arrested for DUI in Macon County, Georgia, understanding the bail process is crucial. Unlike its neighbor Macon-Bibb, Macon County operates from Oglethorpe, and this distinction significantly impacts where you need to go and who you need to contact. The Macon County Jail, located at 117 Crescent Street, Oglethorpe, GA 31068, is where you or your loved one will be processed. Knowing this address is the first step in navigating the system.
Understanding the Jurisdictional Landscape
A common mistake is confusing Macon County with the City of Macon (located in Bibb County). A DUI arrest on State Route 49 in Oglethorpe falls under the jurisdiction of Macon County officials, specifically Sheriff Carlos Felton or the Montezuma Police Department, not the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Searching the Bibb County inmate roster will yield no results if the arrest occurred in Macon County.
Law Enforcement Agencies Involved
Three primary law enforcement agencies handle DUI arrests in Macon County:
- Macon County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO): Headquartered at 117 Crescent Street, Oglethorpe, GA 31068, the MCSO is the primary law enforcement body for unincorporated areas. Contact them directly at 478-472-6447 for arrest information, as they don't maintain a high-frequency digital crime blotter.
- Montezuma Police Department: Located at 408 South Dooly Street in Montezuma, this agency enforces traffic laws within the city limits. While they may conduct the initial arrest and breath test, detainees are transferred to the Macon County Jail.
- Georgia State Patrol (GSP): Troopers patrol state routes like SR 49, SR 26, and SR 128. GSP arrests are also processed through the Macon County Jail.
The Arrest Process and Implied Consent
Following a traffic stop, officers look for probable cause. In Macon County, officers are trained to utilize Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). If arrested, the officer will read the Georgia Implied Consent Notice. This notice requires you to submit to a state-administered test – typically breath, blood, or urine.
- Breath Test: The Intoxilyzer 9000 is the standard device.
- Blood Test: If a blood test is requested, you'll be transported to a local medical facility, such as Flint River Hospital in Montezuma, adding 60-90 minutes to the process.
- Refusal: Refusing the state test results in the confiscation of your driver’s license and issuance of a DDS 1205 Form, which acts as a temporary 30-day permit and notice of intent to suspend your license for one year. You must request a hearing within 30 days to challenge this suspension.
Securing Bail at the Macon County Jail
After testing, you'll be transported to the Macon County Jail at 117 Crescent Street, Oglethorpe, GA 31068. The booking process includes medical screening and property intake. To secure bail, you have a few options:
- Cash Bond: Posting the full bail amount in cash. Contact the jail at 478-472-6447 to determine the exact amount.
- Surety Bond: Engaging a bonding company. Be aware that bonding companies based in Macon (Bibb County) may not have "writing power" in Oglethorpe (Macon County). You may need to contact bondsmen from Americus or Cordele.
- Property Bond: Using real estate as collateral. This process is more complex and requires court approval.
Important Considerations
- Distinguish between facilities: Do not confuse the Macon County Jail with Macon State Prison at 2728 Highway 49 South, Oglethorpe, GA 31068. Calling the prison will not provide information about a DUI arrest.
- Administrative License Suspension (ALS): A refusal to take the state-administered test triggers a separate ALS case. You have only 30 days from the date of arrest to request an ALS hearing to prevent your license from being suspended for one year.
- Court Venue: The Superior Court Clerk for Macon County is located at 121 S. Sumter Street in Oglethorpe, not in Macon-Bibb.
Next Steps
If you or a loved one has been arrested for DUI in Macon County, the first step is to contact the Macon County Jail at 478-472-6447 to confirm the arrest and determine the bail amount. Remember the 30-day deadline to file for an ALS hearing.
Sources
Georgia Penal Code
Macon County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety