Understanding Bonds at Carroll County Jail and the 72-Hour Rule

Carroll County Jail accepts surety bonds (also called commercial bonds) and property bonds for most charges - misdemeanors and felonies alike. Typically, there's a set bond amount tied to the charge, so you can start arranging release right away. The exception: if no property bond amount is listed for the offense, the person must see a judge first. The judge decides whether to allow bond at all and sets the amount.

• ✓ Confirm whether the charge has a listed bond amount - if it does, surety/property bonding may be available right away.
• ✓ If you’re using a commercial surety bond, be ready to work within the listed amount - that’s the figure the bond is based on.
• ✓ If there’s no property bond amount listed, plan for a judge appearance first - bond eligibility and the amount (if allowed) get decided there.

Carroll County Jail doesn't accept transfer bonds from out of state. If you were planning to use property or a bond arrangement from another state, you'll need a different option the jail will recognize.

Georgia law limits how long someone can be held after arrest without seeing a judicial officer. Under O.C.G.A. 17-4-26, the arresting officer must use reasonable diligence to bring the person before a judicial officer authorized to examine, commit, or receive bail - and no matter what, the person must appear within 72 hours of arrest. This 72-hour clock usually drives the first appearance timeline. That hearing is often when you'll learn what's happening with bond, especially if a judge needs to decide whether bond is allowed and set the amount.

1. Mark the arrest time - the 72-hour requirement runs from the arrest, so knowing that timestamp helps you track what should happen next.
2. Expect a first appearance within that window - the law requires presentation before a committing judicial officer within 72 hours after arrest.
3. Use that appearance to clarify bond status - this is often when you find out whether bond is permitted and what amount applies, especially if a listed property bond amount isn’t available.

For warrant information, call the Carroll County Magistrate Court at 770-830-5874. They can also help with court scheduling questions or bond status on a case.