What You Need to Know About Bonding Someone Out of Chatham County Jail (fees, card surcharges, and property bonds)
Posting bond can move fast, and the costs aren't always just the bond amount itself. Here's what you need to know about Chatham County Jail bonding fees, accepted payment methods, card surcharges, and property bond requirements.
Every bond posted in Chatham County comes with a mandatory $20.00 bonding fee, and it's non-refundable. Plan for that on top of whatever bond amount is set. You won't get the $20 back.
- ✓ Cash
- ✓ Credit/debit card (Visa or MasterCard)
- ✓ Money order
- ✓ Cashier’s check
Using a credit or debit card to pay just the $20 bonding fee? Chatham County adds a $2.50 card charge, bringing your card total to $22.50 for the fee portion alone.
Paying both the bond amount and the bonding fee in a single card transaction bumps the surcharge up. Chatham County charges 10% of the total when you use a card for the bond and the bonding fee together.
Tip: The card fee depends on what you're paying. Paying only the $20 bonding fee by card adds $2.50. Paying the bond plus the bonding fee by card adds a 10% surcharge to the total.
Property Bonds Requirements
- ✓ The property must be located in Chatham County.
- ✓ The property must be free and clear of all liens.
If you’re trying to post a property bond, be ready for paperwork and verification. Chatham County requires a title search, and it must be done by an attorney.
Your property's value matters too. For the bond to be accepted, the property must be worth at least as much as the bond amount.
You'll also need proof that property taxes are paid. Chatham County requires a copy of paid property taxes for the year when you use a property bond.
Practical Tips
- ✓ If you’re paying only the $20 bonding fee by card, budget for the extra $2.50 card charge.
- ✓ If you’re paying the bond amount and the bonding fee by card together, budget for an added 10% surcharge on the total.
- ✓ Confirm the property is in Chatham County and free of liens before you try to use it.
- ✓ Bring the attorney-completed title search.
- ✓ Bring a copy of paid property taxes for the year.
- ✓ Be prepared to show the property has enough value to cover the bond amount.
Reminder: Keep your receipt and paperwork for every payment you make, including the $20 non-refundable bonding fee. It makes tracking what was paid (and how) much easier down the line.
Find an Inmate at Chatham County Jail, GA
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
