Before You Sign: What Happens If You Post Bond and They Don't Show Up
Signing as a bond surety at Glynn County Detention Center feels like giving someone a second chance. But it's also a serious legal commitment—one that puts your money and property on the line. Here's what the county says you're agreeing to, and what happens if the person you bonded out skips court.
When you sign as surety at Glynn County Detention Center, you're entering a legally binding agreement. You're not just helping someone get released - you're taking full financial responsibility for making sure they show up to every court date. If they miss one, the system comes to you.
Expect upfront costs beyond the bond itself. Glynn County charges a $20 bond posting fee per bond and a $25 lien filing fee per property lien, both due at signing. These fees cover the paperwork - they're separate from the actual bond amount.
If the defendant doesn't show up to court, you owe the full bond amount plus court costs. That's the core risk. Your obligation doesn't hinge on whether you could control their choices - it hinges on whether they appeared.
Don't pay after a failure to appear? The county enters a judgment against your property. From there, the Sheriff's Office can seize and auction what you own to cover the debt. This is why that "property responsibility" language matters - your signature can lead to real consequences, not just a bill in the mail.
Note: Some county bonding documents address what happens to extra money if an auction brings in more than what's owed. Before signing, ask for the exact wording in writing so you know whether any surplus would come back to you.
Signing as surety can mean a lien gets attached to your property - something that catches people off guard later. Glynn County charges $25 per property lien at signing. A lien is a legal claim against your property that can be enforced if you don't meet the bond obligation.
- The defendant misses court - your responsibility as surety is triggered if they fail to appear.
- You’re expected to pay - the county states you must pay the full bond amount plus court costs.
- A judgment is entered if it’s unpaid - if the amount isn’t paid, a judgment can be entered against your property.
- Property enforcement can follow - the Sheriff’s Office may seize and auction property to satisfy the debt.
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- ✓ What exactly are you guaranteeing as surety - and what happens if they miss court?
- ✓ If you need to get off the bond before the court date, what does GCDC require (including physically returning the defendant and getting the off-bond receipt and lien cancellation document)?
- ✓ What fees will you pay at signing (including the $20 bond posting fee per bond)?
- ✓ If a lien is involved, how many liens will be filed and what will that cost (the county lists $25 per property lien due at signing)?
- ✓ Who can confirm the current procedure if you have questions: Glynn County Sheriff’s Office, (912) 554-7600, 100 Sulphur Springs Road, Brunswick, GA 31520.
Tip: Want out of your surety responsibility? Glynn County requires you to physically return the defendant to GCDC. Only then will you get an off-bond receipt and lien cancellation document. A phone call or a promise to appear won't cut it.
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