Getting a call that someone you love is sitting in Fulton County Jail is one of the most stressful moments a family can face. You need answers fast. How do you get them out? What are your options? How much will this cost? If you are looking for Fulton County bail bonds help, this guide walks you through every step of the process so you can bring your loved one home as quickly as possible.
Fulton County Jail (known locally as “Rice Street”) processes thousands of arrests each year. The facility currently houses over 3,000 inmates despite being designed for just 1,125. This overcrowding creates delays and challenges that make understanding the bail process even more important for families trying to secure a release.
Quick Reference: Fulton County Jail Contact Information
Before diving into the details, here are the numbers you will need right away:
- Jail Address: 901 Rice Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30318
- Main Jail Number: (404) 613-2000
- Bond Administration: (404) 612-5136
- Sheriff’s Office: (404) 612-5100
- Inmate Search: fcsoga.org/inmate-search
The jail accepts cash bonds 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds also offers around-the-clock service for families who need immediate assistance.
How to Find Out If Someone Is in Fulton County Jail
Your first step is confirming the arrest and finding out the bail amount. You have two options:
- Online Inmate Search: Visit fcsoga.org/inmate-search and enter the person’s name. The database updates once per day, so very recent arrests might not appear immediately.
- Call the Jail: Phone (404) 613-2000 with the person’s full legal name and date of birth. Jail staff can confirm whether they are in custody and provide booking information.
Once you have confirmed the arrest, you will want to know when bail can be set. The timing depends on whether the arrest happened with or without a warrant.
Understanding the Arrest and Booking Timeline
After an arrest in Fulton County, here is what happens:
- Transport and Arrival (0 to 2 hours): All arrestees are brought to the main jail at 901 Rice Street for processing, regardless of where the arrest occurred.
- Booking Process (2 to 6 hours): This includes property intake, medical screening, fingerprinting, photographing, and running warrant checks. During this time, the arrested person typically gets access to a phone.
- First Appearance Hearing: For arrests without a warrant, the first appearance must happen within 48 hours. Arrests made with a warrant require a first appearance within 72 hours. Misdemeanor hearings are held at 2:00 PM and felony hearings at 11:30 AM.
Many misdemeanor charges come with preset bail amounts, meaning release can happen before the first appearance if someone posts bond. For felonies and more serious charges, a judge must set bail at the hearing.
Your Fulton County Bail Bonds Options Explained
Fulton County offers several ways to post bail. Understanding each option helps you choose the best path for your situation and budget.
Cash Bond
A cash bond means paying the full bail amount directly to the jail. You can pay with cash, cashier’s checks (made payable to “Fulton County Sheriff’s Office” with the arrestee’s name and booking number), or postal money orders.
The big advantage of cash bonds is that the money is refundable after the case ends (minus a $20 processing fee per bond). The refund goes to whoever posted the bail, but only if the defendant appears at every court date.
Online Payment Option: You can post cash bonds online at cashbondonline.com using Visa, Mastercard, or Discover. The maximum amount you can pay online is $2,500, including all non-refundable surcharges and processing fees.
Surety Bond Through a Bail Bondsman
Most families choose to work with a professional bail bondsman because it costs significantly less up front. Instead of paying the full bail amount, you pay the bondsman a fee of 10% to 15% of the total bail. Georgia law caps this fee at 15%.
Here is how it works: If bail is set at $10,000, you pay the bondsman between $1,000 and $1,500. The bondsman then guarantees the full $10,000 to the court. Your fee is not refundable, even if charges are later dismissed.
For larger bail amounts, bondsmen may require collateral such as property or vehicles. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the bondsman can seize that collateral.
Learn more about the types of bail available in Georgia to make an informed decision for your family.
Fulton County 10% Program
Fulton County offers a unique option where you pay just 10% of the bail directly to the county (not a private bondsman). This payment goes to Fulton County, and the fees are not refundable.
Signature Bond
Sometimes called “own recognizance,” a signature bond requires no money up front. The defendant signs a promise to appear in court and agrees to pay the bail amount only if they fail to show up.
Judges typically grant signature bonds to first-time offenders with minor charges, defendants with strong community ties, and those considered low risk. These bonds often include pretrial supervision requirements.
Property Bond
A property bond uses real estate as collateral instead of cash. The property must be located in Georgia, and you will need documentation proving ownership and sufficient equity. Exact equity requirements vary, so contact the Fulton County Bond Administration at (404) 612-5136 for current guidelines.
Property bonds take longer to process because of verification requirements. If the property is outside Fulton County but within Georgia, it must be prepared by the Sheriff’s Office in the county where the property is located.
Step-by-Step Guide to Posting Bail in Fulton County
Follow these steps to post Atlanta bail bonds or Fulton County bail as efficiently as possible:
- Step 1: Gather Information: Collect the inmate’s full legal name, date of birth, and booking number if available. Call the jail at (404) 613-2000 to confirm the exact bail amount, including all fees.
- Step 2: Choose Your Payment Method: Decide between paying the full cash bond (refundable), using a bail bondsman (10% to 15% fee, not refundable), property bond, or the county’s 10% program based on your financial situation.
- Step 3: Prepare for the Visit: If posting in person, bring an unexpired driver’s license or state ID (you must be 18 or older). Bring the exact bail amount since personal checks are not accepted. Leave your cell phone in the car because it may not be allowed in the jail lobby.
- Step 4: Post Bail: Visit Fulton County Jail at 901 Rice Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. Cash bonds are processed 24/7. Alternatively, pay online at cashbondonline.com for amounts up to $2,500, or contact a licensed bail bondsman for immediate assistance.
- Step 5: Complete Paperwork: You will fill out a bond application with personal information and your relationship to the defendant. If using a bondsman, you will also sign an indemnity agreement.
- Step 6: Wait for Release: This is where patience becomes essential. Release times vary dramatically.
How Long Does It Take to Be Released After Posting Bail?
The wait for release at Fulton County jail can be frustrating. Here is what to realistically expect:
- Best Case: 2 hours to 6 hours (during business hours with low volume)
- Typical: 6 -12 hours
- Common: 12 to 18 hours
- Worst Case: 18 to 24+ hours (complex cases, shift changes, high volume)
Online forums are filled with families reporting 10 to 14-hour waits after bail was posted. One person shared that their friend’s bail was paid at 10 PM, and he was not released until 10 AM the next day.
Factors affecting release time include time of day, jail workload and staffing levels, shift changes, outstanding warrants or holds from other jurisdictions, and completeness of paperwork.
Read more about jail release times in Georgia to help set realistic expectations.
What Judges Consider When Setting Bail
Georgia law requires judges to evaluate four key factors when deciding bail amounts:
- Flight Risk: Will the person show up for court? Judges look at community ties, employment, family connections, citizenship status, and any history of missed court dates.
- Public Safety: Does the person pose a threat to the community or specific individuals?
- Risk of New Crimes: What is the likelihood they will commit additional offenses while awaiting trial?
- Witness Intimidation: Is there a risk they will harass or intimidate witnesses?
Judges also consider the severity of charges, criminal history, and the defendant’s ability to pay.
Charges That Require Superior Court for Bail
Some serious offenses cannot receive bail from a Magistrate Court judge. Only a Superior Court judge can set bail for these charges:
- Murder
- Rape
- Armed robbery
- Aggravated sodomy
- Aggravated child molestation
- Aggravated sexual battery
- Aircraft hijacking
- Treason
- Manufacturing or distributing Schedule I or II controlled substances
- Aggravated stalking
If your loved one faces one of these charges, expect to wait 2 to 3 weeks for a Superior Court bond hearing. If a Superior Court judge denies bond, you must wait 60 days before requesting reconsideration.
How to Choose a Reputable Bail Bondsman
Working with the right bondsman makes a stressful situation easier. Here are questions to ask before hiring anyone:
- Are you licensed? Verify with the court/jail that the bonding agency is permitted to service the jurisdiction.
- What is your fee structure? It should be 10% to 15% with no hidden charges.
- Do you have experience in Fulton County? Local knowledge speeds up the process.
- What payment options do you offer? Look for flexible payment plans.
- How quickly can you start working on my case?
Learn why choosing a reputable bail bondsman matters for your family’s experience.
Warning Signs of Bail Bond Scams
Unfortunately, scammers target vulnerable families during arrests. Protect yourself by watching for these red flags:
- Unsolicited contact (legitimate bondsmen do not cold call you)
- Pressure to pay immediately through CashApp, Venmo, gift cards, or wire transfer
- Fees below 10% or above 15%
- No physical office or written documentation
- If you are contacted by a person claiming to be a bond agent. Kindly end the call and call the published number for that bonding company.
Always verify the arrest independently by calling the jail at (404) 613-2000. Only use bondsmen from the approved list at https://fcsoga.org/help/bail-bond-companies-list/.
A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds does not accept payment by gift card, Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, Western Union, or cryptocurrency.
Bond Conditions You Must Follow
Release on bond comes with conditions. Violating them means immediate return to jail. Standard conditions include:
- Appear at all court dates (the most critical requirement)
- Stay within Georgia unless you get permission to leave
- Keep the current contact information with the court
- Do not commit new offenses
Depending on the charges, additional conditions might include no contact orders, drug or alcohol testing, electronic monitoring, travel restrictions, counseling requirements, or surrender of your passport.
For family violence cases, you must appear before a judge before bond is set. These cases almost always include no-contact orders with the alleged victim.
A 2nd Chance Monitoring provides electronic monitoring services for defendants who need ankle monitoring as a condition of their release.
What Happens If You Miss Court
Missing a court date triggers serious consequences that make your situation much worse:
- A bench warrant is issued immediately for your arrest
- Your driver’s license is automatically suspended
- You forfeit all money posted for bail
- You cannot bond out again until the warrant is resolved
Failure to appear is a separate criminal offense in Georgia. For misdemeanors, you face additional fines and potential jail time. For felonies, failure to appear (also called bail jumping) carries even more serious penalties, including potential prison time. The exact penalties depend on the original charge and your criminal history.
If you missed court, contact an attorney immediately. Do not ignore it because the warrant will not go away on its own.
Getting Your Cash Bond Money Back
If you posted a cash bond, you can get your money back after the case is completely resolved. Here is what you need:
- The defendant must have appeared at all court dates
- The case must be fully completed (plea, verdict, dismissal, or sentencing)
- The original cash bond receipt
- Two forms of ID
- Copy of the final disposition
Visit the Fulton County Sheriff’s Payment Center at Ground Level Room TG-500 or call (404) 612-9243. Refunds are typically processed about 30 days after the case concludes. The $20 processing fee per bond is not refundable.
Communicating with Someone in Custody
While waiting for release, you can stay in touch through Fulton County’s IC Solutions system:
- Phone Calls: Call IC Solutions customer service at 1-888-506-8407 to set up a prepaid account that allows inmates to call specific numbers.
- Voicemail Messages: Leave messages for inmates at 1-404-678-6120 for $0.25 per message. You will need the inmate’s ID number and a prepaid account.
- Video Visits: Schedule video visits at icsolutions.com for $0.25 per minute. You can visit from home once your account is set up.
Tips for a Smooth Bail Process
Based on years of experience helping families in Fulton County, here are our top recommendations:
- Act quickly. The sooner you start the bail process, the sooner your loved one can be released.
- Verify everything. Confirm the arrest, charges, and bail amount through official channels before paying anyone.
- Get legal representation. An attorney can help navigate the process and may attend bond hearings on your behalf.
- Keep all paperwork. Save every receipt, write down the names of everyone you speak with, and note dates and times of all interactions.
- Follow dress code rules. If you need to enter the jail, strict dress codes apply. No tight clothing, shorts above the knee, tank tops, flip flops, or head coverings (except for religious reasons).
- Budget plenty of time. The process takes longer than you expect. Plan for several hours at a minimum.
Get Help with Fulton County Bail Bonds Now
Dealing with an arrest in Fulton County is overwhelming, but you do not have to figure it out alone. A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds has helped thousands of families navigate this process with 12 locations across Metro Atlanta and Birmingham.
Our licensed agents are available 24/7 to answer your questions and start working on your loved one’s release immediately. We offer flexible payment plans and work with families at all budget levels.
When you need Fulton County bail bonds help fast, call A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds. We understand what your family is going through, and we are here to help you bring your loved one home.
Call us now: 404-224-5688
Visit: www.a2ndchancebailbonds.com
About A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds
A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds has served the Metro Atlanta and Birmingham communities for years with professional, compassionate bail bond services. With 12 convenient locations and 24/7 availability, we make the bail process as smooth as possible for families during difficult times. Our licensed agents have deep experience working with Fulton County Jail and courts throughout Georgia and Alabama.
Read our bail bond FAQs for more answers to common questions.
Disclosure
This guide is provided by A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We are a licensed bail bond company serving Metro Atlanta and Birmingham. Laws, fees, and jail procedures change frequently. Always verify current requirements with Fulton County Jail, the courts, or a licensed attorney. If you are facing criminal charges, consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney about your specific situation.
