Sometimes, but only with permission. If you want to leave the state while out on bond in Georgia, two things have to line up: your bond conditions have to allow it, and your bonding company has to approve the trip before you go. At A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds, a defendant is required to ask us for permission before leaving the state for any reason.
With Thanksgiving and the winter holidays coming up, we hear this question a lot. Here is how to plan a trip without putting your bond at risk.
Why Do You Need Permission to Leave the State While Out on Bond?
Because you made promises to two different parties.
The first is the court. A judge can set conditions of release that limit travel, require you to stay in the county or state, or require you to surrender a passport. Those conditions are in your bond order.
The second is your bonding company. When a bondsman posts your bond, the company guarantees to the court that you will show up. Your bond agreement usually requires you to stay reachable and get permission before traveling.
So even if your bond order says nothing about travel, your bond agreement may still require a phone call first.
What Happens If You Travel Without Permission?
You put your bond at risk.
Leaving the state without permission can lead to a warrant if you are found in another state. Your bond could also be revoked, which can mean going back into custody until the case is resolved. And if a trip causes you to miss a court date, the court will issue a bench warrant.
A long weekend is not worth any of that.
How Do You Ask for Permission to Travel?
Start early. A few weeks before the trip is better than a few days.
- Read your bond order. Look for any condition that mentions travel, location, or your passport.
- Talk to your attorney. If the court restricted travel, your attorney may need to ask the judge to approve the trip.
- Call your bonding company before you book. Give the dates, the destination, the address where you will stay, and a phone number that works.
- Get approval in writing when you can, and carry a copy.
- Check your court calendar. A trip should never overlap a court date.
- Keep your phone on and answer it while you are away.
Does It Matter Where You Are Going?
Yes. A day trip to a neighboring state is a different request than three weeks across the country.
International travel is a much bigger ask. Some judges require defendants to surrender their passports, and approval for travel outside the country can be hard to get. Talk to your attorney before you make any plans.
What If You Wear an Ankle Monitor?
Then there is a third party to check with. Electronic monitoring conditions can set specific zones and travel limits, and leaving them usually requires court approval. Our sister company, A 2nd Chance Monitoring, explains those limits in how far you can go with an ankle monitor.
What If You Need to Move, Not Just Visit?
Moving is a different conversation. If you live out of state, or need to relocate while the case is pending, start with our guide to out-of-state bail bonds. If monitoring is involved, see moving while on electronic monitoring.
A Holiday Travel Checklist
- Bond order checked for travel conditions
- Attorney consulted, and court approval obtained if required
- Bonding company approval, ideally in writing
- No court dates during the trip
- Monitoring provider notified, if you wear a device
- Phone charged and on
For the full list of what is expected while you are out, read our guide to defendant responsibilities while out on bail.
You can leave the state while out on bond in many situations. You just cannot do it quietly. Ask first, get it in writing, and come home before your next court date. Questions about a trip? Call our licensed agents 24/7 at (770) 627-3235.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave Georgia while out on bond?
Do I need my bail bondsman’s permission to travel?
What happens if I leave the state without permission while on bond?
Can I travel out of the country while out on bond?
What if there is a family emergency in another state?
About A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds
A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds has been reuniting families for nearly 20 years. With multiple offices across Georgia and Alabama, our licensed bail bond agents are available around the clock to provide fast, respectful service to every family we work with. Whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, we are here to help.
The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Bond conditions and travel restrictions are set by the court and the bond agreement, and they vary by county, judge, charge, and individual case. Laws, procedures, and requirements in Georgia can change, and individual circumstances vary. If you have specific legal questions about your situation, please consult a licensed attorney in Georgia. A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds is a licensed bail bond agency, not a law firm.
