If you or a loved one has just been arrested for driving under the influence, the immediate priority is getting out of jail. The first question families ask is always: “How much is bail for a DUI in Georgia?”
The short answer is that for a standard, first-offense misdemeanor DUI, bail is typically set between $1,000 and $1,375. However, the exact amount depends on where you were arrested and what other charges were filed alongside the DUI.
How DUI Bail is Set in Georgia
Under Georgia law (OCGA § 17-6-1), everyone arrested for a misdemeanor—including a standard DUI—has the right to pretrial bail. The law specifically states that courts “shall not impose excessive bail” and must only require what is necessary to ensure you return for your court dates.
Because DUI is such a common charge, most local courts—including Walker County Magistrate Court—use a predetermined bond schedule. This means that when you are booked into the county jail, the bail amount is already set by statute for that specific charge. In most first-offense cases, you do not even need to wait to see a judge; as soon as you are processed (and sober), you can post the scheduled bond amount and be released.
Why Your Total Bail Might Be Higher
While the base DUI charge may have a bond of $1,000 to $1,375, your total bail amount can increase quickly. This happens because each additional criminal charge carries its own separate bond amount.
If you were pulled over and charged with a DUI, the officer likely wrote other citations as well. While minor traffic tickets (like a broken taillight) usually do not require extra bail, other misdemeanor charges will. For example, your total bail will be higher if you are also charged with:
- Open container of alcohol in the vehicle
- Reckless driving
- Driving on a suspended license
- Fleeing or attempting to elude
- Drug possession
Each of these charges is added to the base DUI bond, meaning a $1,200 DUI bond can easily become a $3,000 total bond if multiple offenses are alleged.
Paying the Bail: Cash vs. Bondsman
Once the bail amount is set, you generally have two ways to pay it:
1. Cash Bond: You or a family member can pay the full amount (e.g., $1,200) in cash directly to the jail. As long as you show up for all your court dates, this full amount will be refunded to you at the end of the case, regardless of whether you are found guilty or innocent.
2. Using a Bail Bondsman: If you do not have the full cash amount, you can hire a professional bonding company. In Georgia, a bondsman typically charges a fee of 10% to 15% of the total bond amount. For a $1,200 bond, you would pay the bondsman $120 to $180. This fee is non-refundable—it is the bondsman’s payment for taking on the financial risk of your release.
What to Do Immediately After Bailing Out
Getting out of jail is only the first step. The moment you are released, a 30-day clock begins ticking on your driver’s license.
If you were arrested for DUI in LaFayette, Rossville, Fort Oglethorpe, or anywhere in Walker County, you only have 30 days from the date of your arrest to file an appeal to save your driver’s license from automatic suspension.
Do not wait until your first court date to hire an attorney. Call Gordon Hall today at 706-333-5686 for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and protect your right to drive.