DeKalb County DUI Bail Guide
Bail amounts, how bonds work, and what to expect when getting released from DeKalb County jail in Decatur.
Last verified: January 6, 2026
DUI Bail Amounts
| Offense | Bail |
|---|---|
| 1st Offense DUI | $1,000 - $5,000 |
| 2nd Offense (within 10 yrs) | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| 3rd+ Offense (Felony) | $10,000 - $25,000+ |
| High BAC (0.15+) | $2,500 - $7,500 |
| With Child Passenger | $10,000+ |
Amounts vary by criminal history, BAC level, and circumstances. Bondsman fee: 10-15% (non-refundable). O.C.G.A. 40-6-391 governs DUI offenses in Georgia.
Where to Post Bail
How Bail Bonds Work
The Process
Contact a bondsman
Available 24/7
Pay 10-15% fee
Non-refundable
Bondsman posts bail
They guarantee the court
You're released
Must attend all court dates
Co-Signer Warning
If you co-sign, you are legally responsible if the defendant fails to appear.
- 100% liable for full bail amount
- Collateral (house, car) can be seized
- Cannot cancel once signed
Release Timeline
Booking
2-8 hrsFingerprints, photos, background check
First Appearance
24-48 hrsJudge sets bail amount
Bail Posted
1-4 hrsPaperwork signed, fee paid
Release
2-6 hrsProperty returned
Booking
2-8 hours
Fingerprints, photos, background check
First Appearance
24-48 hours
Judge sets bail amount
Bail Posted
1-4 hours
Paperwork signed
Release
2-6 hours
Property returned
Total: 12-48 Hours
Weekends and holidays take longer at DeKalb County Jail.
FAQ
Following an arrest, a DeKalb County DUI defendant is transported to the DeKalb County Jail, located at 4425 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032.
DeKalb County Bail Amounts for DUI
For a first-time DUI offense, the bond amount typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,500. This amount can fluctuate based on the specific details of the arrest, such as the defendant's blood alcohol content (BAC) or any property damage involved. If the DUI charge is accompanied by additional offenses, such as Reckless Driving or Failure to Maintain Lane, those charges carry their own bond amounts, typically between $500 and $1,000, which are added to the DUI bond amount. Aggravated charges, such as Domestic Battery or Felony DUI, may result in a "No Bond" status. This means the defendant will be held in custody until a bond hearing can be scheduled before a Magistrate Judge, generally within 24 to 48 hours.
Where to Post Bail in DeKalb County
Bail can be posted at the DeKalb County Jail, situated at 4425 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032. The DeKalb County Bail Bonding Office is located within the jail facility.
Local Bond Payment Options
The DeKalb County Bail Bonding Office accepts the following payment methods:
- Cash Bond: Payment of the full bond amount in cash, cashier's check, or U.S. Postal Money Order. Note that a non-refundable fee of $20.00 is mandated by state law for all bonds. Personal checks are not accepted.
- Professional Bondsman: A commercial surety (bail bondsman) can be hired by paying a fee, typically 12% to 15% of the total bond amount. This fee is non-refundable. This is the most common route taken for higher bond amounts.
Release Timeline Following DUI Arrest
The booking process at the DeKalb County Jail can take considerable time. Intake procedures include medical screening, property inventory, fingerprinting, and identity verification. Inmates may experience waits of 10 to 14 hours in holding before being fully booked and eligible for bond. Shift changes occur around 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., during which inmate processing and release paperwork slow down. The DeKalb County Jail's general information phone number is (404) 298-8145, and the bonding information line is (404) 298-8195.
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