Forsyth County DUI Bail Guide

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office HEAT Unit is the primary spearhead for DUI enforcement within the county. This specialized operational detachment is part of the Traffic Specialist Unit and operates under grants provided by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS).

DUI Bail in Forsyth County, Georgia: A Local Guide

If you've been arrested for DUI in Forsyth County, understanding the bail process is crucial to securing your release from jail. This guide provides specific information about how bail works locally.

Typical Bail Amounts

For a standard first-time DUI offense in Forsyth County, expect a bond ranging from $1,500 to $2,500. Be aware that any additional charges accompanying the DUI, such as Failure to Maintain Lane, Open Container, or Speeding, will each carry their own bond amount, typically in the $300-$500 range, and these amounts are cumulative. If the DUI involved an act of Family Violence (e.g., a spouse was a passenger and endangered), the standard bond schedule does not apply, and you'll be held until a Magistrate Judge sets the bond, potentially delaying release by 24 to 48 hours.

Where to Post Bond

The "Bonding Window" is located in the main lobby of the Forsyth County Detention Center, accessible to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The address is 202 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Cumming, GA 30040.

Local Bond Options

Forsyth County accepts three primary forms of bond:

• Cash Bond: The full face value of the bond must be deposited in cash with the Sheriff’s Office. Money orders, cashier's checks, and personal checks are not accepted.
• Commercial Surety Bond (Bonding Company): A third-party company guarantees the bond in exchange for a non-refundable fee, typically 12% to 15% of the total bond amount. A list of approved bonding companies is displayed on a monitor in the jail lobby. Jail staff are legally prohibited from recommending a specific company.
• Property Bond: A landowner can use the equity in their real estate to secure the release. The property must be located within Forsyth County. You'll need to bring the Warranty Deed and a current paid tax bill to the jail. The unencumbered equity (assessed value minus any mortgage) must typically be double the amount of the bond. All persons named on the deed must be physically present with valid ID to sign the bond. If the property is in another Georgia county, the process is known as a "Bond Over." The paperwork must be prepared by the Sheriff of the property's county (who verifies the value) and then physically transported to the Forsyth County Jail.

Pre-Trial Conditions

Upon bonding out, be aware that the bond paperwork often includes a "Fourth Amendment Waiver," consenting to random search and seizure, and a prohibition on alcohol consumption.

The Forsyth County Detention Center is located at 202 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Cumming, GA 30040.