Richmond County DUI Bail Guide
Bail amounts, how bonds work, and what to expect when getting released from Richmond County jail in Augusta.
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 (within 10 yrs) | $10,000 - $25,000+ |
| High BAC (0.15+) | $3,000 - $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.
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 Richmond County Jail.
FAQ
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) relies on a decentralized network of private towing operators for DUI impounded vehicles.
DUI Bail and Release in Richmond County, Georgia: A Local Guide
If you or someone you know has been arrested for DUI in Richmond County (Augusta), Georgia, understanding the bail process is crucial. This guide provides specific information about navigating the local system.
Where to Post Bail
All bonding transactions and public interactions occur at the Visitor Center of the Charles B. Webster Detention Center (CBWDC), a specific annex of the facility. Note that this is different from the Sheriff’s Administration building located downtown. The CBWDC is located at 1941 Phinizy Road, Augusta, GA 30906. While booking is 24/7, it is advisable to confirm specific hours for administrative tasks at the Visitor Center.
Local Bond Options
Richmond County offers several options for securing release:
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Cash Bond (Self-Financed): Paying the full bond amount set by the magistrate. Payment can be made via cash, money orders, cashier's checks, or through the "Cash Bond Online" system. Be aware that refunds are not automatic and require proactive initiation with the Clerk’s Office upon case conclusion.
-
Professional Bonding Company (Surety Bond): Engaging a third-party commercial entity to post the bond in exchange for a non-refundable premium. The statutory rate in Georgia is typically 12% to 15% of the total bond amount. These companies offer speed and liquidity, especially for high bonds.
Release Timeline: Shift Change Impact
Be aware of "Shift Change" procedures at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center. During shift changes (typically occurring near 6:00 AM/PM or 7:00 AM/PM), all inmate movement ceases. This can add 2 to 4 hours to the detention time. Experienced bail bondsmen are aware of these windows.
Impounded Vehicles
Following a DUI arrest, the vehicle is seized and towed by private towing operators assigned via a rotation list managed by the RCSO. There is no centralized, real-time public database for impounded vehicles in Richmond County. Contact the Sheriff’s Records Bureau or decipher the incident report to identify which specific private lot holds the vehicle. The Records Bureau at 400 Walton Way is the central node for processing vehicle release requests.
Families or defendants are strongly advised to contact the Records Bureau (706-821-1010) immediately upon release to verify the vehicle's location and status (Hold vs. Release).
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