Many people misunderstand how bail bonds actually work, especially during the stress of an arrest. From assuming fees are negotiable to believing collateral is always required, these myths can lead to unnecessary delays or financial loss. In Georgia, bail bond fees are legally fixed at 15%, and while collateral may be requested, it’s not always required. Bail bondsmen are private professionals—not law enforcement—who help defendants secure release and ensure court appearances. Knowing the facts can help families make informed, timely decisions when it matters most.
Bail bonds are one of those topics most people don’t think about until they’re suddenly forced to. In that moment, stress and misinformation can lead to costly mistakes. Misunderstandings about how the bail system works—and how bail bond agents operate—can keep people in jail longer than necessary, or lead them to overpay.
Let’s clear the air. Below, we take a closer look at ten of the most common bail bond myths and explain what the process really looks like here in Georgia.
Myth #1: Bail Bondsmen Can Negotiate Their Fee
Truth: In Georgia, the bail bond fee is set by law at 15% of the total bond amount.
This isn’t negotiable. Whether the bond is $1,000 or $100,000, the bondsman is legally required to charge 15% and cannot reduce or waive the fee to undercut competitors. If someone offers to do it for less, that’s a red flag—they may not be properly licensed.
Myth #2: You Always Need Collateral to Get a Bond
Truth: Collateral is sometimes required, but not always.
Bail bondsmen may request collateral depending on the size of the bond, the charges involved, and the defendant’s risk level. But in many cases—especially for lower bonds or first-time offenders—no collateral is required at all. When collateral is requested, it could be in the form of cash or real estate.
Myth #3: Bail Bondsmen Can Carry Guns Without Limits
Truth: In Georgia, a licensed bail bondsman may carry a firearm, but only if they meet specific requirements.
Bail recovery agents and licensed bonding agents are allowed to carry weapons when acting in their official capacity, but they must comply with Georgia’s firearms laws. That means having a valid weapons carry license, following all use-of-force restrictions, and undergoing training if required. A bondsman who isn’t acting as a bounty hunter doesn’t automatically get law enforcement powers.
Myth #4: Bail Bondsmen Work for the Courts
Truth: Bail bondsmen are private business owners, not government employees.
A bail bondsman’s job is to secure a defendant’s release from jail by guaranteeing their appearance in court. They are licensed and regulated by the state, but they do not work for the police, the jail, or the prosecutor’s office. Their loyalty is to the person who hired them.
Myth #5: Once You’re Out on Bond, You’re Free Until Trial
Truth: Being out on bond means you’re still under court supervision.
The court may impose travel restrictions, curfews, or even require regular check-ins. Missing a court date while out on bond can result in immediate arrest, bond forfeiture, and even additional criminal charges. Staying in touch with your bondsman and following the terms of your release is essential.
Myth #6: Only Family Can Post a Bond
Truth: Anyone can work with a bail bondsman—family, friends, employers, or even unrelated third parties.
The bondsman doesn’t require a specific relationship to the defendant. What matters is that the person signing the bond agreement understands their responsibility and can pay the required 15% fee (and provide collateral if needed).
Myth #7: You Get the 15% Bond Fee Back When the Case Ends
Truth: The 15% is the bondsman’s fee—it’s nonrefundable.
That fee covers the risk the bondsman takes in guaranteeing the full bail amount. You don’t get that money back, even if the case is dismissed or the charges are dropped. What you can get back is any collateral, provided the defendant meets all court obligations.
Myth #8: Bail Bonds Are Only for Felonies
Truth: Bonds can be issued for both misdemeanor and felony charges.
Even relatively minor offenses—like DUI, shoplifting, or marijuana possession—can carry a bail amount.
Myth #9: A Bail Bondsman Can Arrest You Anytime
Truth: Bondsmen have limited authority and must follow the law like anyone else.
If a defendant fails to appear in court, the bail bondsman (or a licensed recovery agent) may pursue them to avoid paying the full bond amount to the court. But they cannot use excessive force, violate private property laws, or impersonate law enforcement. Georgia law sets clear boundaries for what bondsmen and recovery agents can do—and crossing those lines can lead to legal trouble.
Myth #10: You Should Wait to Call a Bondsman Until You’re Charged
Truth: The earlier you get a bondsman involved, the better.
In many cases, a bondsman can begin preparing paperwork as soon as you know a person has been arrested—even before the bond is formally set. That allows for a quicker release once the court issues the bond order. Delays only mean more time spent in jail and more stress for the person inside.
Arrested in Macon-Bibb County? Don’t Wait in Jail; Call All State Bonding: 478-745-1966
All State Bonding is located in downtown Macon, directly across the street from the Bibb County Jail. We’re available 24/7, and all our bonding decisions are made on-site, so you never have to wait for an answer.
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