Johnson County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds

Last updated by Mark Miclette

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Johnson County

Georgia • Johnson County • Bail & bond help

Johnson County bail and bond: Wrightsville jail and what to do next

If a family member was arrested in Johnson County, check Johnson County Inmate Search first. It tells you whether the person is in the Johnson County jail in Wrightsville and what bond has been set. Sheriff runs the jail, and the Sheriff's Office answers at 478-864-4003. The county seat is small and the same few offices handle everything, so this page lists who to call for each step.

The arrest was in Johnson County. Is the person in jail right now?

Type the name into Johnson County Inmate Search. If you see a booking, note the charge and any bond. If not, wait a couple of hours and try again, since new bookings take time to post.

Still nothing? Call the Sheriff's Office at 478-864-4003. The county lists the sheriff and the jail under that one number.

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Who is the sheriff, and who runs the jail?

The county's contact list puts the sheriff's department and the jail together at 478-864-4003. The jail is in Wrightsville, and the Georgia Department of Corrections directory lists it at 290 Donovan-Harrison Road, phone 478-864-4100. The Johnson State Prison also sits in the county, but that is a state prison and does not take people arrested by local deputies.

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What happens at the first hearing?

Under O.C.G.A. 17-4-26, a person arrested on a warrant must be in front of a judicial officer within 72 hours. A magistrate judge usually handles it. The judge tells the person the charges, talks about bond, and may set the next court date.

For the hearing time, ask the Clerk of Superior Court at 478-864-3484.

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Where can the bond number be seen?

It shows on Johnson County Inmate Search once a judge has acted. If the bond line is empty, the first hearing may not have happened yet. Ask the Sheriff's Office at 478-864-4003 whether every charge has an amount.

A Johnson County bond schedule did not turn up on county or circuit sites, so this page gives no sample amounts here. Do not trust a number from a stranger.

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Where in Wrightsville do I pay?

Call 478-864-4003 before you leave home. Ask whether bonds are taken at the jail, what hours the window keeps, and which forms of payment they take. The courthouse in Wrightsville has been under renovation, so also ask the clerk at 478-864-3484 which door to use for court business.

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Cash, check, or card?

Bring cash or a cashier's check or money order if the jail confirms it takes them. A personal check is a gamble. For cards and any fee on them, the answer comes from the Sheriff's Office at 478-864-4003. Write down the name of whoever you speak with.

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Is a bondsman worth the fee for Johnson County?

If the bond is more than you can pay, a licensed professional bondsman may help. You pay a fee, and Georgia sets a ceiling on it: O.C.G.A. 17-6-30(a) allows up to 15 percent of the bond, or $50 per bonded charge if that is higher. The state Department of Insurance licenses these agents. Ask for every charge in writing.

The Sheriff's Office at 478-864-4003 may be able to say whether a company can post bonds at the jail. Staff in some Georgia counties will not recommend a name, so do your own checking.

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Is a deed to land or a house good enough?

Possibly. O.C.G.A. 17-6-12 says release can be secured with property that the sheriff of the county where the offense occurred approves. The code does not give the sheriff's tests, so call 478-864-4003 to ask what proof of ownership and equity they want, and whether property outside Johnson County is allowed.

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Why would the bond line be blank or say none?

Georgia limits who can set bail for the worst charges. O.C.G.A. 17-6-1 lists offenses, such as murder, rape, and armed robbery, that only a superior court judge can bail. A hold from probation or another county also stops release, and the bail restricted list in 17-6-12 bars release on a promise alone.

Ask the clerk at 478-864-3484 when a superior court judge will be available.

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Can I ask the sheriff to lower it?

No. The sheriff follows what the judge ordered. A lawyer can file for a bond hearing. Bring pay stubs, a lease, and the names of people who will vouch for the person.

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Does the city have its own police?

The county's contact page lists no separate police department. If a state trooper, a Wrightsville officer, or another agency made the arrest, ask for the report number and look the name up on Johnson County Inmate Search. Call 478-864-4003 if the search stays blank.

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Who defends a Johnson County person who has no money?

Johnson County is part of the Dublin Judicial Circuit. Its public defender office is at 1506 Bellvue Road, Dublin, GA 31021, open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone is 478-272-7210. The office lists no branch in Wrightsville. Ask the judge to appoint counsel at the first hearing.

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Where would a juvenile be taken?

The state assigns Johnson County to the Cadwell Regional Youth Detention Center, 2839 Railroad Avenue, Cadwell, GA 31009. Call the state juvenile agency at 404-508-6500. Juvenile matters are sealed from the adult search, and the clerk at 478-864-3484 can tell you which judge handles the case.

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If court is missed, what then?

A judge can order an arrest and call the bond forfeited. Call the clerk at 478-864-3484 immediately, and tell the lawyer or bondsman. Do not wait for a letter.

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Is my cash coming back?

Cash held by the court is settled under the judge's order after the case closes, and fines and fees can come out of it. Ask the clerk at 478-864-3484 how a return is requested and hold on to your receipt.

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Is that bail call real?

Be wary of anyone who asks for gift cards or app payments. Courts do not call to demand money. If something feels wrong, hang up and phone the county office at 478-864-3388 or the Sheriff's Office at 478-864-4003.

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What if federal agents made the arrest?

Not every arrest stays in county court. A federal charge from Johnson County is filed in the Southern District of Georgia and heard in its Dublin Division: 100 North Franklin Street, Dublin, GA 31021 (not always fully staffed), phone 478-272-2121. A federal magistrate judge decides whether the person can go home before trial. The U.S. Marshals hold federal detainees, sometimes in a county jail by contract. For someone already sentenced, check the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.

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Johnson County bond contacts

Jail
Johnson County jail, 290 Donovan-Harrison Road, Wrightsville, GA 31096; Sheriff, 478-864-4003; jail line in the state directory 478-864-4100
Bond guide
Jail bond guide
Custody lookup
Johnson County Inmate Search
Clerk of Superior Court
East Elm Street (P.O. Box 321), Wrightsville, GA 31096; 478-864-3484
Probate Court
Judge, 478-864-3316
County office
2484 West Elm Street, Wrightsville, GA 31096; 478-864-3388; Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Public defender
Dublin Circuit, 1506 Bellvue Road, Dublin, GA 31021; 478-272-7210
Youth detention
Cadwell Regional Youth Detention Center, 2839 Railroad Avenue, Cadwell, GA 31009; state line 404-508-6500

Numbers, hours, and fees can change, and a judge may order a different amount. Confirm by phone before you pay. This page is general information in plain language, not a substitute for a lawyer.

How do Bail Bonds work at Johnson County Jail

The Johnson County Sheriff recommends that you might want to use a bail bond agent licensed to do business in Johnson County.

However if you don't want to use a bail bond agent:

  • You can always pay a cash bond yourself, or use your home in Johnson County, or in some cases the state of Georgia, but the benefit of using a bail bond agent is that they take responsibility for making sure the inmate shows up for court in Johnson County, and if they don't, then they take the financial responsibility.
  • The typical fee for a bond in Georgia is between 10-20% of the bail amount; usually 15% or less.  So if an offender has a bail of $10,000.00, their bond will be $1500.00.
  • Pay by cash, cashier's check, money order or credit card at the Johnson County Jail, or the courthouse in Johnson County where the offense took place.

Call 478-864-4003 to find out the exact bond (plus other fees) amount, or look it up online by looking up the information on the Johnson County inmate locator.

Johnson County Jail

Address:
230 Donovan-Harrison Rd.
Wrightsville, GA 31096
Phone:
478-864-4003

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Johnson County


Does Johnson County have bail?

What kind of bonds are accepted in Johnson County?

Who can set bail in Johnson County?

When is bail set in Johnson County Georgia?

 

 

Does Johnson County have bail?

Yes, Johnson County recognizes most types of bonds.

 

 

What kind of bonds are accepted in Johnson County?

Georgia offers several types of pre-trial release including own recognizance, cash bond, property bond & surety. The court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest.

 

 

Who can set bail in Johnson County?

In many cases Georgia follows a pre-set bail schedule, so sheriffs & constables are able to accept bail immediately after processing. For those offense where immediate release in not permitted, or when a defendant does not qualify for immediate release, bail will be determined by a judge.

 

 

When is bail set in Johnson County Georgia?

Georgia uses a pre-set bail schedule, meaning the bail is set based on the offense and thus us know to police at the time of arrest. In cases where bail is not pre-set, or the defendant does not qualify for immediate release, a judge of the superior court will determine bail at a bail hearing. This hearing shall be scheduled with 48 – 72 hours depending on the classification of the crime the defendant is accused.

What is Bail?

Bail is what the arrested in Johnson County must pay or do to stay out of jail until the first court appearance. 

The agreement to bail acts as a promise that the arrested will return to court for court dates and trial. Bail usually refers to a dollar amount, but bail can also mean something that has to be done, or a condition such as reporting to an officer of the court, a curfew, restraining orders or attending a treatment program. 

Bail is usually a significant enough amount of money and/or condition that the person will be negatively impacted and has incentive to return to court and not flee. A flight risk usually means that the person would flee the area, and not necessary that they are going to take an airplane. 

If a judge in Johnson County feels that the arrested will return to court for further proceedings, the arrested could be released under a conditional release without needing to pay bail money. This is called Released on Own Recognizance, or ROR.  

Conditions for ROR might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court. 

A bond proceeding is the determination of how much bail is to be paid and usually happens before arraignment. A Bond hearing is a determination by a magistrate to determine an amount a person may pay to be released while the case is pending. Sometimes certain crimes will have preset bonds, that can become payable the moment an arrest is made. 

The minimum bond in Georgia is $1,000. If a court seeks a bond lower than that then it must be an OR bond, meaning the accused shall be released on their own recognizance, with no money down. During bond proceedings, the defendant is not required to have an attorney but has the right to an attorney if the defendant want one. 

If the judge or bail schedule determines that the defendant would be a danger to the public if they were released, bail can be denied, and the person will be detained in the Johnson County Jail until the case is resolved or goes to trial. 

Bail can be denied if the defendant did not comply with bail conditions from a previous arrest. Bail is usually denied in cases of violent offenses. 

What is the difference between Bail and Bond?

Bail and bond are used interchangeably to mean the same thing but technically, they are different.

The bail is the amount to be paid and a bond is a signed document promising payment of the bail amount with certain conditions.

Think of a bond as a loan to pay for the bail.  

The bond payment is always written to the court in your municipality, Johnson County or district directly and does not go through the defendant. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.  

The thought of being in jail can cause the arrested to panic and try to secure a bond immediately.  

DO NOT panic and take the time to understand all the options.  

More courts are now trying to work with defendants to make bail work and might provide non-monetary options or even reduce the bail.  

Payments to a bond company are not refundable. It is a long process to get back property title or money that was given to the clerk of court or bondsperson to secure the bond. This could put your loved ones into a difficult financial situation. 

Another reason not to unnecessarily rush into securing a bond is that if the court notes that you came up with the money to pay a bond company, they may assume you have resources to pay a defense attorney and decline public defense.  

On the other hand, as anyone who has ever been involved in their criminal defense understands, fighting your case while ‘out on the streets’ gives you a much better chance of either winning, or getting a more favorable sentence.  

What are the different types of bonds in Johnson County?

Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which types of bonds are available to them.

To describe the types of bonds, let’s use an example of buying your neighbor’s car. Your neighbor decides the price of the car and how they would be paid.

Similarly, the court (meaning a police or bail officer, clerk of court, bail magistrate or judge) determines the bail amount and how it would be paid.

Here are different options that the seller of the car or the court might consider:

You could pay full asking price for the car in cash. This is similar to paying cash bail. The full amount of bail would be paid to the town or county clerk or at the jail. Cash, cashier’s checks and credit cards are usually accepted.

You could sign an agreement on your own or with another person to pay for the car at a future date knowing that your neighbor would know where to find you if you stopped payment.

This would be similar to a cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond which are bonds to where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front. 

If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you. 

Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible for making sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.

Surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.

You can put a deposit down for your neighbor’s car and sign an agreement that the car will be paid off at a later date. Cash percentage in lieu of bonds is when the defendant pays a percentage of the bail amount, usually 10%, to the court which then holds the money until the case is over. 

The amount is returned to the person who paid the 10% after the case is over. In most cases, the full amount is not returned if there are court fees or fines due. This is a type of surety bond if another person signs the bond paperwork.

You could sign an agreement that if the car were not paid off, that your neighbor would get your house or something of value.

A property bond is a bond that the courts might consider in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate (mobile homes are not accepted).  

Usually, the property must be in the same state as the courts, and it must be worth at least 1 ½ - 2 times the amount of the bond.  

There are multiple court fees involved to execute a property bond with the courts and a tedious process to get the property deed back. This is another type of surety bond if another person or a bond company is used to secure the bond. 

You could also go to a local bank and take out a car loan offering property or anything of value for collateral. You may get someone to co-sign on the loan and offer their property. The bank charges fees, interest and could keep your property if you did not pay the loan back, or even on time.  

A professional bondsperson makes money, at least 10% of the bond amount by providing you with a “loan” called a bond. The percent that they charge is fixed by the state and cannot be negotiated. The defendant or surety does not get that 10% or more back even if the terms of the bail are met. 

With a property bond, the property deed would need to be signed over to the bondsperson and everyone on the deed would need to be involved. 

Since the bondsperson signed off, to be responsible that you show to court as your surety, they can send a bounty hunter to bring you to court if you flee. A bondsperson does not have to give you a bond if the defendant seems to be too much of a risk.

Ask the bondsperson to explain all the costs: percentage, fees or court fees. There is never a reason to rush through signing the paperwork with a bond company.  Make sure that everything told to you is in writing and that you understand what you are signing. Ask questions, and if you feel rushed or don’t understand the contract with the bond company, you might want to call another one.

(There have been phone scams where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information.  A bondsperson will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.)

Does Johnson County have bail?  

Yes, Johnson County recognizes most types of bonds.

What kind of bonds are accepted in Johnson County? 

Georgia offers several types of pre-trial release including own recognizance, cash bond, property bond & surety. The court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest.

Who can set bail in Johnson County?

In many cases Georgia follows a pre-set bail schedule, so sheriffs & constables are able to accept bail immediately after processing. For those offense where immediate release in not permitted, or when a defendant does not qualify for immediate release, bail will be determined by a judge.

When is bail set in Georgia?

Georgia uses a pre-set bail schedule, meaning the bail is set based on the offense and thus us know to police at the time of arrest. In cases where bail is not pre-set, or the defendant does not qualify for immediate release, a judge of the superior court will determine bail at a bail hearing. This hearing shall be scheduled with 48 – 72 hours depending on the classification of the crime the defendant is accused.

Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Johnson County Georgia? 

Yes, if there are extenuating circumstances and the judge set the initial bail, your attorney can request a bond reduction.

In Johnson County Georgia, who can pay bail for me? 

The person posting bail should be a relative or close friend, called a surety, because they are promising and taking responsibility that you will return to court to get their money back. 

A surety is not responsible for court fees or paying off personal debts for the defendant. A professional bondsperson who is approved by the State of Georgia could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.

Can bail be paid online in Johnson County Georgia?  

Yes, Georgia does offer online bail payment. Please contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail. Go to the Johnson County Jail for more information about the jails in Johnson County.

What options are there to pay bail in Johnson County Georgia? 

Cash or security; credit card in some counties. The security may be either cash or property. Bail may be posted at the appropriate county jail or sheriff’s office in which the defendant is charged. 

Please contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted. Go to the Johnson County Jail for more information about posting bail in Johnson County.  

Will I get all my bond money back in Georgia? 

Bail money is returned to the person who paid the bail; in whole or in part once the case is finished.

There may be fees, restitution (money to pay for damage caused by the crime) or fines that come out of that amount. If you used a bondsperson, you would not get your 10% back. Property is returned by the court or bondsperson after the appropriate requests and formal paperwork are completed with the court.

Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Johnson County? 

The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bail will be an option for you, but a cash bond and PR bonds usually do not require cash down, though you might have to pay court fees.

A cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond are bonds where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front. 

If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you. 

Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible to make sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.  A surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.

What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in Georgia?  

The Johnson County Jail or court in this jurisdiction can provide you with a list of approved and licensed bond companies, but they cannot recommend a specific company. You are not obligated to use the first company available and can call several companies to compare what kind of bonds that the bondsperson is willing to execute.  

The percentage of bail that the bond company can charge is set, usually at 10%, by the state and cannot be negotiated.

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Johnson County

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Every detail on this page is checked by hand, not scraped. This unofficial directory helps friends and family of incarcerated individuals find critical information — inmate lists, locations, bail resources, visitation hours, rules, and text, phone, email, and mail services — for jails, detention centers, and prisons across the United States.