Seminole County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds

Last updated by Elizabeth Boyle

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Seminole County

Georgia • Seminole County • Bail & bond help

Seminole County bail and bond: Donalsonville, South Knox Avenue, and what to ask first

Seminole County in southwest Georgia has one county lockup, the Seminole County Jail in Donalsonville, which the Georgia Department of Corrections lists at 208 Court Street, beside the Sheriff's Office and the courthouse. Check Seminole County Inmate Search for a booking and a bond amount before you do anything else. The state's list gives 229-524-5115 for the jail, and a directory adds 229-524-8396. The county offices handle the court papers on South Knox Avenue. Do not confuse this county with Seminole County, Florida, which has a different jail.

My cousin was picked up in Donalsonville. How do I see if he is booked?

Enter his name in Seminole County Inmate Search. A fresh arrest may need a few hours to appear. If it still does not show, call 229-524-5115, the number on the state's jail list, and ask whether the Donalsonville police or a deputy made the arrest.

Back to questions ↑

Which jail do I mean, and is it the one in Florida?

Georgia's Seminole County jail is in Donalsonville, GA 39845. Web searches often turn up the Seminole County Sheriff in Sanford, Florida, which has a different phone and a different bond process. Ignore that office. Use only the Donalsonville numbers on this page.

Back to questions ↑

Where is the building?

The state corrections list shows 208 Court Street, Donalsonville. A directory adds that the entrance is on Court Street, not South Knox Avenue, and that the jail is attached to the Sheriff's Office and the courthouse. Call 229-524-5115 to confirm before you drive over.

Back to questions ↑

Who answers if I am not sure whether to call the jail or the Sheriff?

The state's list gives 229-524-5115 for the jail. A directory shows 229-524-8396 as a second jail line. Try the first number for custody and bond. Ask the same desk about property bonds and which bondsmen the Sheriff accepts.

Back to questions ↑

Where does a family member pay a cash bond?

A directory says cash bonds go to the jail's bonding window or the clerk of court, and lists cash, a cashier's check, or a money order. It gives no hours for either place. The Clerk of Superior Court is at 200 South Knox Avenue, and her line is 229-524-2525. Call before you go.

Back to questions ↑

Can I use a debit or credit card?

A directory says cards may be accepted for a fee, but that is general wording, not a Seminole rule. Ask 229-524-5115 whether any card option exists for a bond, what it costs, and who runs it. Money you put on a jail account is not bail.

Back to questions ↑

What are typical bond amounts here?

No Seminole County bond schedule turned up, so no dollar examples appear. Each judge sets a number after looking at the charge and the person. Watch Seminole County Inmate Search for the figure, and ask a lawyer if the number seems out of reach.

Back to questions ↑

Which judge sets the first bond?

Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 17-4-26) calls for a first appearance within 72 hours of arrest. A directory lists Seminole County Magistrate Court at the courthouse, 200 South Knox Avenue, with the same phone as the clerk, 229-524-2525. Ask that office when your person will be heard.

Back to questions ↑

What if the charge is murder or armed robbery?

Only a superior court judge may grant bail for murder, rape, armed robbery, and some other offenses on the list in O.C.G.A. 17-6-1. A magistrate cannot do it. The family should speak to a defense lawyer about asking for that hearing.

Back to questions ↑

Why is my son not allowed to sign his own release?

Georgia names a group of "bail restricted" crimes in O.C.G.A. 17-6-12, and burglary is one of them. For those, release on a signature alone is off the table. Cash, a bondsman, or sheriff-approved property is needed.

Back to questions ↑

How much will a bondsman cost?

Georgia caps the charge at 15 percent of the bond, with a floor of $50 for each charge when that is more (O.C.G.A. 17-6-30). Ask the Sheriff's desk at 229-524-5115 which bondsmen work in the county, and read the contract before signing. Do not hand over car titles or jewelry without a written receipt.

Back to questions ↑

Will the Sheriff take my land as security?

Georgia allows property approved by the sheriff of the county where the offense happened (O.C.G.A. 17-6-12). The details here, like whether the land must be inside Seminole County and how much equity is needed, are not posted online. A directory says double the bond is common. Phone 229-524-5115 and ask.

Back to questions ↑

When do I get cash back?

Usually after the case closes, less fines and costs. The clerk's office at 229-524-2525 can tell you where to ask. A bondsman's fee is not part of any refund.

Back to questions ↑

Is a court-paid lawyer possible in Donalsonville?

The Pataula Circuit Public Defender, 575 College Street, Blakely, GA 39823, serves Seminole and six other counties. The phone is 229-758-6236, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Back to questions ↑

Where do minors go?

The Department of Juvenile Justice lists the Judge Thomas Jefferson Loftiss II Regional Youth Detention Center, 101 Oakwood Trace, Thomasville, GA 31792, for Seminole County. Its state office is 404-508-6500. Young people do not appear in the adult search, so call to find them.

Back to questions ↑

What if a bonded person skips a date?

The court can issue a warrant and take the bond. Anyone who pledged land can lose it. Call the clerk at 229-524-2525 and a lawyer on the same day.

Back to questions ↑

What happens with a federal arrest?

Federal cases from Seminole County belong to the Middle District of Georgia, Albany Division. The courthouse is 201 West Broad Avenue, Albany, GA 31701, and the clerk answers at (229) 430-8432. A federal magistrate judge holds the first hearing and sets any release terms. The U.S. Marshals Service keeps custody before trial, so the person may sit in a local jail that rents beds to the Marshals. After sentencing, use the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.

Back to questions ↑

Seminole County bond contacts

Jail
Seminole County Jail, 208 Court Street, Donalsonville, GA 39845; 229-524-5115; second line in directories 229-524-8396
Bond guide
Seminole County jail bail and bond help
Sheriff
Donalsonville, GA; 229-524-5115
Custody lookup
Seminole County Inmate Search
Clerk and Magistrate Court
200 South Knox Avenue, PO Box 672, Donalsonville, GA 39845; 229-524-2525
City police
Donalsonville Police, 204 S. Woolfork Avenue; 229-524-2175
Public defender
Pataula Circuit, 575 College Street, Blakely, GA 39823; 229-758-6236
Youth detention
Loftiss Regional Youth Detention Center, 101 Oakwood Trace, Thomasville, GA 31792; state office 404-508-6500

Hours, fees, and phone lines may differ from what is written here, and a judge can order something else for your case. Ask the Sheriff or the clerk before you pay. This is not a substitute for a lawyer.

How do Bail Bonds work at Seminole County Jail

The Seminole County Sheriff recommends that you might want to use a bail bond agent licensed to do business in Seminole 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 Seminole 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 Seminole 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 Seminole County Jail, or the courthouse in Seminole County where the offense took place.

Call 229-524-8396 to find out the exact bond (plus other fees) amount, or look it up online by looking up the information on the Seminole County inmate locator.

Seminole County Jail

Address:
208 Court Street
Donalsonville, GA 39845
Phone:
229-524-8396

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Seminole County


Does Seminole County have bail?

What kind of bonds are accepted in Seminole County?

Who can set bail in Seminole County?

When is bail set in Seminole County Georgia?

 

 

Does Seminole County have bail?

Yes, Seminole County recognizes most types of bonds.

 

 

What kind of bonds are accepted in Seminole 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 Seminole 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 Seminole 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 Seminole 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 Seminole 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 Seminole 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, Seminole 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 Seminole 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 Seminole County have bail?  

Yes, Seminole County recognizes most types of bonds.

What kind of bonds are accepted in Seminole 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 Seminole 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 Seminole County Georgia? 

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

In Seminole 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 Seminole County Georgia?  

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

What options are there to pay bail in Seminole 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 Seminole County Jail for more information about posting bail in Seminole 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 Seminole 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 Seminole 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 Seminole County

Human-verified information Manually curated

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.