Bulloch County Inmate Search
Inmate searches allow individuals to access details about those presently held in jail. The Bulloch County jail has an online database that offers insights including the inmate’s name, the charges against them, their gender, address, height, weight, bond amount, and the classification of the crime as a felony or misdemeanor. Such inquiries are commonly made by family members, friends, and defense attorneys aiming to expedite the release of the inmate. The database allows for searches based on the name of the inmate, a list of those arrested in the last 24-hours, or a search based on the date of the arrest. Furthermore, the platform indicates whether an inmate has been released.
Get Your Friend or Loved One Out of Jail Immediately
When someone you love or care about is arrested, there are myriad questions you will no doubt ask yourself. For example, how much will it cost to secure their release and how soon can you get them out?
Fortunately, our legal staff has direct access to the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office inmate database and we can help you find information quickly. Please call our law office at (912) 207-9664 for immediate assistance finding your friend or loved one in the jail.
Early involvement with a defense attorney can make all the difference. Not only can our attorneys get you the information you need quickly, but they can also work to protect your loved ones’ rights, reduce the bond amount, unearth any irregularities or violations during the initial arrest or detention, and even potentially negotiate a dismissal of charges or secure an early release.
To aid in your quest for answers, we’ve compiled the following which outlines the entire process – from the arrest to the bond process and into the negotiations that could help reduce or dismiss charges altogether.
The Arrest and Intake
There are several conditions which, under Georgia law, could be considered “an arrest.” It need not be as cut and dry as handcuffs and a reading of the Miranda rights. In some cases, physical restraint – either personally or in a police vehicle – can be considered an arrest.
Following the arrest, the individual will be taken to Bulloch County Jail where they will be booked. At this point they will be fingerprinted, photographed and registered. Along with taking any personal belongings, corrections officers will document personal information including social security number, ethnicity, weight and height. They will also search law enforcement data for any criminal record or previous aliases.
It is at this point that officials will determine whether the inmate is eligible to be released on bond.
The Bond Hearing
A key part of the legal process, bond allows those who have been accused of crimes to continue living their life normally until their case is decided in a court of law. By collecting some form of collateral, be it financial or otherwise, the court remains assured that the accused will appear on their appointed court date to argue their case.
In some cases, bond amounts are pre-set based on existing standards known as “bail schedules.” In others, particularly more serious felony cases, the court will require an investigation before it determines the amount of bond. During this investigation, the court will examine the likelihood that the accused will commit further crimes before trial, whether they are a flight risk, and whether their freedom could hinder law enforcement or endanger the community.
This investigation occurs as part of the bond hearing.
Bond and Bail
During the bond hearing, a judge will hear from both the prosecution and the defense, considering the evidence in the case and determining the amount of bail as well as any necessary conditions. These can include strict instructions that the accused avoid the victim, the location of the crime, and more.
Having an attorney present at this bond hearing is vital. Not only can they negotiate and file motions to reduce or modify the bond amount, but they can also raise initial doubts about the evidence collected against the accused. In some cases, their persuasion can be enough to render all charges dismissed or potentially reduced to a lesser offense.
Once bond has been determined, there are essentially two different types of bonds that could potentially be applied:
- Cash Bond requires a cash payment of the full bail amount to the court, with the funds being returned following the case as long as the accused reports at all mandatory court dates. This is applicable when the bond amount is lower, or confidence is high that the accused will report when called.
- Bail Bond, also known as a surety bond, calls for a bail bondsman or agency who will collect a percentage of the total bond while guaranteeing the remainder to the court. This “deposit” generally runs around 12 percent of the total bail amount and will serve as the bondsman or agency’s fee. Once it has been collected, the bondsman or agency will take responsibility for ensuring the defendant arrives at court.
Essentially, a cash bond is paid in its entirety to the court up front and may be returned. A bail bond allows a defendant to avoid paying the full amount by paying a smaller percentage, but the amount paid is not returned to them after trial.
Protecting Your Rights
The end goal with any criminal case is to protect your rights, and to ensure that charges are dismissed or reduced if possible before a trial begins. In the short term, this early intervention can result in fewer penalties and fines, a shorter or non-existent prison sentence and greater peace of mind. In the long term, it can help your loved one avoid the more lasting consequences of a criminal conviction, including a permanent mark on their record, decreased ability to secure housing and employment and reduced standing in their community.
Just because your loved one has been charged with a crime does not mean that they are guilty. If someone you care for has been arrested in Bulloch County, call Busbee Law Group today. Together, we can protect their rights and guide them toward the best possible outcome. Submit your information below to schedule a free, confidential legal consultation
