Cobb County Government
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Mission Statement:

To provide a pretrial release program to assist with inmate release and supervision of defendants with bond conditions until case completion and to serve as a neutral information gathering division for judicial officers in accordance with Rule 27 of the Uniform Superior Court Rules.

The Pretrial Division of Cobb County Magistrate Court is responsible for:

  • Interviewing in-custody defendants to determine their eligibility for court-ordered release programs
  • Verifying data and conducting criminal history checks
  • Supervising released defendants until adjudication

Data collected enables Magistrate judges to assess public safety issues, flight risks, and set appropriate bond conditions.

 

 
Recommendation Types

Click or tap on the recommendation type for more information.

Conditional Release
(Non-financial release) Eligible defendants are required to comply with certain conditions, often including limitations on association, movement and other activities, and defendants are supervised by Pretrial until their case is completed.
Personal Recognizance
(Non-financial release) Eligible defendants are required to comply with certain conditions issued by a judge but defendants are not supervised by Pretrial after their release.
Bond Reduction
Defendants unable to make a bond are reviewed for eligibility to receive a reduction in the bond and may require supervision.
10% Cash Deposit
The approved surety deposits 10% of the bond, including all state mandated fees, at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.  When the case is completed, 90% of the 10% deposit will be refunded to the surety by the State or Superior Court Clerk’s Office.

 

 

10% Surety Information

Potential sureties should call the Pretrial office for application instructions prior to coming to the office; do not contact jail personnel.

In order for the application process to be completed the same day the application is filled out, the surety must be in the Pretrial office between:

8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday
(Excluding Holidays)

Surety must remain in the Pretrial lobby until application information has been verified or surety will be automatically disqualified.

Cell phones must be turned off while in the Pretrial office.  Answering a phone or texting during the application process will automatically disqualify the surety.

Surety approval is not a guarantee that a judge will allow a Pretrial recommended 10% bond.  All 10% bonds must be approved by a judge.

The earliest the jail can begin to process an inmate for release on a 10% bond is 6:00 p.m.  Keep the cash receipt given to you at the jail; you will need it for your refund.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the defendant be under Pretrial supervision?

 Until completion of the case by plea, dismissal or verdict, or the Pretrial supervision is vacated.

Once the defendant is bonded out, are there any other fees?

Additional money is required for drug/alcohol testing, evaluations, counseling/treatment and electronic monitoring if ordered by the court.  Failure to pay will result in a bond revocation hearing. No money is collected in the Pretrial Office.

When do I get my 10% deposit back?

Upon completion of the case by dismissal, plea, or verdict.

Can Pretrial appoint an attorney or change a court date?

No.  For an appointed attorney, contact the Circuit Defender’s Office  (770-528-1950). For court dates, contact the Superior Court Clerk’s Office (770-528-1300) or the State Court Clerk’s Office (770-528-1246).

What other bonding options are there if Pretrial is not able to assist with the release?

Cash, property, or bonding company.  For additional non-Pretrial bond information, contact the Cobb County Adult Detention Center (770-499-4200).