What to do after release

Keep one complete set of records

Keep each case number, court and attorney contact, next appearance notice, release order, jail receipt, company agreement and collateral receipt together. If Pretrial Services supervises the release, follow the reporting directions in the order. Georgia’s 2025 HB 222 requires the names, mailing addresses, email addresses and phone numbers of the principal and each surety on the bond. Keep those contacts accurate and ask the clerk and surety how to report a change. The surety surrender law separately addresses failure to notify the surety of an address change. If a violation is alleged, give counsel the notice and facts promptly; the court may review or revoke release.

Source: Georgia HB 222, signed 2025 act · Georgia SB 63, signed 2024 act · Fulton Superior Court Pretrial Services · Georgia Code 17-6-1, public statute text

If a date changes or you cannot attend

Check the assigned court’s current record and confirm conflicting information with counsel and the clerk. Explain an attendance problem as soon as you know about it and ask counsel how to request relief. Keep proof of any filing and the court’s decision. A pending request is not permission to miss the existing date. If you already missed it, ask immediately about a warrant, reset and forfeiture rather than waiting for another letter.

Source: Fulton Clerk: current records access notice · Fulton State Court criminal division FAQs · Municipal Court of Atlanta FAQs

When the case ends, finish the separate money steps

Obtain a court or prosecutor record showing disposition and ask whether all related cases and bond obligations have ended. Direct cash refund, direct property lien cancellation and private collateral return follow different procedures. Keep the original receipt and recorded payer information. Ask the holder for its required disposition proof and written release of any lien or title claim. A company’s earned compensation is separate from refundable collateral; dismissal does not automatically convert that fee into a refundable cash deposit.

Source: Fulton Sheriff bond information · Georgia SB 63, signed 2024 act

How long do restrictions last?

Fulton says release conditions remain until the case concludes or the court modifies them. Ask counsel to confirm the actual ending event and obtain any written modification or termination. Separate probation sentences, protective orders and other cases can carry their own obligations. Do not stop reporting or assume a no contact order ended merely because a bond balance is zero.

Source: Fulton Magistrate Court: first appearance pamphlet · Fulton Superior Court Pretrial Services

Before travel outside Georgia

Read the court order, any pretrial or probation directions and the private agreement. Ask counsel what court permission is needed and obtain it before departing. Notify the supervising authority and surety as required. A company’s consent cannot override the court, and court permission does not automatically satisfy a separate contract notice rule. Georgia’s surrender compensation law specifically addresses failure to notify the surety when leaving the court’s jurisdiction; ask for the company’s written procedure.

Source: Georgia SB 63, signed 2024 act · Fulton Magistrate Court: first appearance pamphlet

Sources for this guide

1. Georgia HB 222, signed 2025 act
2. Georgia SB 63, signed 2024 act
3. Fulton Superior Court Pretrial Services
4. Georgia Code 17-6-1, public statute text
5. Fulton Clerk: current records access notice
6. Fulton State Court criminal division FAQs
7. Municipal Court of Atlanta FAQs
8. Fulton Sheriff bond information
9. Fulton Magistrate Court: first appearance pamphlet

Sources checked 2026-09-16. Follow the current order and the official instructions for the case.