Rule 27. PRE–TRIAL RELEASE PROGRAM · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 17, 2026
In one sentenceRule 27.1 has the superior court judges appoint a director to run the pre-trial release program, set that director’s qualifications and pay, and gives the director authority to hire staff and, subject to the judges’ approval, write the program’s rules for conditional release and bench warrants.
Full Text of Rule 27.1
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The superior court judges, under whose authority the program shall function, shall appoint a director, setting the qualifications deemed necessary and appropriate for the office. The director shall:
(A) Be responsible for the supervision and execution of the duties enumerated hereinafter in connection with the program;
(B) Receive such compensation as may be set by the superior court judges from time to time subject to the approval of the governing authority;
(C) Hold office at the pleasure of the superior court judges;
(D) Employ such assisting and clerical staff as may be authorized and assign them as needed to discharge the functions of the program; and,
(E) Develop and promulgate rules, regulations and procedures pertaining to conditional release under the program, subject to the approval of the superior court judges, including such as pertain to the issuance of a bench warrant for the arrest of any individual released under the program who fails to comply with the conditions of the release.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 27.1 puts one person in charge of running a county’s pre-trial release program. The superior court judges who oversee the program appoint a director and decide what qualifications the job requires. That director answers directly to the judges — holding office at their pleasure — and receives compensation the judges set, subject to the county governing authority’s approval.
The director’s authority runs both ways: down to hiring and assigning the clerical and support staff the program needs, and up to writing the rules, regulations, and procedures that govern conditional release under the program, including the standards for issuing a bench warrant against someone released under the program who breaks its conditions. All of that rulemaking still needs the superior court judges’ sign-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who appoints the director of a county’s pre-trial release program?
The superior court judges under whose authority the program functions.
Who decides how much the program director is paid?
The superior court judges set the compensation, subject to the approval of the governing authority.
How long does the director hold the position?
The director holds office at the pleasure of the superior court judges.
Can the director write rules for issuing a bench warrant against someone who violates release conditions?
Yes, the director may develop rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to conditional release, including those for issuing a bench warrant for noncompliance, subject to the superior court judges’ approval.
Does the director have authority to hire staff for the program?
Yes, the director may employ assisting and clerical staff as authorized and assign them to carry out the program’s functions.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Uniform Superior Court Rules, published by the
Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia. Last verified July 17, 2026.
· Official source
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