Rule 27. PRE–TRIAL RELEASE PROGRAM · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 17, 2026
In one sentenceRule 27.2 lists the pre-trial release program’s core duties — gathering verified information on an accused seeking release, investigating and reporting to the judicial officer, monitoring compliance, and documenting outcomes so the court can return deposited bail on compliance or forfeit the bond and issue a bench warrant on noncompliance.
The duties involved in the proper functioning of the program shall include:
(A) Securing pertinent data and providing reports containing verified information respecting an accused who has agreed to be considered for release under the program;
(B) Conducting such investigation and interviews as may be necessary for the compilation of such reports and submitting the reports to an appropriate judicial officer;
(C) Monitoring and reporting to the court the compliance or noncompliance of an accused released under the program with the conditions of release;
(D) Providing appropriate documentation to the court respecting performance by an accused
complying with the conditions of release so that upon full performance by the accused the sheriff shall return to the party posting deposit bail that portion of the deposit not retained to defray administrative costs; and,
(E) Providing appropriate documentation to the court respecting performance by an accused not complying with the conditions of release so that the court having jurisdiction may:
(1)enter an order declaring the bond forfeit and requiring that any deposit held in escrow by the sheriff be paid into the county general fund;
(2)issue a bench warrant for the arrest of the accused.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 27.2 catalogs the work a pre-trial release program does for the court. Its staff gathers and verifies information about an accused person who has agreed to be considered for the program, investigates and interviews as needed to build a report, and hands that report to the judicial officer deciding release. Once someone is released under the program, the same staff tracks whether the person is following the conditions of release and reports back to the court.
That tracking feeds directly into what happens to any deposit the accused put up. If the accused complies fully, the program documents that performance so the sheriff can return the portion of the deposit not used to cover administrative costs. If the accused does not comply, the program documents that too, giving the court what it needs to declare the bond forfeit — sending the escrowed deposit to the county general fund — or to issue a bench warrant for the accused’s arrest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of information does the pre-trial release program gather about an accused person?
Verified information respecting an accused who has agreed to be considered for release under the program, compiled through investigation and interviews as needed.
Who receives the reports the program prepares on an accused person?
An appropriate judicial officer.
What happens to a deposit bail amount when the accused fully complies with the conditions of release?
The sheriff returns to the party who posted it the portion of the deposit not retained to defray administrative costs, once the program documents that performance for the court.
What can the court do if an accused does not comply with the conditions of release?
Enter an order declaring the bond forfeit, with any escrowed deposit paid into the county general fund, or issue a bench warrant for the accused’s arrest.
Does the program only report on people who fail to comply, or also on those who do comply?
Both — the rule requires documentation for the court regarding performance whether the accused complies or fails to comply with the conditions of release.
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
Also known as:Georgia pretrial release program dutiesUSCR Rule 27.2bond forfeiture pretrial release Georgiareturn of deposit bail Georgia compliancemonitoring conditions of release Georgia county