In lieu of the bail deposit provided for above, any person for whom bail has been set may execute the bail bond with or without sureties which bond may be secured by:
Rule 27.4.Security Bail Other Than 10% Bail
Rule 27. PRE–TRIAL RELEASE PROGRAM · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 17, 2026
In one sentenceRule 27.4 lets a person for whom bail has been set secure a bail bond three other ways besides the program’s 10% deposit — a cash deposit equal to the full bail, unencumbered Georgia real estate worth double the bail, or a bond written by a licensed professional bail bondsman.
Full Text of Rule 27.4
(1) Cash–by a deposit with the sheriff of an amount equal to the required cash bail; or
(2) Property–by real estate located within the State of Georgia with unencumbered equity, not exempted, owned by the accused or surety, valued at double the amount of bail set in the bond; or
(3) Professional–by a professional bail bondsman authorized by the sheriff and in compliance with the rules and regulations for execution of a surety bail bond.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 27.4 covers the accused who is not going through the pre-trial release program’s 10% bail option, or whose case is not eligible for it. The rule offers three ways to secure a bail bond instead. The first is direct: a cash deposit with the sheriff equal to the full bail amount that has been set.
The second uses real property — unencumbered, non-exempt equity in Georgia real estate owned by the accused or a surety, valued at double the bail amount, which gives the court a cushion if the property has to be sold to cover a forfeiture. The third route is the traditional one: a bond written by a professional bail bondsman who is authorized by the sheriff and follows the rules governing surety bonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three ways to secure a bail bond under Rule 27.4?
A cash deposit equal to the bail amount, real estate located in Georgia with unencumbered equity valued at double the bail, or a bond executed by a professional bail bondsman authorized by the sheriff.
If real estate is used to secure a bail bond, how much must it be worth?
The unencumbered, non-exempt equity in the property must be valued at double the amount of bail set in the bond.
Must the real estate used to secure bail be located in Georgia?
Yes, the rule requires real estate located within the State of Georgia.
Can a friend or family member’s property be used to secure someone else’s bail bond?
Yes, the property may be owned by the accused or a surety, not only by the accused personally.
Does a bail bond executed with a professional bondsman need the sheriff’s involvement?
Yes, the professional bail bondsman must be authorized by the sheriff and comply with the applicable rules and regulations for executing a surety bail bond.
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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