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.

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.

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:

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
(Excluding Holidays)

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.

10% Surety Requirements

Pretrial Court Services must secure information from potential sureties for approval before a 10% bond recommendation can be presented to a judge.

Prior to applying, the potential surety must meet the following criteria:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship/legal residence by providing a birth  certificate, passport, naturalized citizen or legal residence documents (Social Security cards are not  accepted)
• Resident of Georgia for one year
• Provide a valid Georgia driver’s license or I.D. Card
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Not be the victim or attorney in the pending matter
• Have no felony convictions
• Not on bond, probation, or parole
• Not be a surety on another bond
• Provide full name, address, and phone number for two references who will be contacted to verify surety information
• Cannot currently owe the Internal Revenue Service
• Must be currently employed and provide proof of employment for at least one (1) year

All defendants in custody are reviewed for release eligibility after their First Appearance hearing.  Pretrial cannot make release recommendations for defendants not in custody.  All recommendations must be approved by a judge.