Bonding Procedures
A bail bond is a written promise to appear in court at the scheduled time and date, as ordered by the court, to answer the criminal charges which resulted in the arrest.
The actual bail bond document is signed by the Defendant (the arrested person)and the Surety (the person who posted the cash bond and/or the person whose name is on the cash bond receipt)to ensure that a criminal defendant will appear in court. The bail amount is set by the court.
If a bail bond is allowed, an arrested person can "post bond" and "bail out" of jail (avoid being jailed during the period before trial). A bail bond is forfeited if the defendant does not appear at all appointed court hearings.
A bond can be posted by the arrested person, family member, friend, or through a professional bonding company's bail bond agent.
These are the options for posting bonds:
- Cash Bond
- Professional Bonding Company
- Property Bond
- Transfer Bond
💵 Cash Bonds 💵
A cash bond is the total face value of the bond, plus required penalties, in cash. The Thomas County Sheriff's Office will accept only EXACT cash. We do not offer change. Make sure to have government issued picture ID for processing the bond.
🔗 Professional Bonding Company 🔗
Professional bonding companies provide "bail bond agents" who can post the full amount of the bond in exchange for a non-refundable fee. The names of Professional Bonding Companies authorized to do business in Thomas County are listed here:
| Mikes Bail Bonds Mike: 229-413-3450 |
S & S Bail Bonds Buddy: 229-224-3300 Boo: 229-393-4565 |
The above Bonding Companies are NOT listed in order of preference. The TCSO expresses no preference or recommendation as to which of the approved Bonding Company services to select. They are merely listed in alphabetic order as they would be in the telephone book
🏠 Property Bond 🏠
Property Bonds for persons held in the Thomas County Jail are executed and approved at the Jail, subject to the following conditions:
1. All parties listed as Owner(s) on the Property Deed must be present to sign the Bond. If one of the owners is deceased, a death certificate must be presented.
2, Owner(s) must present a state-issued identification (ID) card or driver's license to verify their identity.
3. Other Applicable Fees Include: a) A Non-refundable Property Bond Fee of $20 for each property bond form prepared by the Thomas County Sheriff's Office.
** A lien will be placed on your property. You are required to return to the TCSO with the disposition when the case is completed to have the lien removed. If defendant does not show for court you may lose your property.
✉️ Transfer Bonds ✉️
To obtain a transfer bond, you must take the required documents to the Sheriff's Office in the city where the property is located. The requestee will prepare the bond and place it in a sealed envelope. The bond should then be delivered to the Thomas County Jail to complete the bond process. It must be delivered on the same day the transfer is signed. If the envelope is open or tampered with the bond will not be accepted. You may be required to pay the bonding fee in that county; if so, please bring proof of payment to TCSO along with the bond.
The Thomas County Sheriff's Office is required by state law to charge a $20.00 non-refundable fee on all bonds. Professional bonding companies are authorized by law to charge 15% of bonds. This is compensation as surety on criminal bonds. 
