How do I resolve a warrant and turn myself in in Georgia?

The path to resolving a warrant in Georgia

You do not have to wait to be caught off guard. This is the ordered, on-your-own-terms way to handle it — each step points to an official source.

1. Step 1

   Identify the county and court that issued the warrant, then confirm it

   Call the clerk of the magistrate, state, or superior court in the county where the case is pending, or the county sheriff's warrant division, to get the case number and the charge. Confirm the record is actually yours.

   Official source

2. Step 2

   Ask about the surrender procedure and whether a bond is set

   Ask the court clerk or the sheriff's warrant division how to surrender or resolve the warrant and whether a bond amount is set or must be set by a judge. Follow the specific instructions for that county.

   Official source

3. Step 3

   Ask whether a motion to lift the bench warrant or set bond is available

   In some cases a court can recall a failure-to-appear bench warrant or set/reconsider bond on motion. The clerk can tell you the procedure to request a hearing. This is a procedural option, not a prediction of any outcome.

   Official source

4. Step 4

   Act during business hours

   Handling it during normal business hours lets the court and sheriff process the case and lets a judge address bond promptly rather than being held longer.

   Official source

Turning yourself in on your own terms in Georgia

Addressing a warrant on your own terms (by surrendering to the sheriff or appearing at the issuing court during business hours) lets you plan the timing, arrange transportation, and have funds ready, rather than being taken into custody unexpectedly during any police contact. This is a logistical point about timing and preparation only.

How bail and release work in Georgia

Where a surety bond is used, the bonding company charges a non-refundable premium (a fee for posting the bond). Because bonding is regulated county-by-county by the sheriff rather than by a single statewide rate, the fee varies but is commonly in the range of about 10% to 15% of the bond amount; confirm the exact figure with a licensed bonding company in the county involved.

Your rights. You have the right to talk to a lawyer about your situation, and if you cannot afford one, you can ask the court about a public defender.

A few cautions before you go

• Georgia has no statewide warrant database; identify the correct county and confirm the warrant with that county's court or sheriff, and verify the record is yours.
• Do not ignore it; the warrant stays active until cleared, can lead to arrest at any contact, and a missed court date can add charges and suspend your driver license on a traffic matter.
• Bonding is regulated at the county level; use only a bonding company approved by the sheriff of the county involved.
• Act during business hours so a judicial officer can address bond promptly.

Contact the issuing court or county sheriff in Georgia

A warrant is issued by a court and served by the county sheriff — they are who can confirm it and tell you the exact way to resolve it. Start with these official Georgia sources.

• State courts
• State police
• Criminal-history records

Common questions about resolving a warrant in Georgia

Sources & last verified

Everything here links out to official government or public-reference sources. We don't store or republish records.

• georgiacourts.gov
• dps.georgia.gov
• gbi.georgia.gov
• cobbsheriff.org
• georgiacourts.gov
• gbi.georgia.gov
• georgia.gov

Last verified 2026-07-23 · 7 sources