How Long Can You Be Held Without Bond in Georgia?

Those who enter the United States illegally or overstay their Visas run the risk of being arrested by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency at any given time. Often, these arrests occur unexpectedly as the result of something as simple as a traffic stop. Because of the unpredictable nature, family members and the immigrants themselves are often caught off guard which can lead to added stress during an already difficult time. Learning that they are eligible for an immigration bond can offer some relief to everyone involved, but how long can you be held without bond in Georgia?

Once an immigrant is arrested by an ICE agent, they will be taken immediately to a local contracted prison or ICE facility. From there, they will be evaluated and their eligibility for bond will be determined. Typically, this occurs within 48-72 hours after the arrest is made but can be longer in certain circumstances. To determine eligibility for bond in Georgia, the ICE agency will take factors like employment status, criminal history, family ties and community standing into consideration. These factors will also play a large role in determining the price of the bond that is assigned by the agency, along with the type of bond.

There are two types of immigration bonds: a departure bond and a delivery bond.

Those who opt for a departure bond forgo their right to have their case heard in front of an immigration judge. Instead, they agree to leave the country on their own. This allows them to avoid having a deportation on their record and can increase their odds of returning to the United States in the future. Likewise, it can allow them the time that the need to get their affairs in order in the United States as well as in their home country. Generally, ICE grants immigrants with a departure bond somewhere between 30-90 days before they must leave. The minimum cost of a departure bond usually averages around $500, but can cost significantly more depending on the circumstances of the case.

Immigrants who wish to remain in the United States and fight their case in an immigration court will instead pursue a delivery bond. With a delivery bond, immigrants must appear at all future court hearings until their case is resolved or they run the risk of being arrested once again. The minimum cost of this bond is $1,500 and can extend upwards of $10,000 or more. It is often chosen because it allows immigrants to return home to loved ones and seek the advice of an immigration attorney as their case progresses through court.

Despite this, not all immigrants are eligible for immigration bonds. In some scenarios, those who have extensive criminal histories may be viewed as a risk to national security or the community. These immigrants will be held in what is known as mandatory detention until their case concludes. This means that they can be held for several months or more than a year without bond in Georgia.

Want to learn more about immigration, such as how long can you be held without bond in Georgia? Reach out to the experienced professionals at US Immigration Bonds today.