When life takes an unexpected turn, and you or someone you love faces an arrest in Savannah, Georgia, trudging through the legal waters can feel overwhelming. Whether your goal is securing a timely release from custody or ensuring proper representation from the start, you need a trusted, aggressive advocate by your side.
Stacey M. Goad, founder of the Atlantic Law Firm, is the Savannah bond attorney you can trust to fight for your freedom. With insider knowledge, over 15 years of criminal law experience, and a deep passion for justice, Stacey brings clarity and confidence to an otherwise daunting process.
Savannah Bond Guide
- What Is a Bond, and Why Is It Crucial in Savannah?
- What Makes Stacey M. Goad & The Atlantic Firm the Right Bond Lawyer for You?
- The Savannah Bond Process – Here’s What to Expect
- How Does a Bond Hearing Work?
- Key Factors Judges Consider During Bond Hearings
- Call The Atlantic Firm Today for Dedicated Defense
What Is a Bond, and Why Is It Crucial in Savannah?
After an arrest, one of the first and most pressing concerns is regaining your freedom. A bond, often called bail, is the financial guarantee set by the court that permits your release from custody until your trial or court date.
Having your bond set fairly and ensuring you can secure that release is critical for protecting your job, relationships, and ability to effectively prepare a defense.
However, bond hearings are complex and require persuasive legal arguments far beyond what the average person can accomplish on their own.
What Makes Stacey M. Goad & The Atlantic Firm the Right Bond Lawyer for You?
The legal world has plenty of attorneys who claim to “fight for you,” but actions speak louder than words. Stacey M. Goad stands out as a Savannah bond lawyer who delivers results, time after time, for clients facing daunting criminal charges.
Here’s why she’s the legal ally you need on your side:
- A justice fighter: Stacey doesn’t just defend cases—she fights for lives. Her approach communicates a clear message to clients and to the state prosecution alike: “Your life matters.” She treats every case with the urgency and care it deserves.
- Former prosecutor turned defense pro: Stacey spent years working as a prosecutor with the State of Georgia. She built cases designed to convict individuals.
Today, she uses that insider’s knowledge to dismantle those same prosecutions—from challenging evidence to questioning witnesses to exposing weak points in the state’s case.
- Aggressive representation: Stacey is relentless when pursuing the best outcome for her clients. She doesn’t back down, whether it means arguing for the lowest possible bond amount or challenging unfair conditions. Her goal is that you or your loved one regain freedom as quickly as possible.
- Skilled in handling all criminal cases: Although DUI and drug charges are her signature areas of focus, she excels at securing bonds for clients facing violent felony accusations, sex crimes, and other charges. No matter the nature of the arrest, Stacey will help you start your case on the right foot.
The Savannah Bond Process – Here’s What to Expect
When under arrest, understanding what happens next can ease some of the anxiety.
- Arrest and custody
After being taken into custody, you or your loved one will be processed at the local jail. For those in the Savannah area, this typically means the Chatham County Detention Center.
At this stage, it’s vital to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately to start working on your bond hearing.
- First appearance
Within 72 hours of your arrest, you must be seen by a judge. This is called your “first appearance.” You will be notified of the charges pending against you. In most instances, you will also have the opportunity to be considered for bond.
- Bond hearing
At the bond hearing, the judge decides whether to grant bond and sets the amount and conditions. You need a lawyer by your side to argue for the most reasonable bond possible. You want Stacey Goad by your side.
- Conditions of bond
Beyond the dollar amount, judges often impose conditions such as curfews, travel restrictions, etc. Stacey ensures these conditions are reasonable, giving her clients the breathing room they need while awaiting trial.
- Securing release
Once a bond is granted and posted, you’ll be released from custody. From there, Stacey continues fighting for you every step of the way, building a bold, strategic defense tailored to your case.
How Does a Bond Hearing Work?
Bond hearings determine whether the defendant:
- Is a flight risk;
- Poses a danger to the general public;
- Will likely try to influence or intimidate the witnesses;
- Will commit another crime.
A bond is actually collateral, such as money, a security deposit, or valuable assets.
The judge can grant several different kinds of bonds:
- Cash bond – The defendant or their loved one pays the bond in cash.
- Property bond – The piece of property will be the collateral.
- Surety bond – A bail bond company posts the bond on the defendant’s behalf.
The money or the collateral is returned when the defendant appears in all court hearings.
Key Factors Judges Consider During Bond Hearings
Securing a bond requires more than just asking nicely; it involves an in-depth understanding of the factors influencing a judge’s decision. Stacey leverages her years of experience to address these factors persuasively, giving you the best possible chance at securing release.
Some of the key considerations include:
- The nature of the charges: Serious charges like violent felonies often face stricter conditions. Stacey has extensive experience navigating these high-stakes scenarios.
- Flight risk: The court analyzes whether the individual poses a risk of fleeing the area. Stacey mitigates this risk by showing rooted ties to the community, such as employment and family.
- Community safety: Judges consider whether releasing the defendant may endanger others. Stacey presents strong arguments to counteract any such claims.
- Past record of attendance: Securing bond can be trickier for individuals who’ve failed to appear in court. Stacey works to build trust and credibility in front of the judge.
An arrest can feel like the end of the world—but it isn’t. With strong legal representation, you can protect your future. Stacey’s motto, “Your life matters,” underscores every action she takes for her clients.
If you or a loved one has been arrested in Savannah, don’t wait. Reach out to the Atlantic Law Firm now at (912) 209-9000 to schedule a consultation with Stacey M. Goad.
Call The Atlantic Firm Today for Dedicated Defense
When it comes to your freedom, you need to act fast. Arrests and bond hearings could define the trajectory of your case, so don’t leave your future to chance.
Stacey M. Goad is the Savannah bond lawyer you can trust to defend your rights, your freedom, and your dignity.
Call today to take the first step toward regaining your freedom.