Release from the Oklahoma County Jail
If you are arrested and incarcerated in Oklahoma, your first concern will be how to get out of jail. Depending on the specifics of the offense, you may be able to post bail, secure a bond or be released on your own recognizance.
What is Bail?
Bail is an amount of money the judge will require in order for you to be released from jail. If you post bail, you will still be responsible for returning for all future court dates related to your case. Failing to appear will land you in even more trouble with the law.
If you appear at all of your court dates, your bail money will be returned, either at the time of a not guilty verdict/dismissal of the charges or when you are sentenced, if you are found guilty. Some courts will apply the posted cash bail to any fines and court costs before returning the remainder, if any.
When setting bail, the judge will take the following into consideration:
- Any prior criminal record
- The severity of the alleged offense
- Any danger that would be posed to the public if you were released
- Your ties to your family, community and employment
The Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects individuals who are arrested from having an extremely high bail amount. You may post bail by posting cash with the Court, or you may use a bonding company to post a bond on your behalf.
What is a Bond?
If you or your family does not have enough money or assets to post bail, you may consider obtaining a bond through a bond company. A bonding company will post bail on your behalf. Charges may vary from bonding company to bonding company but most will charge between 15% and 18% of the total bond amount as their fee for posting bail.
During the time you are out on bond, you are basically in the custody of the bondsmen. Most will require you to check in with them as well as get permission to leave the state. Once the case is resolved, the bond is exonerated and you no longer have to check in. You will not receive any refund or portion of the money paid to the bondsman as that was their fee to post the bond.
Your Own Recognizance
In some instances, the judge may release you from jail “on your own recognizance” or “O.R.” No bail money will be required; rather, you will agree, in writing, to appear in court during all proceedings related to your case. If you fail to do so, you could be returned to jail and forced to post bail and/or be charged with an additional charge of bail jumping.
If you have a loved one in jail, contact the Hunsucker Legal Group to see what steps we can take to help secure bond. It may be possible to ask the court for a bond reduction. Additionally, we have several bondsmen that we work closely with that can post bond on your behalf.