How to Get Out of Jail in Oklahoma

It goes without saying that you don’t usually leave home thinking you will end the day wondering how to get out of jail.

The majority of people in Stillwater, Oklahoma never expect to find themselves in jail. But sometimes things happen.

If you ever find yourself being detained, even for a minor offense, it is important for your sanity and freedom to know what to do.

Read on to learn more about how to get out of jail in Oklahoma.

How to Get Out of Jail

In order to get out of jail in Stillwater, you must do one of the following things:

post bail;
secure a bail bond; or
be released on your own recognizance.

Posting Bail

If you have the money, posting bail is the easiest way to get out of jail in Stillwater. Typically, your bail will be set by a judge within 24 hours of your arrest (unless you were arrested over the weekend).

Bail is money you post with the court as “collateral” to ensure you will return to answer to the charges against you.

The actual amount of bail you will be required to post will be an amount the judge believes will provide sufficient incentive for you to return to court. Usually, the longer your criminal record or the more serious the offense, the higher the bail.

After the judge sets your bail, you may post this amount in cash (or a cash equivalent) to secure your release from jail. If you return to stand trial when you are supposed to and attend all other court dates, your money will be refunded to you, less a small administration charge.

On the other hand, if you do not return to stand trial on the given date, you will forfeit the money you posted as bail. The court will also issue a warrant for your arrest.

Securing a Bail Bond

If you cannot raise the money to post bail after you’ve been arrested in Stillwater, you can get out of jail by purchasing a bail bond from a bail bondsman.

A bail bond is something similar to a loan to cover the amount of your bail. A bail bond can be secured for a non-refundable fee, typically 10% of your bail amount. So, if your bail amount is $10,000, a bail bond will cost you $1,000.

In addition, the bail bond will require you to pledge some type of collateral to secure the loan. For example, the deed to your house, title to your car, or any other assets equaling the amount of your bail bond.

If you return to stand trial, the collateral will be returned to you once your case has concluded, meaning the charges have been dropped, you were found innocent, or you were found guilty and sentenced.

If you don’t return to court, a warrant will be issued for your arrest. The bail bondsman may endeavor to locate you and forcibly return you to stand trial. In addition, if you do not show up after a certain period of time, the bondsman may be allowed to liquidate whatever assets you pledged as collateral.

Released on Your Own Recognizance

After you’ve been arrested in Stillwater, you may be able to get out of jail without needing to post bail or securing a bond for your release.

If you have little to no criminal record, have been charged with a minor offense, or you are not seen as a flight risk, the court may release you with just your word that you will return to stand trial. This is called being released on your own recognizance.

If you do not return for your court date, a warrant will be issued for your arrest and you will be held in custody until your next court date.

Summary

If you are arrested in Stillwater, you can get out of jail by posting bail, securing a bail bond, or by being released on your own recognizance.

An experienced Stillwater criminal defense attorney can help you choose the best way for you to get out of jail. He or she can also help expedite the process. So, if you are arrested, you should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

A Payne County attorney can advocate for you to be released on your own recognizance or to have your bail amount reduced to something that you or your family can afford. If you or your family cannot afford to pay the bail amount, most criminal defense attorneys know reputable bondsmen to whom they can refer you.