When you are charged with a crime, understanding how the process works is critical. Generally, upon your arrest, you will be taken to jail where you will be held until your first court hearing. At this hearing, the judge will read the charges against you, ensure you understand your rights, and set a bail bond amount. If you are unsure what a bail bond is or how this amount is determined, the following blog explores what you should know about this process. Additionally, you’ll discover the importance of working with an experienced OKC criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate these difficult matters.

How Does Bail Work in Oklahoma?

When you are arrested and charged with a criminal offense in Oklahoma, it’s important to understand what bail is and how it is determined. First and foremost, you should note that though they are often used interchangeably, bail and a bond are two different things. While both represent an amount of money you will give to the court as collateral for your conditional release from jail, bail is money that you pay to the court, while a bond is paid by a third party on your behalf.

When you pay bail or a bond is posted on your behalf, you are released from jail. However, the funds paid to the court serve as collateral to ensure you appear for all scheduled court hearings. If you do not appear, the court retains the money, whereas if you do appear, the money is returned to you at the conclusion of your case, regardless of what the verdict is.

Generally, if you pay bail, you’ll be required to pay the full amount upfront. If you use a bail bond company, you will typically only have to pay them a small percentage, usually around 10%, of the cost imposed by the court.

What Factors Influence How Much My Bail Bond Will Be?

It’s important to understand that while the court may have general guidelines for imposing bail for certain crimes, the judge assigned to your case has the power to increase or decrease the amount depending on the circumstances of your case.

One of the most important factors that will impact the outcome of your bail is the severity of your alleged offense. For example, if you are charged with stealing a considerable amount of goods, your bail may not be as high as someone accused of serial arson that has led to the injuries of many individuals. Generally, you’ll find that the more violent the crime, the higher the bail will be as you may be considered a risk to yourself or your community.

Another factor that heavily influences the amount of bail is whether or not you are a flight risk. For example, the court will consider whether or not you have the resources to flee the country to escape prosecution. Similarly, they will examine your ties to the community, as this could indicate whether or not you are likely to remain in the area for the duration of your case.

In addition to these factors, the court will consider the following:

  • The strength of the evidence collected against you
  • Your character
  • Your criminal history
  • Whether or not you are employed
  • Your physical and mental state
  • The charges against you

As you can see, being charged with a criminal offense carries a considerable number of factors that must be considered during these difficult matters. At the Jones Firm, PLLC, our team understands how overwhelming facing a criminal offense can be, which is why we are dedicated to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you if facing legal trouble.