When you’re taken into custody and arrested for a crime, you may have no idea how to proceed, as many people are unfamiliar with the criminal justice system. When held on bail, you may worry about how you will pay the sum of money to be released from jail pending additional court hearings. You may find that bail bonds are something you can look into. If you’re unfamiliar with what bonds are, you’ll want to keep reading. You’ll also discover how an Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney can assist you during these challenging times.
What Are Bail Bonds?
When you are arrested and held in jail, you may have the option of being released on bail. This is a sum of money that a defendant pays as insurance or a guarantee that they will later appear for their scheduled court dates. Generally, the bail ordered is different for each case and depends on the severity of the alleged crimes and any alleged aggravating factors involved. Once your trial ends, regardless of whether you are found guilty or innocent, the bail money will be returned.
Bail bonds are something relative to only the United States and the Philippines. As some people cannot afford to post bail, they can enlist the assistance of a third party to act as a bail bondsman. This third party can be a bail bond agency or company that charges a premium, typically 10% of the bail, to post a bond. The defendant then has a repayment plan they must adhere to.
How Do These Work in Oklahoma?
As Judges in Oklahoma can set bail according to the facts of the case, determining how much you can expect bail to be is challenging. As such, you may be unable to estimate the premium on your bail bond.
However, when charged with a felony, you can expect to pay upwards of $20,000 depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
It’s important to note that if you are accused of a crime and enlist the assistance of a bail bond company, and you do not show up to court, the company will relinquish the full funds. They also will be able to take you back to jail as this violates the conditions of your bail.
When you are facing a criminal charge, enlisting the assistance of an attorney is crucial. Not only will they fight for you during your trial, but they can also help ensure the bail amount set by the judge is reasonable. If it is too high, they can file a motion with the court to reduce the cost.
At the Jones Firm, PLLC, we understand how complicated and confusing being charged with a crime is. That’s why our dedicated legal team is there to help you every step of the way, from arrest to the moment your verdict is read. Contact us today to learn how we will fight for the best possible outcome for your unique circumstances.
