Frequently Asked Questions about Bail Bonds
What You Need to Know about Obtaining a Bail Bond
If you need to post a bond to obtain your release after an arrest for a felony or misdemeanor, or if your loved one needs to put up a bond, you may be uncertain how the process works. This page answers many of your basic questions about bail bonds. If you have further questions or if you need to secure a bond, call us at 405-295-6400.
- What is a bail bond? A bail bond is essentially a financial guarantee, secured through a bail bondsman, that a person who has been charged for a crime and released will appear in court for all further proceedings. The bail bondsman guarantees the full payment of the bond to the court if the defendant fails to show up for a scheduled court appearance. The bond may be posted at the court or at the jail. If posted at the jail, it can generally be done 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- How much does a bail bond cost? In most states, the cost of a bail bond is set by law.
- How do I pay for a bail bond? Typically, you must pay the premium for the bond . Cash is always accepted and many bail bondsmen accept credit cards or offer payment plans. At Above All Bail Bonds, we accept Visa and MasterCard, and offer financing with easy payment terms.
- How does the bail bond process work? When a person is arrested, they will be taken to a police station for processing. This process may take a few hours. A bail bond cannot be arranged until this processing is complete. Once the amount of bail is set, you can contact a bail bondsman to secure the bond. After you pay the premium and sign all necessary documents, the bondsman will notify the court or jail, and the person arrested will be released.
- What happens if you “skip” bail? When you fail to appear for a court appearance, it is called “forfeiture.” If it’s a simple mistake, it is generally easy to resolve. We can provide you with the necessary documentation to have the bond reinstated. If you refuse to appear or cooperate, however, whoever signed on the bond can be sued for the full amount of the bond. For example, if you had a relative, friend, boss or other person put up the fee and sign on the bond, they will be financially responsible for the full amount. If they cannot pay, the bail bondsman must pay the full amount. The bail bondsman may also employ a fugitive recovery service to locate you and bring you into custody.
- How long is the bail bond good for? A bail bond is customarily good for one year.
What if I have more questions?
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about obtaining or posting a bail bond. Please call our office at 405-295-6400 . We provide services to people throughout the state of Oklahoma regardless of the amount of bond needed or the crime you are charged with.
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