The Bail Process Step-by-Step
Arrest
A person is taken into custody and brought to the local jail for booking and processing.
Initial Appearance
Within 24-72 hours, the arrested person appears before a judge for initial charges and bail setting.
Bail Determination
The judge sets bail based on charge severity, criminal history, ties to community, and flight risk.
Contact Angel Bail Bonds
Call us immediately at (405) 614-3000. We can arrange bail bond services 24/7.
Paperwork & Payment
Sign the bail bond agreement and pay the required premium (typically 10%). Payment plans available.
Release
Once the bond is posted, the arrested person is released from jail pending trial.
Court Proceedings
The defendant must attend all scheduled court dates as required by the bail conditions.
Types of Bail
Own Recognizance (O.R.)
The person is released on their own promise to return to court. No bail money required. Usually granted for low-level offenses.
Surety Bond (Bail Bond)
A bail bond company (like Angel Bail Bonds) pays the full bail amount to secure the defendant's release. The defendant pays a non-refundable premium (10% in Oklahoma).
Cash Bail
The full bail amount is paid in cash directly to the court. If the defendant appears at all court dates, the cash is returned.
Property Bond
Real property is pledged as collateral. The property must be valued at least 1.5 times the bail amount.
Co-Signer Responsibilities
When someone signs as a co-signer on a bail bond, they are accepting important responsibilities:
- • Ensuring Appearance: The co-signer must ensure the defendant appears at all court dates.
- • Financial Liability: If the defendant fails to appear, the co-signer is financially responsible for the full bail amount.
- • Premium Payment: The co-signer agrees to pay the bail bond premium (10%).
- • Following Conditions: The co-signer ensures the defendant follows all bail conditions set by the court.
- • Maintaining Contact: Keep in touch with the defendant and monitor their compliance.
Bail Conditions
The judge may impose conditions on bail, which the defendant must follow:
- ✓ Regular check-ins with bail agent or law enforcement
- ✓ Travel restrictions (cannot leave state or county)
- ✓ No contact orders (stay away from victim or witnesses)
- ✓ Drug/alcohol testing or treatment
- ✓ Employment requirement
- ✓ Counseling or therapy
- ✓ Curfew restrictions
Failure to Appear (FTA)
If the defendant fails to appear in court:
- ⚠ A warrant is issued for their arrest
- ⚠ The full bail amount becomes due immediately
- ⚠ The co-signer becomes liable for the entire bail amount
- ⚠ Bail agents may be authorized to locate and apprehend the defendant
- ⚠ Additional criminal charges may be filed (FTA is itself a crime)
Bail vs. Bond: What's the Difference?
Bail
- • Money paid directly to the court
- • Full amount set by judge
- • Refunded if defendant appears
- • May be paid in cash or property
- • Used for serious charges
Bail Bond
- • Surety bond from bail company
- • Pay 10% premium to company
- • Premium is non-refundable
- • Company posts full bail amount
- • More affordable for defendants