WHAT IS BAIL?

Bail is guaranteed by the 8th Amendment of the United States Constitution and insures the Court that a criminal defendant will appear for trial.

WHAT DOES A BAIL AGENT DO?

A bail agent is paid a premium or fee to insure that a criminal defendant, released into the custody of the bail agent, fulfills the obligation to appear for subsequent hearings and for trial, as ordered by the court. A bail agent never releases a defendant from jail - rather they are paid to insure the appearance of the defendant. If the bail agent fails to have the defendant in court at the proper time and place and cannot seize him and deliver him, they must pay the civil penalty in the face amount of the bail bond.

USEFUL TIPS WHEN POSTING BAIL

• Make sure you only deal with a licensed bail agent. Ask to see the bail agents license and identification prior to any bail transaction.
  
  
• Make sure the bail agent explains the premium you are being charged. The premium charged for a bail bond varies from state to state. Additional charges above the allowed premium should be itemized and explained to your satisfaction.
  
  
• Make sure you are given itemized receipts of all charges.
  
  
• Make sure you are given copies of all signed contracts and agreements.
  
  
• If financing is provided, make sure you understand the terms of the financial agreement prior to signing and be sure you are given copies of anything you sign.
  
  
• Make sure the bail agent you contract with will be available to you after the bail bond has been posted. Part of what you pay for is service. Any professional bail agent will be available for questions or concerns throughout the entire process.

In the State of Oklahoma, bail bondsmen are licensed and regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department (521-6610) and have required yearly continuing education requirements which are provided by the Oklahoma Bondsman Association (524-5920). If you have any questions regarding bail or your bondsman, please do hesitate to give them a call!