- Bail Bondsmen in Oklahoma are licensed and regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department.
- A Bail Bondsman may only post appearance bonds (Bail Bonds) for criminal defendants. They do not provide performance or other types of bonds for business.
- Bail Bonds are customarily good for a period of one year and require a renewal premium.
- Co-Signers, or Indemnitors, are almost always required for a Bail Bond. Co-Signers are legally liable for payment of any additional expenses, up to the full cash amount of the bond, incurred by the Bail Bondsman (and/ or their surety) should the defendant fail to appear for a scheduled court appearance or honor the terms of the Bail Bond contract. Co-Signers also provide necessary information about the defendant needed by the Bail Bondsman. Co-Signers are qualified based on length of employment, income, location, assets and other factors.
- The Co-Signer's liability ends once the case is adjudicated (the defendant is found guilty or innocent), or the case is declined or dismissed, and the bond is exonerated. In most cases, for the Co-Signer's liability to end prior to the exoneration of the bond the defendant must be returned to custody, which will usually require additional payment.
- The Bail Bond premium is earned at the time the jail or court clerk accepts the Bail Bond. No refunds are made if charges are declined, dismissed, or when a case ends.
- Bail Bondsmen have extraordinary arrest powers that allows them to arrest a person they have on bond without a warrant. Bail Enforcers (Bounty Hunters) are often used to enforce these powers.
- Bail Bondsmen do not receive money back when a case ends.
- Bail Bondsmen do not receive automatic notice of arrestees or warrants on a daily or regular basis.
- Oklahoma warrant and case information can be viewed at www.oscn.net
