Understanding the Bail Hearing Process
What is a bail hearing? Hi, my name is Carl Birkhead. I’m a Tulsa criminal attorney with Wirth Law Office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’ve been practicing family and criminal law for almost eight years now, and I want to help you make law easy by talking a little bit about what a bail hearing is and what that looks like for you.
Anytime you’re facing criminal charges, the court is going to set a bail amount — unless it’s for something especially severe. If you’re charged with, say, a quintuple homicide, odds are you’re not getting bail at all. But in most cases, the judge will set a bond amount based on a few key factors: the seriousness of the charges, your criminal history, your financial situation, and whether you’re considered a flight risk.
You’ve probably seen this play out in TV shows like Law & Order: Your Honor, the defendant has a passport and access to a private jet — they’re a flight risk. Or, Your Honor, this is a lifelong resident with deep ties to the community.
What Judges Consider During a Bail Hearing
As dramatic as that sounds, those are real arguments made in bond hearings. Judges consider things like: Do you have a reason to run? Do you have the means to run? Or do you have strong reasons to stay put and show up for court?
That’s what bail is really about. It’s a monetary promise that you’ll come back and face the music — whatever that music may be.
Now, judges are supposed to set reasonable bail amounts, but that word is relative. You’re not going to get a $5 million bail on a petty larceny charge — but for something like child molestation, manslaughter, or murder? Six figures, maybe more. Why? Because the penalties are steep, and the court wants to be sure you’ve got enough skin in the game to stick around.
Navigating High Bail Amounts
Sometimes a judge will set the bail outright, and other times your lawyer can request a bond hearing to argue for a reduction. If you’re sitting on a bond that’s way too high, or if you’re trying to help someone get released, call me. We’ll talk through your options, file the right motions, and do what it takes to get you or your loved one taken care of.
My name is Carl Birkhead. I’m a Tulsa felony attorney with Wirth Law Office, and I want to help you make law easy.
Start with a Low-Cost Initial Strategy Session Today
If you or a loved one is facing a high bail and needs assistance, contact me today for a strategy session. Together, we can explore your best options for reducing bail and securing release. Call me at 918-879-1681 for more information and to schedule your consultation. Take the first step towards legal clarity and peace of mind.
