How Long Will You Be in Jail After a DUI Arrest?
In Oklahoma, the length of time that people remain in jail after DUI arrests varies widely by county. The county in which the arrest occurs often determines the length of jail stay and whether a reasonable bond amount is available.
After someone is arrested for DUI, he or she is taken to the local jail for processing. Some people go before a judge right away to enter a plea or are able to leave jail before seeing a judge. Others (especially those arrested on weekends or holidays) may have to wait for quite a while in a holding cell. After being charged with a crime and entering a plea, some people are able to leave jail until the trial or sentencing. There are a few different options that counties have for detaining people who are arrested.
Release on Bond or Bail
Oklahoma counties most often offer people the option to pay a bond or bail and a promise to return for the court date in exchange for release out of jail. For many people, especially those with low income and those arrested for minor crimes, the cost of bail is out of reach. They may remain in jail for much longer than people in counties with more lenient release programs.
Non-Monetary Release
In response to full jails, people detained for misdemeanors who cannot post bail, and other issues, some Oklahoma counties have non-monetary release programs. People charged for DUI, drug possession, and other misdemeanor crimes are released from jail soon after entering a plea. They must return for trial, and if they do not then they will face more jail time. These programs may involve:
- Personal recognizance bonds approved by a judge,
- “Book and release” at the jail, or
- Citations by law enforcement officers instead of arresting people.
Non-monetary release may not be available for people who are charged with DUIs that are not misdemeanor crimes – such as negligent homicide, which is a felony, or multiple aggravated DUIs. Also, the “book and release” form of non-monetary release is not available in all counties.
If you are facing DUI charges, seek out a lawyer’s advice to help you navigate the pre-trial release options in Oklahoma. Your lawyer can visit you in jail if needed and explain the charges you face.
Need legal assistance to fight your DUI charge? Clint Patterson, Esq., of Patterson Law Firm, a former Tulsa prosecutor now using his trial experience and expert-level knowledge of DUI science to defend drivers, assesses his clients’ best options for defenses and sentencing. To schedule a case evaluation, visit Patterson Law Firm online or call Clint’s office at (918) 550-9175.