Can a bondsman charge to substitute bail?

Can a bondsman charge to substitute bail?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only after court approval
• D. Only for certain cases

Answer: (B)

In Oklahoma, the bondsman is paid for posting the bond through a contract premium, plus any fees specifically allowed by statute. There is no statutory basis for charging an extra fee simply to substitute or swap the bail arrangement. If a defendant or someone wants to switch bondsmen, the usual process is to cancel the existing bond and have a new bond issued by the new bondsman, with the new premium charged by the new bondsman. Court approval does not authorize an additional substitution fee.

In Oklahoma, the bondsman is paid for posting the bond through a contract premium, plus any fees specifically allowed by statute. There is no statutory basis for charging an extra fee simply to substitute or swap the bail arrangement. If a defendant or someone wants to switch bondsmen, the usual process is to cancel the existing bond and have a new bond issued by the new bondsman, with the new premium charged by the new bondsman. Court approval does not authorize an additional substitution fee.