Finding out your child has been arrested in Tulsa is one of the worst calls a parent can receive. The juvenile justice system operates under different rules than the adult system, and the bail process has extra steps that most families do not expect. Knowing how juvenile bail bonds work in Tulsa before you get to the detention center saves time, prevents costly mistakes, and gets your child home faster.
Signature Bail Bonds has posted bonds in Tulsa County since 2006, including juvenile bonds at the Tulsa County Juvenile Detention Center. This article explains what happens after a juvenile arrest in Tulsa, how the bail process works, and what parents need to know before calling a bondsman.
Where Are Juveniles Held in Tulsa?
Juveniles arrested in Tulsa County are taken to the Tulsa County Juvenile Detention Center (also called the Tulsa County Detention Home), located at 500 W. Archer Street, Tulsa, OK 74103. The facility can be reached at (918) 596-5960. This is a separate facility from David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center, which holds adult defendants.
Juvenile charges in Tulsa are Tulsa County charges only. They do not go through Tulsa Municipal Court. The juvenile court system operates under its own rules, its own judges, and its own detention facility. The Family Center for Juvenile Justice oversees juvenile cases in Tulsa County.
Who Can Post Bail for a Juvenile in Oklahoma?
Only a parent or legal guardian can post bail for a juvenile in Oklahoma. A friend, extended family member, or other adult cannot sign on behalf of a minor. This is different from adult bonds, where any adult over 18 with valid ID can cosign. If you are the parent or guardian and need to post bail for your child, you will need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID to verify your identity and your relationship to the juvenile.
How Does the Juvenile Bail Bond Process Work in Tulsa?
Posting a juvenile bail bond in Tulsa involves a two-step process that is different from adult bonds:
- The bondsman and parent meet at the Juvenile Detention Center. The bondsman brings the bond paperwork to the detention center at 500 W. Archer Street. The parent or legal guardian signs the cosigner (indemnitor) agreement there. The detention center staff then allows the juvenile to sign the appearance bond.
- The bond is processed at David L. Moss. After the juvenile signs the bond at the detention center, the bondsman transports the completed paperwork to David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center for official processing. David L. Moss handles the court filing and coordinates with the detention center for the juvenile’s release.
This two-step process means juvenile bonds take longer than adult bonds. The bondsman has to travel between two facilities, and both must process their portion of the paperwork before the juvenile can be released. Parents should expect the total process to take several hours from the time the bond is initiated.
How Much Does a Juvenile Bail Bond Cost in Tulsa?
Juvenile bail bond premiums follow the same structure as adult bonds in Oklahoma. The standard premium is 10% of the total bail amount set by the court. If the bail is $5,000, the premium is $500.
Signature Bail Bonds offers a 20% discount on qualifying bonds over $5,000 when paid in full with a qualifying cosigner. We also offer zero down bail bonds for qualifying parents or guardians with collateral, and 0% interest financing on all qualifying bonds. We understand the financial strain a child’s arrest puts on a family, and we work with parents to find a payment option that makes sense.
What Happens After a Juvenile Is Released on Bond?
After release, the juvenile must comply with all conditions set by the juvenile court. These conditions often include:
- Attending every scheduled court date
- Obeying a curfew set by the court
- Attending school regularly
- Staying away from certain people or locations named in the court order
- Submitting to drug testing if ordered
- Reporting to a court counselor or case worker as directed
If the juvenile fails to appear in court or violates any condition of release, the bond can be forfeited and a warrant issued for the juvenile’s arrest. Under Oklahoma Statutes Title 59, Section 1332, the bondsman has 90 days to return the defendant to custody before the forfeiture becomes final. The parent or guardian who signed as cosigner may become financially responsible for the full bail amount if the juvenile cannot be located.
Can a Juvenile Be Tried as an Adult in Oklahoma?
Yes. Oklahoma law allows juveniles to be certified (transferred) to adult court in certain cases, particularly for violent felonies. If a juvenile is certified as an adult, the case moves to the adult criminal system and the defendant is held at David L. Moss instead of the juvenile detention center. The bail process then follows adult rules. A defense attorney handles the certification hearing, and families should have legal representation before this step.
What Should Parents Know Before Calling a Bondsman?
A few things specific to juvenile bonds in Tulsa that parents should keep in mind:
- Privacy rules apply. Due to legal privacy protections for minors, bail bond companies cannot share juvenile case information online or over the phone with anyone other than a confirmed parent or legal guardian.
- Visitation is limited. At the Tulsa County Juvenile Detention Center, only parents, legal guardians, clergy, and attorneys can visit. Visiting hours for parents are Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and weekends from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
- Phone access is limited. Juveniles get two phone calls immediately after admission and two calls per week to their attorney, court workers, and legal guardians only.
- Bring your ID. You must prove you are the parent or legal guardian before the detention center will allow you to sign any paperwork.
Call Signature Bail Bonds for Juvenile Bail in Tulsa
If your child has been arrested and is being held at the Tulsa County Juvenile Detention Center, call Signature Bail Bonds at 918-SIGNOUT (918-744-6688) immediately. We have posted juvenile bonds in Tulsa County since 2006. We handle the two-step paperwork process between the detention center and David L. Moss so you can focus on your child.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also reach us through our online bail bond application or visit our Broken Arrow office at 1101 E Lansing St Ste B, just off Hwy 51 at 71st and Lynn Lane. We offer payment plans and 0% interest financing to help families manage the cost.
