You posted bail in Tulsa County. The paperwork went through. The bondsman confirmed the bond was accepted. But hours later, your loved one is still locked up at David L. Moss with no release in sight. This happens more often than families expect, and the reason is almost always a hold from a separate agency or jurisdiction.
At Signature Bail Bonds, we have been posting bonds in Tulsa County since 2006. We have seen every type of hold that can delay a release. This article explains why it happens and what you can do about it.
What Is a Hold on a Bail Bond in Oklahoma?
A hold (sometimes called a detainer) is a request from one law enforcement agency asking the jail to keep a person in custody even after bail is posted on their current charges. The hold has nothing to do with the bond you just paid for. It comes from a completely separate case, jurisdiction, or agency that also wants custody of the defendant.
Think of it this way. The bail bond covers one door. A hold is another locked door behind it. You can open the first door with a bond, but the second door stays shut until the agency that placed the hold either releases it or takes custody.
What Types of Holds Can Keep Someone in Jail After Bail?
Several types of holds can prevent release in Oklahoma. Each one works differently and requires a different path to resolve.
Out-of-County Warrants
If the defendant has an active warrant from another Oklahoma county, that county can place a hold requesting the jail keep the defendant until they send officers to pick them up. For example, someone arrested in Tulsa County who also has a warrant in Creek County will stay at David L. Moss even after the Tulsa bond is posted. The Creek County warrant must be addressed separately, either by posting a second bond or waiting for Creek County to transport.
Out-of-State Warrants
A warrant from another state works similarly. The requesting state files a detainer and the Oklahoma jail holds the defendant while both states work out extradition. These holds can last days or weeks depending on whether the other state decides to come get the person.
Immigration (ICE) Holds
Immigration and Customs Enforcement can place a detainer on anyone in local custody who they believe is removable from the United States. Under 8 CFR 287.7, the jail may hold the defendant for up to 48 hours beyond the time they would otherwise be released, giving ICE time to take custody. The regulation excludes Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays from that 48-hour window, though the current ICE detainer form (I-247A) does not include that exclusion. Families should consult an immigration attorney if an ICE hold is involved, as the bail bond process alone will not resolve it.
Probation or Parole Holds
If the defendant is currently on probation or parole and gets arrested on new charges, the Department of Corrections or the district attorney’s office can place a hold. This means the defendant stays in custody until a probation violation hearing takes place, regardless of whether bail is posted on the new charges. These holds are common when someone violates probation in Tulsa County.
Tribal Court Holds
Since the 2020 McGirt Supreme Court decision expanded tribal jurisdiction across eastern Oklahoma, tribal court holds have become more frequent. If a case involves tribal jurisdiction, the tribal court can place a hold that prevents release from the county jail. A state or county bond does not satisfy a tribal hold. A separate tribal bond may be required.
Federal Holds
Federal agencies including the FBI, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals can place holds on defendants in local custody. Federal holds typically mean the case involves federal charges or a federal investigation. These holds remain until the federal agency takes custody or releases the detainer. Bail on local charges will not override a federal hold.
How Do You Find Out if a Hold Exists?
The fastest way to check for holds is to call the jail directly. David L. Moss can be reached at (918) 596-8900. The booking desk can tell you whether any holds or detainers are on file for a specific defendant. You can also call your bail bondsman before posting bail and ask them to check.
At Signature Bail Bonds, we recommend checking for holds before posting any bond. If a hold exists, knowing about it upfront prevents families from paying for a bond that will not result in an immediate release. This step alone can save families hundreds or thousands of dollars and hours of confusion. Call us at 918-SIGNOUT (918-744-6688) and we will help you find out where things stand before you spend a dime.
Can You Still Post Bail if There Is a Hold?
Yes. You can still post bail on the current charges even if a hold exists. Posting bail resolves the local case’s custody requirement. Once the hold is lifted or the other agency takes custody and the defendant posts bond on that case, the person will be released.
In some situations, posting bail even with a hold in place is strategic. It starts the clock on the local case and shows the court the defendant is taking the charges seriously. Your bondsman and defense attorney can advise whether posting now or waiting makes more financial sense.
What Should You Do if Your Loved One Is Still in Jail After Bail?
If you have already posted bail and the jail has not released your loved one, take these steps:
- Call the jail. David L. Moss main line is (918) 596-8900. Ask specifically whether any holds or detainers are on file.
- Call your bail bondsman. A licensed bondsman can check the system and find out which agency placed the hold. At Signature Bail Bonds, we stay on top of every bond we write until the defendant walks out.
- Identify the holding agency. Once you know whether the hold is from another county, another state, ICE, probation, or a tribal court, you know which path to take next.
- Contact a defense attorney. If the hold involves probation, a federal case, or immigration, an attorney can file motions or negotiate the hold’s removal faster than the system will move on its own.
- Be patient during peak hours. Even without a hold, release from David L. Moss typically takes 2 to 6 hours after a bond is posted. Weekends, holidays, and shift changes can stretch that timeline further.
How Signature Bail Bonds Helps Families Navigate Holds in Tulsa
Signature Bail Bonds has posted bonds in Tulsa County since 2006. Our agents know the booking system at David L. Moss, the Tulsa Municipal Jail, Broken Arrow City Jail, and Creek County Criminal Justice Center in Sapulpa. We help families understand what each hold means in plain language, and we stay in contact until the defendant is released.
If you posted bail and your loved one is still in jail, or if you want to check for holds before you pay, call 918-SIGNOUT (918-744-6688) any time, day or night. We answer every call with a live agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also start the process through our online bail bond application.
