Opinion No. (2002)

Dear Representative Easley,

¶ 0 This office has received your request for an official Attorney General Opinion in which you ask, in effect, the following question:

Is it permissible for a bail bondsman to arrest a criminal defendant in a county courthouse?

¶ 1 Bail is the "means of procuring the release of one charged with an offense, by insuring his future attendance in court, and compelling him to remain within jurisdiction of the court."Manning v. State ex rel. Williams, 120 P.2d 980, 981 (Okla. 1942).

¶ 2 The right to bail under certain circumstances is guaranteed by Article II, § 8(A) of the…