The requests are then given to a Tulsa County judge, who ultimately signs off on the personal recognizance bonds.

If defendants fail to reappear in court at their assigned date after they are granted bond, a warrant for their arrest may be issued that can result in an additional felony charge.

Three men and eight women in jail uniforms sat in LaFortune’s courtroom for the personal recognizance bond docket June 30 and were thrilled when they were told they wouldn’t have to pay any money to be released from custody that night.

Some had been in jail as long as three weeks, and Webb said defendants on average spend 13 days in custody before being released on personal recognizance bonds.

Three of those 11 defendants raised their hands when Webb asked how many of them have kids at home.

The most common charges among that group were larceny or drug possession, and other charges included engaging in prostitution, trespassing and obstructing and resisting an officer.

“This pool of defendants are one- or two-time offenders who are likely to get probation when they come back to court,” said Assistant District Attorney Tara Jack, who was representing the state for the docket that day.