The 'OR privilege' card

An Oklahoma judge has reinstated a system to let people arrested for most misdemeanor offenses stay out of jail. <br><br>Wednesday, Judge Tom Gilbert signed the "Own Recognizance" order or the "OR" privilege.

Wednesday, January 21st 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

An Oklahoma judge has reinstated a system to let people arrested for most misdemeanor offenses stay out of jail.

Wednesday, Judge Tom Gilbert signed the "Own Recognizance" order or the "OR" privilege. The rule allows Tulsa attorneys to apply for a card and take personal responsibility for the appearance of their clients in many criminal court proceedings. It is designed to improve efficiency in which misdemeanor criminal cases can proceed.

Allen Smallwood, former Tulsa County Bar Association President: â€œThese people are going to be released very quickly anyway. There really should be no issue about the protection of the public. Aggravated DUI which is basically a large amount of alcohol in a person's system is not subject to the OR."

The OR release privilege will not apply to those charged with certain traffic offenses, domestic assault and battery or violation of protective orders.