A bail agent pledges their own money against a suspect’s bail, with the suspect paying a fee of around 10%. Requirements to become a bail agent vary by state, with most requiring a course, insurance, and annual renewal. Risk can be minimized with proper insurance, and some agents work with bounty hunters to pursue fugitives.
A bail agent pledges his own money to allow an incarcerated criminal suspect to be released. Money is pledged against the suspect’s bail. This promise can be in cash or in assets and is a symbol of the suspect’s good faith that he will follow the terms of the bond agreement and appear in court when necessary. If the suspect does not follow the rules, bail will be forfeited to the courts. In exchange for this service, the suspect agrees to pay the bail bondsman a percentage of the total bail amount, a fee that varies close to 10%.
Anyone wishing to be a bail bond agent should check the individual requirements of the state they live in. Some states require the course and insurance to be licensed. The minimum age to be a bail agent is 18 years old.
Insurance is an important part of being a bail bond agent. Most agents don’t have the capital to back up all of their clients at once if something goes wrong with more than one of them. Warranty insurance ensures that obligations will be paid if customers fail to meet their requirements and disappear.
The course that many states require is usually 12 hours. Classes teach the legal implications of bail, the process, and most also include information about suspicious rights and fair treatment. A written exam usually follows the course. Once the exam is passed, a licensing fee is paid and the new bail bond agent can start business.
Many states require bail bondsmen to renew their licensing annually. This includes taking a refresher course or continuing education courses. A licensing fee must also be paid for the renewal to be valid.
There is some risk involved in being a bail bond agent. Physical risk can be a factor as agents work with accused criminals, some of whom may have violent tendencies. Financial risk is obvious and can be minimized, but not eliminated, with proper insurance.
In the US, many agents choose to work closely with bounty hunters when suspects decide to flee or abandon their commitments. When the suspect breaches the agreement with the court system, he holds the bail agent accountable to the court for bail. A bounty hunter is trained in the proper techniques to safely pursue a fugitive and return him to the hands of the law. In exchange for this service, the bail agent pays the bounty hunter a portion of his commission.
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