Understanding How A Bail Bondsman Operates

By Walter Wagner


You may have never thought you would be in a situation that landed you in a local jail cell, but it happens to a lot of people. You might be called upon by a close friend or family member who finds him or herself arrested and in need of urgent help. When one of these things happens, you have to find out what the process is for release as quickly as possible. It is most likely you will need the services of a bail bondsman to help you out in Everett WA.

Most of these people are on call twenty four hours a day seven days a week. They can explain what you need to do and how much it is going to cost. The court usually sets the bail amount in accordance with the severity of the offense. You will probably be required to put up ten percent of the amount in cash or collateral. The bondsman will handle the transfer of funds to the court. This money is supposed to make sure the accused appears in court as scheduled.

People who are in this line of work do have to meet some requirements before they are allowed to start a business. The regulations may vary from state to state, but most require individuals to take a class prior to taking the exam to get a license. All applicants have to be fingerprinted and pass a background check.

Anyone eighteen years or older can post bond for someone. You can also use your house or car as collateral if you choose to do so, but you need to keep in mind if you do that and the person doesn't appear in court, the court can have your asset repossessed and sold. Bond money can't be used as a write off on your taxes, and you probably won't get it back later.

Not showing up for court is also known as jumping bail, and is a very serious offense. The court usually immediately issues a warrant for your arrest and can have you tracked down. The bondsman can also hire someone to find you.

The case can be turned over to a surety recovery agent, better known by most as a bounty hunter. Many have seen movies and television programs with bounty hunters as fictional characters. Some individuals actually think it would be fun to have this kind of job and wonder exactly what they would have to do to get started.

What you have to do to begin a bounty hunting business depends on where you live. Some states make it a felony to operate without a license, and other states have no rules at all. You can establish a relationship with a bondsman willing to give you business. Surety agents are paid a percentage of the bond once they have delivered the accused. Must of them make about a hundred thousand dollars a year depending on how many cases they take on.

The best course of action is probably to avoid getting yourself in a bad legal situation that requires bail in the first place. Otherwise, knowing who to call in the middle of the night might be a good idea.




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