Bail Agent Job Description
When individuals are arrested and charged with a crime, they must pay bail in order to leave jail prior to their trial. Many people do not have the money to pay bail themselves, so they seek the help of bail agents. These agents arrange bail for defendants by accepting cash or some type of collateral in exchange for bail bonds. Because bail is not returned if a defendant fails to appear at their scheduled court date, bail agents must keep track of their whereabouts as well, and collect payment if the defendant misses their trial.
Other People Are Reading
-
Types
-
Some bail agents may work for a professional bonding company and handle situations that require cash bonds. These agents are required to hold licenses in every county in which they work. Other bail agents work for surety companies and provide surety bonds that cover the cost of bail. Their companies permit them to work in every state as long as they are licensed by the state department of insurance.
Duties
-
Bail agents meet with prospective clients and go over the details of bail requirements. The agent will have client sign a lien on property or other collateral, as well as a security agreement, which guarantees payment should the defendant not appear at his scheduled court date. Bail agents then provide the client with a bail bond, which allows for a defendant's bail to be paid. If the defendant does not show up for his trial, the bail agent must immediately notify the bond or surety company so they know to stop execution of the bond. In addition, bail agents must help locate defendants who have failed to make scheduled court appearances
-
Requirements
-
Bail agents must be licensed in the state in which they wish to work. Licensing requirements vary based on the jurisdiction, but every state requires individuals to complete an approved training program. To become licensed, candidates must be at least 18 years old and provide documentation of the training that they have completed, as well as proof of identity and residency, fingerprints and property records. They must have a clean criminal record as well. Some states also require passing a written exam, which tests candidates' knowledge of legal terms and laws. Experience in a law enforcement or court setting is helpful, and some bond companies require bail agents to be a licensed notary public. A driver's license is usually necessary since agents must travel to courts and jails on a regular basis.
Working Conditions
-
Bail agents work in offices at bond or surety companies, but spend a significant amount of time traveling to courthouses and jails. Some agents post bonds in counties all over the state in which they work, so they may be required to travel great distances. Because individuals are arrested at all times of the day, bail agents may be required to work irregular hours, including early mornings, late nights and weekends. Some agents may also work on call should any emergency situations arise.
Salary
-
According to PayScale, a salary information website, bail agents with one to four years of experience had median wages between $23,866 and $47,593 as of June 2010. Those with five to nine years of experienced earned between $35,375 and $73,250, while those with 10 to 19 years of experience earned as much of $53,920.
-
References
- Photo Credit a pair of steel handcuffs. image by Maxim Lysenko from Fotolia.com
