What Are the Duties of a Bail Bondsman?
A bail bondsman presents monetary compensation (i.e., bond) to a court on behalf of a defendant. This bond is a guarantee, ensuring that the defendant will return to court as required.
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Paperwork
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A bail bondsman must complete an abundance of paperwork. This includes the initial application from a defendant, that which is mandated by the courts as well as all involved in the management of finances
Business Development
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A bail bondsman must advertise and promote the services of his employer. This includes the solicitation of potential clients.
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Financial Transactions
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A bail bondsman must manage all finances that relate to a defendant. This includes collecting money, paying the court and depositing fees into a company bank account.
Collecting a Fee
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When bail is set, the defendant is only required to pay 10 percent to the total amount. This amount is accepted by the court in lieu of the full amount. When the defendant returns, that 10 percent is paid to the bail bondsman.
Bounty Hunting
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If a defendant does not return to court, a bail bondsman must actively help locate the fugitive. The overall goal is to assist in bringing the bail jumper back to court so the fee may be collected.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of borman818