Job Description for a Bail Bond Agent
A bail bond is a type of contract used to obtain a sum of money necessary for the release of a suspect from jail. Bail bond agents are responsible for selling and enforcing these contracts.
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Function
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Bail bond agents meet with a representative for the incarcerated suspect, discussing the cost of bail and explaining the bail bond process. Because the bail bond is a legally binding contract, the bail bond agent has a duty to ensure that the person signing understands what is being agreed upon.
Features
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Bail bond agents must collect and deposit the premium or fee a suspect's agent provides to secure the bond. The bond agent also arranges to have the bond paid to the court, normally through the use of an insurance company that sells surety bonds.
Skills
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To be successful, a bail bond agent must be sympathetic, but authoritative to ensure compliance with the terms of the bail in order to reduce the risk that the suspect will flee and put the bail bond agent at risk for a loss.
Education
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Normally, the minimum requirement for employment as a bail bond agent is a high school diploma.
Licensure
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Most states require bail bond agents to receive a license through the state Department of Insurance. In most cases, this requires the successful completion of a written exam.
Compensation
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In November 2009, bail bond agents earned between $23,920 and $72,000 annually, according to Payscale.com.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Adriano Agulló
