Bail Bonds Agent Job Description
Bail bonds agents monitor and track defendants in criminal cases that do not show up for court after securing funds from a bondsman. While this short description describes the position, there are other aspects to the job.
Other People Are Reading
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Knowledge for the Job
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Depending on the state, the requirements for a bail bonds agent may vary. In California, for example, a written examination must be passed and continuing education is required on a yearly basis. Most states require a surety bond and licensing to become a bail bonds agent. Diploma or education programs are also helpful when pursuing this career.
Daily Duties
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The daily tasks of a bounty hunter or bail bonds agent can include meeting with bondsmen, researching the person who skips out on bail by reviewing the bond and the co signor, evaluating public records, phone records, financial information and any information that can provide clues to the whereabouts of the bail skipper.
The bail bonds agent might also monitor the residence of the criminal and find and apprehend the person who skips on the bail. -
Job Traits
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Successful bail bonds agents need to be physically fit and have technical knowledge and good research skills. They also need to have some abilities of defending themselves in a dangerous situation.
Salary
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According to a December 2009 survey by PayScale.com, bail bonds agents make about $24,000 to $40,000 per year and can make up to $80,000 or more per year with experience.
Where to Find Work
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Working as a bail bonds agent may be done as a freelance venture or for a bail bonds company. Some states do not allow the profession, including Illinois, Oregon, Kentucky and Wisconsin. It is illegal to work in these states as a bail bonds agent or bondsman.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Corey Leopold
