What Is a Bail Bond Agent?
Bail bond agents combine aspects of insurance, sales, social work, law enforcement and property appraisal, to run a bail bond business.
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Job Description
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Bail bond agents write bonds for the release of a defendant on bail, in exchange for a fee. Most accept cash or valuable assets as payment, and some also accept debit, credit or ATM cards. They are usually backed financially by an insurance company. When defendants don't appear for court, bail bond agents have a set amount of time to find them, and bring them before the court before losing their investment.
Location
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As of 2010, commercial bail bonding is illegal in most countries, and is common only in the United States and the Philippines. It is illegal in Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon and Wisconsin. Each state has different licensing requirements, and in Texas regulations vary from county to county.
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History
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The practice of bail has roots in English common law, which depended on promises and pledges of land or property from the accused, to ensure he appeared for trial. In early 19th century America, private businesses posted bail for payment from defendants, and were required to find defendants and bring them back if they didn't appear for trial.
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References
- Photo Credit 100-dollars bonds image by Olena Kucherenko from Fotolia.com
