How to Get Licensed to Be a Bail Bondsman
A bail bondsman puts up cash on behalf of someone who has been arrested, charged with a crime and had a bail amount determined by a judge. Bail is to ensure that a person will appear in court at a designated time. As a bail bondman, you would charge a non-refundable fee for your services, typically about 10 percent of the bail amount. Bail payment allows the defendant to get released from jail until the set court hearing. A bail bondsman has a financial risk because he is responsible for the bail amount if the client fails to show up for a court appearance. With the risk, however, comes the opportunity for a lucrative return. If you are interested in becoming a licensed bail bondsman, take these steps.
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Things You'll Need
- Connections with the county sheriff and others in the law enforcement community Training Surety insurance A passing score on a licensing exam
Instructions
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Make sure you are eligible. You have to be a legal citizen of the United States, have a high school degree or equivalency, have no criminal record and have no outstanding legal issues or warrants. You also need to meet the minimum age requirements in your state.
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Speak with the sheriff, or his representative, in your county. Since he approves the bail agents that work in your area, you need to find out what his requirements are. It is also good to start establishing a positive relationship with the sheriff and the rest of the law enforcement community.
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Get training. This is required so that become familiar with the laws, rules and specifics of the job. Your state's Department of Insurance will have a list of schools that offer the appropriate courses.
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Get a surety insurance. In most states, an insurance company has to appoint you, in order for you to be able to write any bail bonds. Being insured protects you in the event a client jumps bail, meaning that he fails to show up on the designated court date. Without insurance, you would be expected to cover the entire bail amount on your own.
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Take the appropriate examination to get your license. Most states require you to pass a state-approved exam to be certified as a bail bondsman. Your state's Department of Insurance can advise you on when and where you can take the licensing exam. Once you receive your license, you should work under the tutelage of a bail bonds corporation or company, in order to get hands-on experience. Later, you may opt to work independently.
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Tips & Warnings
Be aware that some states will not permit commercial bail. Understand that there is both financial and physical risk in being a bail bondsman, since it requires you to work with criminals.
