How to Get a Bail Bonds License
A bail bondsman is a person who, working with an insurance company who can guarantee the funds, pledges money to the courts as bail for a defendant to be released from jail. The bondsman acts a surety to the courts, assuring that the defendant will appear in court on a set date.
The first step recommended in obtaining a bail bonds license is to check with the licensing authority in your state. The agency will be able to give you your state's requirements for becoming licensed.
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Instructions
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Research your state's required courses to obtain a bail bonds license. The number of educational training hours required can vary greatly from state to state. The classes usually cover topics such as the legal aspects of providing bail bonds, the legal rights of the accused and ethical business practices. Allow yourself sixty days to finish the courses. Many states also require passing a written exam.
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Find a reputable insurance company to work with. Preferably a company with a good track record for dealing with bail bonds agencies. Unless you are an independently wealthy individual capable of writing your own bonds, you will need this safety net.
It is highly advised to obtain an attorney to help you review and gather a thorough understanding of of all the contract information with the insurance company and their general agent. It is very important to make sure that you and your family are covered against the risks involved in being a bail bondsman, and an attorney will make this process easier.
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Place a Build-Up Fund (or BUF) into a FDIC secured account. The BUF is money given to the insurance company by you to ensure to them that you as a bail bondsman will work to their satisfaction and will do so in accordance with all of the stipulations in the contract. In the event that you as a bail bondsman commit foul play, the BUF is taken from you and is used to clear up all ensuing legal liabilities. The BUF can also eventually be used as a retirement benefit.
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Contact your state Department of Insurance and request an application. When you receive the application, attach your proof or certificate of surety insurance. Make at least two copies of the application and your certificate. Mail the completed producer application and the attachments to the state Department of Insurance.
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