How to Open a Bail Bonds Company
In many criminal cases, the judge hearing the case may allow the defendant to be released while awaiting trial, in exchange for a deposit, called bail. A defendant who lacks the money necessary to pay bail often retains the services of a bail bondsman, who, for a fee, will pay the defendant's bail with a bond. While the process of issuing bail bonds is straightforward, the business is a risky one, as bail bondsmen constantly risk forfeiture of their deposits if the defendant flees. Therefore, many bondsmen seeking to start their own businesses benefit from the tutelage of an experienced professional.
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Instructions
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Contact your state's department of insurance, and request information about the procedure for attaining a bail bondsman's license. In all states, bondsmen are required to hold a license. Requirements to receive this license vary, with many states requiring that applicants complete a number of classes and undergo a period of training.
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Complete the required training and education. Many states require that would-be bondsmen take classes covering the legal process, the procedure by which bonds are issued and a bondsman's rights when attempting to apprehend a client who has fled. In addition, the applicant undergoes some on-the-job training.
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Apply for a license. In addition to completing the educational requirements for a license, bondsmen must file a formal application with the state. The application, which includes the payment of a fee, covers the applicant's background, professional experience and, in some cases, his financial resources. An applicant may be disqualified if he has a felony on his record or is deeply in debt.
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Apply for positions with bail bond companies. While a bail bondsman could start his own firm, the Professional Bail Agents of the United States suggests that those new to the profession learn the ropes of the trade from an experienced practitioner.
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Strike out on your own. After mastering the basics, a bail bondsman can start his own business. Procedures for starting a small business vary by state --- contact your local secretary of state for specifics --- but for bond companies, the purchase of some form of insurance to cover the issue of bonds is typically required.
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Advertise your services. One of the difficulties of running a bail bond business is that the company rarely receives repeat business from its clients, forcing it to be constantly on the hunt for new customers. According to Larry G. Blatt, author of "The Complete Guide to Becoming a Bail Bondsman," this requires bondsmen to spend a lot of time and money advertising. Start by placing an ad in the local yellow pages, and then post ads near local jails and courts.
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