Georgia Bail Bond License Requirements
Bail bondsmen, also known as bail bond agents, post bail for criminal defendants to get them released from jail quickly. Agents -- who secure funds from insurance companies -- must pay the court a fee if the defendant does not appear in court. They make money by charging a 10 to 15 percent fee for their services. Every state has its own licensing requirements for bail bond agents, listing all the laws and regulations that must be followed to obtain and maintain a bail bond agent's license. Georgia allows each county to create its own regulations for bail bond agent licensing.
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General Requirements
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To apply for a bail bond license in Georgia, the applicant must be at least 18 years old and be a resident of Georgia for one year prior to the application date. The person must prove he has good moral character and is a trustworthy, upstanding Georgia resident. The applicant must be a United States citizen, and he must pass a written exam from the insurer. Certain counties require each applicant to take a criminal justice course. Each county in Georgia has its own licensing specifications, so determine any special ramifications by contacting government offices.
Legal Requirements
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The bail-bond license applicant may not have felony convictions or be a part of any crime involving moral turpitude, which would include robbery, kidnapping or domestic violence. The sheriff must approve the applicant, who must be in good standing with all branches of the law. The applicant must provide fingerprints as part of the bail-bond license application. A background check will be run on the applicant before the licensing process proceeds.
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Surety Bond
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Applicants must submit a $5,000 surety bond with the state department of insurance application. The bond may not be required if the applicant is wealthy. This bond allows the applicant to start posting bail and ensure defendants are released. The newly licensed bail-bond agent will usually work for an established agency, gaining experience with bond risk management and underwriting.
Continuing Education
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Bail-bond licenses are valid for one year. Bail-bond agents must take eight hours of continuing education classes each year to keep a valid license. The fee for the classes cannot exceed $125 per year. The applicant submits a certificate to the bail-bond issuer to prove he completed the training.
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References
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