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Romantic Adventure

Tuesday 8 November 2016

Understanding How Bail Bondsman Services Work

By Walter Wagner


If you find yourself in serious legal trouble leading to an arrest, probably the only thing on your mind is how to get out of jail and how soon it can happen. Or you might get a call in the middle of the night from a friend or family member who has been arrested and wants you to bail them out. Many people would not even know what to do first. Most have watched enough television to know it will cost money to free someone and that a bail bondsman is the person to call.

Most of these people are on call twenty four hours a day seven days a week. They can explain what you need to do and how much it is going to cost. The court usually sets the bail amount in accordance with the severity of the offense. You will probably be required to put up ten percent of the amount in cash or collateral. The bondsman will handle the transfer of funds to the court. This money is supposed to make sure the accused appears in court as scheduled.

Becoming one of these individuals usually requires taking a class on the subject and passing a test at the end of it. After that has been completed the person must apply for a license from the state. Their fingerprints and an extensive background check goes on file as well.

Anyone eighteen years or older can post bond for someone. You can also use your house or car as collateral if you choose to do so, but you need to keep in mind if you do that and the person doesn't appear in court, the court can have your asset repossessed and sold. Bond money can't be used as a write off on your taxes, and you probably won't get it back later.

Not showing up for court is also known as jumping bail, and is a very serious offense. The court usually immediately issues a warrant for your arrest and can have you tracked down. The bondsman can also hire someone to find you.

The case can be turned over to a surety recovery agent, better known by most as a bounty hunter. Many have seen movies and television programs with bounty hunters as fictional characters. Some individuals actually think it would be fun to have this kind of job and wonder exactly what they would have to do to get started.

Requirements vary from state to state. In some places you really don't have to do anything but get the bondsman to hire you and tell you what to do and where to go. In other areas it is a felony to operate as a bounty hunter without a license. These individuals are paid a percentage of the bail money. How many cases they handle a year depends entirely on them, but most work on more than a hundred.

The best course of action is probably to avoid getting yourself in a bad legal situation that requires bail in the first place. Otherwise, knowing who to call in the middle of the night might be a good idea.




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