I Need A Bondsman - What Now?

By J. Michael Gray

If you have been placed in the position to help bail someone out of jail you will likely want to call on the assistance of an ethical bail bondsman. Not many people have ever imagined that they would ever need to call a bail bondsman and it's natural to have questions regarding the qualifications and credentials of the person they are about to trust with such a delicate situation.

First allow me to shed a little light on the Requirements To Become A Bail Bondsman.

The requirements to become a bail bond agent differ from state to state but they are for the most part basically the same. Bail bondsmen are required to be licensed by the Division of Insurance which is Division of the State Government. The licensing process requires the agent to successfully complete pre-licensing coursework and that they pass a state examination. This ensures that the licensee understands the rules and regulations of that state's bail industry and in some states the course will include bail retrieval. The classes required are anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks duration. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and the test-taker must receive a score of 70% or higher in order to pass. Questions are taken from the state statutes.

Those interested in becoming a bail agent must complete an application form, submit to a criminal background check and be able to prove that they are of good moral character. If someone has been involved in financial lawsuits or has felony convictions on their record this could lead to an application denial by the Division of Insurance. If these types of things are on a person's record they will need to be prepared to explain these in writing and provide other documentation as requested.

Bail bondsmen must participate in ongoing education in order for their license to remain in force. If they fail to complete continuing-ed courses their license will not be allowed to be renewed.

Who Are Bail Bondsmen?

Bail agents are highly trained in the field of bail bonds and are experts when it comes to how to get people out of jail fast. Reputable bondsmen are not all "Dog the Bounty Hunter"-types and some of the people you'll find working in the industry hold college degrees. They are parents, grandparents, students and soccer moms. You may even be surprised to learn that many bail bondsmen aren't "men" at all. The number of female bondsmen is on the rise and in Colorado many of the licensed bail agents are women.

If you have been asked to assist in bailing a friend or family member out of jail it is natural to feel stressed. The good news is that when you work with an experienced, licensed bail agent, you can rest assured you will be in good hands.

How To Choose A Bail Bondsman

How would you choose a plumber or an electrician? Here are a few ideas. Don't be shy. Ask questions, like:

* Are you properly licensed?

* Can I see your licenses when we meet?

* What are your fees?

* Will I get back any of the money I pay to you?

* Will I get copies of everything I sign?

* Will you answer any questions I might have at a later date?

This information is provided by J. Michael Gray who has been a licensed bail bond agent in Colorado since 1978. He is the owner of a bail bond company and provides bail bond services for the Denver Metro area and the nearby mountain towns.

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