Nobody wants to get that dreaded call in the middle of the night from a teenage child, a spouse, or close friend informing you they have gotten themselves in trouble and are calling from the local jail in Everett WA. However they ended up there, the only thing on their minds, and probably yours too, is how to get them out. This may be your first experience with the justice system, and you don't really know where to turn. If you can talk to someone in charge, they will most likely tell you how much it will cost and that you need to call a bail bondsman to help.
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.
You may wonder what these people have to do to go into the bail business. Different states have different requirements but most make individuals take a class on the subject, pass an exam, and apply for a license before they can go into business. Background checks and fingerprinting are usually included in the process.
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.
If the accused leaves town and doesn't appear in court, the court will issue a warrant for his or her arrest. After that the court has several options. The accused can be arrested by law enforcement, by someone authorized and licensed, or by a private investigator.
If a bondsman decides to go after you, they usually use the services of a surety recovery agent, or bounty hunter. Not everyone knows such people really exist outside movies and television shows, but they do. It might seem like an exciting and adventurous job to some. They might even be interested in learning what it takes to become one.
What you have to do to become a bounty hunter varies depending on the state you live in. Some state don't have any rules about it all. You just have to get a bonding agent to hire you and you're in business. Other states make it a felony if you operate without a license. How much you get paid depends on the outstanding bond.
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.
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.
You may wonder what these people have to do to go into the bail business. Different states have different requirements but most make individuals take a class on the subject, pass an exam, and apply for a license before they can go into business. Background checks and fingerprinting are usually included in the process.
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.
If the accused leaves town and doesn't appear in court, the court will issue a warrant for his or her arrest. After that the court has several options. The accused can be arrested by law enforcement, by someone authorized and licensed, or by a private investigator.
If a bondsman decides to go after you, they usually use the services of a surety recovery agent, or bounty hunter. Not everyone knows such people really exist outside movies and television shows, but they do. It might seem like an exciting and adventurous job to some. They might even be interested in learning what it takes to become one.
What you have to do to become a bounty hunter varies depending on the state you live in. Some state don't have any rules about it all. You just have to get a bonding agent to hire you and you're in business. Other states make it a felony if you operate without a license. How much you get paid depends on the outstanding bond.
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.
About the Author:
When you are in need of some advice from a bail bondsman in Everett, WA, the best thing you can do is to take a look at our website. Follow the link and view the page on http://duimonitoringandbail.com.