Did you know that approximately $2 billion worth of bail bonds are issued out every year? If you’re a leader of a bail bond company, you know that this is big business.

But how do bail bond companies work? What does it take to obtain a bail bond in today’s day and age?

In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about getting bail and what to expect as a bail bond firm in the coming year.

What Is Bail?

Bail is an array of rules and demands meant to make sure that a person who is freed from prison will show up to their court date when they are supposed to.

Most of the time, these requirements have to do with money. The defendant will have to pay bail (an amount of cash) in order to get out of jail.

Bail isn’t meant to punish, and the amount of bail a defendant has to pay has nothing to do with whether or not they are guilty. Instead, it has to do with whether or not individuals will show up in court.

There are two kinds of bail that can get someone out of jail. These things are cash bail and personal recognizance. If a magistrate believes that a defendant is unlikely to show up in court, they may decide to let them out on cash bail. This requires that the defendant will have to pay money to get out of jail.

People are sometimes let go just because they said they would show up to court. This is called bail on your own recognizance.

How Is Bail Determined?

The bail magistrate looks at the details of the case, the defendant’s finances and criminal background, the defendant’s risk of running away and any previous failures to show up in court. Based on this information, the bail magistrate decides if the defendant is likely to show up in court if he or she is released on bail.

What is a Bail Bond?

Bail bonds are a means for a defendant to pay up front and avoid prison until the day they appear in court. If the person accused of a crime can’t pay bail, they have to sit in prison until their court date.

You have the option to pay the full bail amount yourself in many places and situations. There are a lot of small bond amounts for crimes. Defendants can also charge the amount for a fee if the jail chooses to accept credit card payments.

Even if the defendant can pay in full the bail, it can be hard to find a way to pay the jail. When you are arrested, your personal belongings are often taken from you. Cash in large amounts could be taken as proof. There are some jails that won’t take credit cards. If they do, they usually have to pay a big fee.

A defendant can also get in touch with a bail agent. Many people end up choosing to do this because when they use an agency, they only have to pay a part of the bond up front. Often, the defendant’s friends or family will call a bail agent on their behalf.

If you hire a bail bondsman or agent, they would then write up an agreement to make sure you know that you are responsible for making sure the accused person shows up to all court dates. If the defendant doesn’t show up, you’ll have to pay the whole bail amount.

How Does a Bail Bond Work?

Since people can be arrested at any time, most bail bond companies are open 24 hours a day. Payments and paperwork can often be done electronically, which speeds up the process.

The paperwork is an agreement between the person who posts bail and the court. It makes sure that the person fully understands that by posting bail, they are agreeing to be responsible for ensuring the defendant shows up to all court dates.

In the paperwork, they will also say what they have put up as collateral to make sure that person shows up in court. The court outlines fees in the paperwork. When calling a bail agent, they will have to know the entire name of the defendant, their booking number, the charges, and the location of the jail where they are being held.

From there, the bail agent will have the person out of jail by putting up a bond. When the bail bondsman goes to the jail, he or she receives the court date, a receipt, and all the necessary paperwork so that they can keep track of the case. Depending on how the jail works and how busy it is, this can take a few hours.

If the defendant doesn’t turn up to any court hearings, the bail agent will have to pay the full bail amount to the court. The bail agent will then consider hiring a bounty hunter to find the person and bring them back to jail. If the defendant doesn’t show up to court, the person that took out the bail bond may lose any collateral or face other penalties, depending on the contract.

How Do Bail Bond Companies Work?

So, how do bail bond companies work? As mentioned above, most bail bond companies are available to defendants at all hours of the day. They can create paperwork that allows the defendant to put up collateral to get out of jail. If the defendant doesn’t show up to the hearings, the agent that issued the bail amount will pay the court and issue out a bounty hunter for the accused party.

If you enjoyed this article and are interested in becoming a bail bond agent in Virginia, please contact us today!

Did you know that the average salary for a bail enforcement agent in South Carolina is between $35,683 and $43,807?

A bail enforcement agent provides an important service to the court and justice system. When people are arrested, they can pay a certain amount of money and get bail. Bail enforcement agents work to investigate, locate and apprehend fugitives who have skipped bail and missed their court dates.

If you’re looking to learn more about how to become a bail enforcement agent, keep on reading. Following these 5 steps, you can become a bail enforcement agent and start the career of your dreams.

Why Should You Become a Bail Enforcement Agent?

Let’s first talk about why becoming a bail enforcement agent may be the right career choice for you. We have all seen a lot of movies, but being a bail enforcement agent is not about car chases and breaking down doors. It requires intelligence, focus, and commitment.

Be Your Own Boss

One of the biggest reasons to become a bail enforcement agent is to be your own boss. Rather than taking direction, you get to decide what works best for you. You get to choose what cases you want to take on.

Flexible Hours

Rather than working a 9 to 5 job at a desk, you can choose your own hours. There’s still a lot of paperwork and regulations to understand, but you set the hours the work for you. It’s great for someone with family commitments or other obligations that allows a work-life balance.

Work With People

If you are a people person, this is a great job for you because you do get to work with a lot of interesting people. A part of your job is to develop contacts everywhere you go. These contacts can help make your job easier and help you increase your income potential.

Income Potential

At the end of the day, you also get to decide how much you want to work and how much you want to make. You can choose the best bail bonds that meet your income needs. You can take on less or more work, depending on your needs that week or that month.

What Steps Do You Need to Take to Become a Bail Enforcement Agent?

There are some steps you need to take to become a bail enforcement agent. Remember only licensed agents can be bail agents in South Carolina.

Step 1: Make Sure You Are Eligible

First, make sure you meet the requirements to be a bail enforcement agent. You must be over the age of 18 to be a bail enforcement agent. You must also be a resident of South Carolina.

Another requirement is that you must have good moral character. You also cannot be convicted of a felony in the last 10 years.

One of the best parts of becoming a bail enforcement agent is that you don’t need to have a degree to apply for a license. Of course, understanding criminal justice can only be an asset to you. This is why many bail enforcement agents end up pursuing higher education in forensics, criminology, or psychology.

Step 2: Complete Educational and Training Requirements

You will need to complete at least 20 hours of education training through a pre-licensing course. There are certain approved schools that can provide these courses. Once you finish the course, you need the instructor to sign a certificate that states that you have completed the pre-licensing education requirements.

Step 3: Pass Your Licensing Exam and Apply for Your License

Once you finish the course, you have to sit for the licensing exam. The exam has 60 questions and you will have an hour to finish it. It costs about $45 to register for the exam.

The exam will cover insurance regulations, legal framework, and bail bond principles and practices. If you pass the exam, you can pay $400 and apply for your license.

Your license needs to be renewed annually by paying $200 and showing proof that you completed 8 hours of continuing education. All licenses expire on June 30 of each year and can be renewed online.

Step 4: Develop Contacts in the Industry

Now you are ready to be a bail enforcement agent. The work does not stop here. In fact, now the real work will start to build your career as a successful bail enforcement agent.

The first thing you need to do is to network with other bail bond agents. Success as a bail enforcement agent is all about building your network and your contacts. The more people you know, the easier your job will be.

Step 5: Understand the Business

Your training may teach you the basics, but there’s still a lot more to learn. You need to understand basic bail bond terminology that will get you started. More than that, you need to understand how to run your own business including registering your business name, maintaining records, and getting business cards.

You will need to understand how to conduct investigations, find fugitives, and get paid. These are all necessary steps to increasing your income potential and starting your career as a bail enforcement agent. Every day will be a learning experience and over time, your success rate will increase as well.

Apply Today to Become a Bail Enforcement Agent

Now you know exactly what is required from a bail enforcement agent. Taking these 5 steps, you can be on your way to becoming a bail enforcement agent in no time. Rather than working a 9 to 5 office job, you can begin a career that allows you to be your own boss, be creative, and feel like you have a purpose in life.

If you are a committed self-starter who is looking to become a bail bonds agent in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Virginia, then you have come to the right place. Apply today and we will help you to set up your business, maintain records, post bonds, and everything else that you need to know to excel at being a bail enforcement agent.

Many people do not realize how important bail bonds services are in the United States. A significant part of the legal system depends on the work of quality and professional surety bail bondsmen. In fact, in the United States alone, the industry for bail bond services is worth more than $2 billion every single year!

In total, there are almost 25,000 people employed in this industry, and that number continues to go up. But how can you become one of the next surety bail bondsmen in Virginia?

Read on to learn all about the most important steps to follow to successfully become a surety bail bondsman!

Meet the Requirements to Work With Surety Bonds

Working as a surety bail bondsman is an important job. Not just anybody has the qualifications to do it.

In Virginia, there are several requirements before you can even start receiving training to be a bail bondsman.

First of all, you have to be a legal adult, which means you must be 18 years of age or older. On top of that, you have to either be a US citizen or a legal resident.

In Virginia, it is also a requirement that you have a high school diploma. If you do not have one, you can potentially use a GED instead. Both options are sufficient to allow you to take bail bondsman training.

It is not a necessity that you have a college degree to become a surety bail bondsman. However, it is certainly helpful.

The market has a lot of demand for a qualified bail bondsman. But if you really want to stand out from other potential candidates for a specific job, a college degree can help you do so.

Provided that you meet all of the discussed conditions, you will be able to sign up for training. Assuming that your training goes well, you will then be prepared to take the exam.

At that point, you can apply for your license. Once you receive it, you will be ready to work as a surety bail bondsman

But let’s look at some of those steps a little more carefully.

Receive Bail Agent Training for Working in Virginia

The training course to become a bail bondsman takes a total of 240 hours. It is important that you receive this training from a provider who has been officially approved. Otherwise, the training will not count.

As part of your training, you will learn everything you need to know about how to act as a professional and ethical bail bondsman.

Among other things, you’ll have to understand a little bit about law in general and bail bonds law in particular. You will also need to understand how to conduct yourself ethically.

Beyond that, you will learn about how to recover fugitives. This involves both techniques to help you successfully apprehend fugitives and an understanding of the ways you can apprehend fugitives that are legal in Virginia.

There are a few different types of bail bondsmen. There are property bail bondsmen, agent bail bondsmen, and surety bail bondsmen.

However, you can also receive a firearms endorsement for any one of these three options. If you want to receive firearms endorsement, then you will need to receive training in the use of firearms as well.

Just as with the rest of your bail bondsman training, it is essential that you receive this training from an approved provider. Otherwise, you will not be able to take the licensing exam.

Pass the Bail Bond Licensing Exam

Just because you finish training, that does not mean that you are prepared to act as a surety bail bondsman. You must first prove to the satisfaction of the state that you understood your training.

To do this, you will receive a bail bondsman licensing exam. If you pass the exam, then you will be allowed to apply for a license.

If you do not pass the exam, you can receive further training and apply again.

Apply for Your Bail Bondsman License in Virginia

Once you have passed the exam, you can submit your application to receive a license as a surety bail bondsman. Along with filling out the information in the application, you are going to have to pay a number of fees.

All of these fees go to the treasurer of Virginia. The biggest fee is the licensure application fee, which costs $900.

On top of that, there is a category fee that costs $100 and a fingerprint fee that costs $50.

If you took firearms training, then you can pay an extra $30 to apply for a firearms endorsement.

Keep Up to Date on Career Tips and Changes in the Field

At this point, you can officially apply for bail bondsman jobs in Virginia. However, if you want to keep your license, you will have to keep up-to-date on changes in the law. Every two years, your license will expire.

To keep your license, you’ll have to take an updated training course. Fortunately, this course only lasts for eight hours.

Once you have finished the course, you will submit a license application again with the same fees that you paid to receive your first license.

Understand How to Become a Virginia Surety Bail Bondsman

We hope that some of the ideas in this brief article about the most important steps toward becoming a Virginia surety bail bondsman have been helpful for you. Many people are interested in becoming a surety bail bondsman but they do not know where to start. Learning just a little bit more about the process can make taking the first step that much clearer and easier.

To learn more about how you can start moving towards becoming a surety bail bondsman in Virginia or to speak with experts in the surety bail bondsman field, feel free to check out our other materials here at any time!

There are over 1,500 bail bonds agents in the US, which means there is plenty of room for new agents to grow in the field.

Are you considering a career as a bail bondsman, but you don’t know what the bail bonds agent requirements are in your state? It can be confusing to ensure that you’re following all of the rules and staying on the right path since there is so much information on state websites to sift through.

Luckily, we have made this easy step-by-step guide to help you along the way.

Keep reading to get all of the information you need to become a bail bonds agent in South Carolina.

Check the South Carolina Dept. of Insurance Requirements

Before you can apply for a license, you have to be eligible to complete the training. There are specific requirements that need to be met, including:

• Aged 18 or older
• A resident of South Carolina
• No felony convictions involving moral turpitude within the last 10 years
• Good moral character

The requirements stated here are in place because the state wants to ensure all bail bond agents are going to be fair and honest in their work. You also need to be legally an adult and live in the state where you’re working.

If you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you’ll find that it’s actually not too difficult to become a bail bondsman if you put in the required hours.

Complete All of the Necessary Training

There is a compulsory course that you need to take called the Pre-Licensing Course for Bail Bondsmen in South Carolina. This is a 30-hour class that is administered by people from the Department of Insurance.

In this course, you’ll be trained on the general insurance information you need to know, as well as regulations, the legal framework of contracts, certain South Carolina laws, and the principles of what ‘bail bonding’ really means.

If you want to become a surety bondsman (which we will discuss later), you’ll need at least 60 hours of study.

After the course is complete, you get your certificate that shows you’ve finished the training.

Pass the Licensing Exam

With that certificate in hand, you will next want to register for the SC Professional Bail Bondsman/Runner exam. Make sure that you know which county you want to work in before you sign up.

Look for the ‘series 19-16 pre-licensing examination’ to ensure you sign up for the right one. You can go to PSI Exams to schedule your exam time and date.

You’ll have 60 questions to answer during this exam. It lasts for about 65 minutes, and you will have to pay a $45 exam fee to take it.

The outline of what you’ll want to study up on beforehand is:

1. Insurance regulation (10%)
2. Legal framework (29%)
3. Bail bond principles and best practices (61%)

After the exam is completed (and passed), you’ll be able to get your license through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). These test scores last for one year.

Get Your License

Once you’re done with all other requirements, it’s time to finally apply for your professional bondsman license through the state. To do this, apply on the National Insurance Producer Registry website, and pay the non-refundable $400 fee.

In order to get this type of license, you have to get fingerprinted. For details about how and where to do this, you can visit the SC Department of Insurance web page.

You also need to have a passport-sized photo, proof of passing your exam, and your training certificate. Don’t forget to complete Form BB1100 and Form BB1106 as well.

If you have a license from another state, you can cancel the license from your previous state and then apply directly through NIPR.

Want to Be a Runner Bondsman?

Runner bondsmen are employed by professional bondsmen, and they are responsible for making sure that the defendant shows up for their court date. Another name you may know these professionals by is “bounty hunters.”

If you want to be a runner bondsman, rest assured that most of the requirements remain the same. You’ll need to complete the correct application, which is Form BB1106, and pay the $200 fee.

You’ll also have to provide a passport-sized photo, two fingerprint cards, and proof of passing your exam/training work.

You can only represent one professional bondsman, so submit an appointment with Form BB1102. If you plan to be a runner with authority (authorized by a professional bondsman), then you’ll also have to submit Form BB1104.

Want to Be a Surety Bondsman?

Many requirements are the same here as for the professional license, but there are additional factors that will need to be completed before you can apply.

Surety bonds are agreements that state one party (the surety) guarantees another party that a third party will perform an obligation. An example of a common surety bond is most court bonds.

Surety bondsmen are the ones that ensure bail bonds are executed correctly so that court proceedings can continue.

For this type of profession, there are more specific requirements. You have to get appointed as a surety agent by an insurer.

You’ll also have to complete the series 19-08 exam through PSI Exams. This exam has 50 questions that need to be completed within a 60-minute time frame. Continuing education requirements are also applicable to surety bondsmen.

Become a Bail Bonds Agent in South Carolina

Being a bail bondsman can be a rewarding career, so if you think it might be right for you, there is no time to waste. If you’re prepared to become a bail bonds agent, and you want to get some help from the pros along the way, we can help.

Amistad & Associates is a bail bond agency that wants to help professional agents in the North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia regions.

Apply now if you’re ready to get started.

The sad truth is around 60% of people waiting for their trial remain in jail. They can post bail to get out, but they can’t afford it. This number includes innocent people.

Bail bond agents help these individuals get a taste of temporary liberty. They provide a guarantee to the court in place of posting bail.

A bond is a huge financial undertaking for the agent. For this reason, they need to work with a bail bond insurance company.

Do you want to become a bail bond agent? If so, learn more about bail bond insurance and how it works below.

What Is Bail Bond Insurance?

Bail bond agents offer protection for the court, but they need to protect themselves, too. To learn more about how this type of insurance works, let’s break down bail bonds first.

What Is a Bail Bond?

What happens if a defendant can’t afford the bail for their temporary freedom? They have the option to use a bail bond instead.

A bail bond serves as a guarantee to the court that the defendant will show up to every mandated court appearance. They must have an agent to act as an intermediary.

What Does a Bail Bond Agent Do?

A bondsman is a middleman between the court and the defendant. They post the bail bond. They’re responsible for the compensation if the other party doesn’t fulfill their promise.

What do they get in return? Before issuing a bond, the defendant must provide collateral and an upfront fee to the agent. It is usually a small percentage of the bail.

If the defendant fails to appear in court, the bondsman pays the bail. They use the collateral to cover it, so they don’t have to use their own money. In any case, the agent keeps the upfront fee paid by the defendant.

Nevertheless, a bail bond agent’s primary role isn’t to pay the court. It’s to recover the defendant and ensure they show up every time.

Why Does an Agent Need a Bond Insurance?

The court requires the bondsman to have enough assets to cover the bail should the defendant fail to show up to one of their court appearances. If you want to post a bond for more people, you have to build your wealth.

Some states also don’t allow bail agents to use their assets for their work. In South Carolina, an insurance company must appoint you before writing bail bonds.

If you’re an agent who wants to grow their business, you must get help from a bail bond insurance company. Partnering with one gives you other benefits, too.

The insurance company steps in if the agent can’t pay the court. As with any other type of insurance, they cover their client’s liability and compensate for the outstanding balance.

How Does an Agent Get Bail Bond Insurance?

You pay a premium to the insurance company depending on your financial status. They consider your credit rating, income stability, experience, and more.

You also have to set up a build-up fund (BUF) with the company. It serves as collateral, a guarantee that you’ll fulfill your obligations as stated in the contract. The amount in this account also plays a factor in your insurance rate.

If you fail to meet your obligations, the insurance company can use the BUF to pay recovery fees, legal fees, and judgments. Otherwise, the account makes for a nice retirement fund.

What Is a Surety Bond or Cash Bond?

You may have heard of people referring to a surety or cash bond in the same context. Are they the same? Let’s explore in more detail below.

Surety Bond

A bail bond is only a form of a surety bond. It’s a promise between three parties:

• The principal
• The obligee
• The surety

The principal is the person with an obligation to meet. The obligee receives a guarantee they’ll get compensation if the other party fails to perform.

The surety is the issuer of the safety bond. They pay the compensation when a claim occurs, but the principal signs an agreement to reimburse them. They may not require collateral.

In the case of a bail bond, the principal is the defendant, while the obligee is the court. The surety is the agency.

The bond is a guarantee that the principal will show up to court. Otherwise, the agent has to pay the original amount of bail.

Other types of a surety bonds may work differently. However, the underlying process is the same. One difference is bail bonds always have collateral.

Cash Bond

What about a cash bond? It works the same in that it guarantees that the defendant will show up in court.

However, it doesn’t need an intermediary. It’s an agreement between only two parties – the court and the defendant.

A cash only bond requires the defendant to pay in full. It means paying an upfront fee for their liberty. Still, they promise to attend every scheduled court appearance.

If they fail to do so, they forfeit their right to claim the amount they paid. Cash bonds are refundable if the defendant shows up to court as ordered.

Any third party may provide the money needed for bail; it can be a friend or relative of the defendant. They take the risk of not getting their money back.

Before giving back the money, the court takes out any costs, fines, and fees for the current case. They can also deduct any monies owed for previous ones with outstanding balances.

Many courts often only accept cash as a form of payment. You can’t pay via checks, cashier checks, or other methods.

Become a Bail Bond Agent Now

People deciding to become bail bond agents must take on huge risks and responsibilities. That’s why they need bail bond insurance as protection.

Do you want to become a bail bond agent in South Carolina? If so, feel free to contact us today.

The bail industry is huge, and is currently worth about $2 billion. With those kinds of numbers, becoming a bail enforcement agent can be a great way for you to earn some cash.

The journey toward becoming a bail enforcement agent in NC isn’t that difficult, either.

If you’re interested in learning how to become a bail enforcement agent in North Carolina, this guide is for you. Here’s what you need to know about starting a career in bail enforcement.

Step 1: Get Your Qualifications Right

If you want to become a bail agent in NC, you’ll need to get a license. There are a few qualifications that you’ll need to meet in order to make this happen.

For one thing, you have to be at least 21 and you have to have been an official North Carolina resident for six consecutive months or more. You also need to have the equivalent of a high school diploma.

Another qualification you’ll need to meet is to have a clean record. That means:

• Not having any bail obligations of your own
• Having no violations of Article 71 of Chapter 58 or of Article 26 of Chapter 15A of North Carolina’s General Statutes.
• Not have been disqualified by law from becoming a bail agent
• Having no felony convictions
• Having no misdemeanor drug violations in the last two years

Aside from these qualifications, you cannot currently work in any kind of law enforcement role. You’ll also have to have a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

Step 2: Take a Pre-Licensing Education Class

If you meet the qualification requirements in step one, you can move on to step two. During this phase, you’ll have to register for and complete a pre-licensing class.

The class lasts two days, and the North Carolina Bail Agents Association runs it. You can call ahead to register or even just walk into the class and sign up on the spot!

As part of your class, you’ll receive all the materials you need. Just make sure to bring your photo ID to class.

After you complete your two-day class, you’ll get a chance to take a practice test. This will award you with a preliminary license, which you’ll need in order to take the North Carolina state exam.

Just be aware that your preliminary license is only valid for six months. You’ll need to take the state exam within that timeframe if you want to avoid taking another PLE class.

Step 3: Fill Out Your Application

After you finish your preliminary class, you’ll need to submit an application to become a bail bond agent. You’ll do this by submitting an online application and required licensing fees through the North Carolina Department of Insurance.

Remember, filling out your application isn’t free. You’ll be expected to pay a couple of fees in order to get your license.

Firstly, you’ll need to pay a $263 fee to apply to be an NC bail bondsman. Then, you’ll need to pay a $48 processing fee for submitting the application online.

Keep in mind that you’ll also have to pay to take your exam. The cost of the exam in North Carolina is $51.50.

Step 4: Take the State State Exam

With your application submitted and your fees paid, it’s time to take the exam and get licensed. You can register for your exam as soon as the North Carolina Department of Insurance approves your application.

After the NCDOI approves your application, they’ll send you a letter letting you know that you can now register for your exam. You can register online or visit a registered Pearson VUE Testing Facility.

Make sure to study hard, as the state exam is quite rigorous. It will cover all the information you learned in your pre-licensing course. If you need to take a refresher before the exam, you can do so within one year of completing your PLE course.

Finally, after you take the exam, you’ll receive your score and will get your photo taken for your ID card. The NCODI gets notified by the test administrator so that they can issue your license.

Step 5: Get Your Bail Bond License

With your test finished and your license approved by the North Carolina Department of Insurance, it’s time for you to get your license! You’ll typically receive it in 10-12 business days via mail.

If you’re getting impatient, you can always track your license’s progress on the NCDOI website. That way, you can see how soon you can expect to receive your license.

After you get your license, you’ll be assigned a supervising agent. This individual will monitor your work for the first year that you operate.

Step 6: Find a Bail Bond Agency

With your license in hand, it’s time to find a bail bond agency. These teams are organizations that hire bail agents and connect them with local job opportunities.

Working with a bail bond agency is a great way to get started in the world of bail enforcement because the company gives you the tools you need. Plus, you’ll have the added support of seasoned professionals to back you up.

Launch a Career in Bail Enforcement

The bail and bond industry can be highly profitable if you start off on the right foot. And, with this guide, you’ve got all the tools you need to become a successful bail enforcement officer.

If you’re ready to start a career as a bail agent in North Carolina, give us a call. Join our team and let’s get you started on your journey toward becoming a bail bond agent.

As of 2019, the latest prison review sits at around 2,068,800 prisoners. With numbers like that, a career as a bail agent seems to be a wise and stable option.

Bail agents are utilized if someone’s arrested but doesn’t have the money to pay the bond amount set. And, without posting bail, you’re spending your time in jail until your court hearing. This isn’t ideal for the arrested or the judicial system.

This is where a bail bond agent can step in and save the day.

This article discusses everything from the bail enforcement agent salary to the necessary steps for applying to this career. So keep reading if you’re considering a new and noble career move.

What Is a Bail Bondsman?

If you’re considering becoming a bail agent, it’s essential to understand what they do and how the bail system works. As we briefly covered, a bail bond agent steps in to pay the bond on behalf of the accused when they can’t afford the bond on their own.

The bail process is complex but straightforward. Once someone’s arrested, they’re provided with a hearing date by the court, and if deemed necessary, a bail amount is set.

This is where it becomes a bit more involved. The bail amount can depend on a couple of factors:

• The seriousness of the alleged committed crime
• The laws regarding standard bail practices
• The accused’s past criminal record
• The accused’s employment status
• Whether the accused is a “flight risk” or has ties to the community

Once the bail amount is set and the defendant can’t make the payment themselves, they enlist the help of a bail bond agency or bail agent. That agency or agent will post the bail on their behalf and then ensure the defendant shows up to all appointed court appearances.

Depending on how the defendant manages their court hearings, the bail is handled as follows:

• If the accused skips bail but is brought back to the courts by a bounty hunter within a grace period, the money is returned
• If the accused skips bail with no return, the bail money goes to the courts

In the event that the court claims the bail, the bond agent or agency recoups this money from a friend or family member of the accused. As of 2020, the median bail is set at around $10,000 for felonies in the United States.

The Low Down on the Bail Enforcement Agent Salary

There’s no shame in admitting you want to know if your chosen career includes a decent salary. After all, everyone deserves to make a living wage. So let’s get right into it and look at the potential income you can make as an independent bail bond agent or working for a bail bond agency.

The average bail enforcement agent salary across the USA is $41,899 as of 2022. However, this salary can increase to approximately $52,000 in some cities or states. However, like every job, factors to be considered can affect the final paycheck.

For example, education, additional skills, certifications, and the number of years of experience you might have can all impact the potential income.

In Virginia, the average salary doesn’t differ too much from the overall median and is reported to sit around $41,647. Like many careers, there are opportunities to earn further bonuses, which you can expect to be approximately 1.4% of your gross salary.

Of course, there are other benefits to this career choice. Additional benefits can include one or more of the following:

• Social Security
• 104K/403B
• Healthcare
• Disability
• Time off
• Pension

If you live in cities like Dallas and Denver, however, your potential earnings can increase to an average of $58,782. That’s 33% higher than the U.S. average income.

Bounty Hunter vs. Bail Bond Agent

While a bail agent can become a bounty hunter if their client skips bail, it’s also possible to act solely as a bounty hunter as your career move. The earning potential for bounty hunters primarily depends on the commission paid by the bail agency and can be anywhere between $1,000 to $2,500 on a $10,000 bond.

Thus, if a bounty hunter returns a fugitive with a $200,000 bond outstanding, $20,000 to $50,000 can potentially be earned in commission.

Getting an Initial Licence

When looking to switch to or begin a career as a bail enforcement agent, there are minimum eligibility requirements that you need to meet before you can be successful in your application for a bail enforcement license.

If applying in the state of Virginia, the minimum requirements needed to become a bail agent are:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must be a USA citizen or lawful permanent resident with proof of address
• Must have a valid high school diploma or a GED
• Attended a private security school that’s accredited or licensed and completed all initial training requirements (including 70% minimum passing grade on the exam)

It’s customary that your biometrics (fingerprints, etc.) will be captured at the time of application.

Fees: Application & Exam

Fees might differ depending on where you apply. But in Virginia, you can be looking at around $183.00 for a bail bond runner, $263.00 for a surety bail bondsman, and $263.00 to apply to be a professional bail bondsman.

There’s also a minor fee to reserve your place in the final exam of $56.50.

Getting a Renewal Licence

To keep your bail enforcement license active, you need to adhere to a few conditions. A bail bond license is valid for 2 years. After your second year is complete, you’ll need to do the following to renew your license for another 2 years:

• Complete 3-8 hours of in-service training each year
• Adhere to the requirements, as stated in the Code of Virginia § 9.1-185.6
• Resubmit an application, and your biometrics

Of course, you need to complete this all before the original license expires, or you’ll have to begin again from scratch.

Begin a Bail Enforcement Career Today

Whether you want to work for an agency or start your own bail bond business, choosing a career as a bail agent is an admirable choice. You have the ability to assist people who are in need at a desperate time. But by also ensuring the client arrives at all their court hearings, you’re helping out the judicial system.

If the bail enforcement agent salary sounds acceptable to you, then start your business today. Visit our website for more information and to apply directly.

Are you wanting to pursue a career as a bail bond agent?

Bail agents provide critical legal services to the communities they serve. They help families get to spend more time with their loved ones as the legal process unfolds. They also can set flexible schedules and have great job security.

But like other careers, there are bail bonds agent requirements. Before you start practicing, you’ll have to receive the right training and take a number of steps. Below, we’ll get into everything you need to know about becoming a bail agent. Keep reading to learn more and get your career started!

Step 1: Figure Out Your Eligibility

Before you become a bail bond agent, you need to make sure you meet bail bonds agent requirements Bail bonds agents must be at least 18 years of age at the time they’re submitting their application. They must be of upstanding moral character and not have any felony convictions on their record.

If they have any charge of moral turpitude, they don’t have eligibility. Moral turpitude, when applied to the law, means criminal activity such as assault, robbery, kidnapping, manslaughter, and murder.

If you’re planning on becoming a bail bonds agent in South Carolina, you must also reside in the state.

Step 2: Take the State Mandated Course

People who want to get certified to become a bail bond agent in South Carolina need to take a course. These courses happen pre-licensing. They take about 30 hours to complete.

The course will prepare you for the pre-licensing test you will need to take. You’ll learn about the foundational aspects of being a bail bonds agent. As such, you’ll gain the knowledge you need to run your bail bonds business.

To find these courses, you should look for places that have been approved by the South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI). Various sponsors host these courses throughout the state. As such, you should look for one that’s located near you.

At the end of the course, your instructor will provide you with your certificate.

Step 3: Take the Test and Apply

Once you have your certificate, you can take the test. You’ll need to schedule your examination with PSI.

If you pass the test, the results will get uploaded to the SCDOI website. Afterward, you’ll need to apply for a license. You can apply to the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR).

For the NIPR, you’ll need to know your social security number or FEIN. You should also be ready to provide your date of birth and your applicant type. You should also prepare a source of payment. The NIPR accepts Visa, Mastercard, electronic checks, and AMEX.

Step 4: Get Your Fingerprints Taken

Before you become a bail bonds agent, you need to get your fingerprints taken. To do this, you’ll need to schedule an appointment.

Your fingerprints will then be on the record, and a background check will get performed. This is to ensure that no bail bonds agent has an existing criminal record.

Step 5: Complete the Questionnaire

Once you’ve done all these steps, you’re almost done. But you need to complete an additional questionnaire.

The questionnaire can be found here. It goes through 5 simple questions. They include questions about whether you’ve gone through a pre-licensing class or whether you or your spouse is someone who has the authority to arrest another person. You’ll need to attach your course certificate and any other relevant details.

You’ll be asked to send in a photo as well as your receipt from getting your fingerprints taken.

When you fill out this questionnaire, you should answer in a truthful fashion. You’ll get charged with perjury if you lie on the document, and it might result in license revocation.

Once you’ve completed your questionnaire, you will send it to Specialty Licensing.

Step 6: Start Your Business

As you begin to think about becoming a bail bonds agent, you’ll need to start considering your business.

When you start a bail agency, you’ll need a couple of key characteristics. You’ll need a passion for what you do and helping the people in the community. You’ll need to show empathy for the people you serve and the situations they’re in. In addition, you’ll need resources and a willingness to be adaptable.

You will also need to think about the types of people you’ll need to hire. As a bail bonds professional, you should hire an accountant to handle the financial aspects of our business. They’ll file your taxes and perform the necessary bank reconciliations. They’ll also be able to oversee spending and keep you financially on track.

You should also hire a marketing team. After all, in order to get clients, you need to persuade them to use your services rather than going to your competitors. If you don’t have the funds for a full marketing team, hire one employee with extensive marketing experience.

Navigate Bail Bonds Agent Requirements

As you get started on your bail bonds journey, you’ll need a team of people who will be on your side.

Here at Amistad Bail Bonds & Associates, we specialize in working with people who want to become bail bonds agents. We’ll help you navigate getting licensed. That involves helping you find the right classes and forms. We’ll also serve as a resource that will answer your questions and guide you on the way.

After you meet bail bonds agent requirements, we’ll help you set up your business. That way, you can successfully practice and start taking clients!

Apply now to get started!

The bail bond system was put in place to allow the accused or the defendant to go home while awaiting their trial. This transaction allows them to set up a legal, financial guarantee for their future proceedings.

In the state of Virginia, there are two main types of bail bondsmen: property and surety bail bonds. If you want to learn more about the difference between the two, then you came to the right place. This brief article will go over the difference between a surety and a property bond and who you can reach out to if you are interested in becoming a bail bond agent in Virginia.

What Is a Surety Bail Bond?

A surety bail bond is one of the most common types of bail bonds in the state of Virginia. The bail is the agreement, usually money, that the accused provides in order to be released from jail.

Once they pay these funds, they promise to show up to appear in court continuously until their case closes. The accused typically agrees to pay a percentage of the bond before those funds are released to the court.

There are three people involved with a surety bond: the accused, the bail bond agent, and the court. If the accused fails to meet their end of the obligation, the bail bond agency will pay the bond in full to the court. With a surety bond, the Virginia surety bail bond agent acts as a surety, guaranteeing the bond.

What Is a Property Bail Bond?

The bail bond agent does not act as the surety with a property bond. Instead, the accused must provide a piece of property to act in as collateral for the bond. Many people prefer to obtain surety bonds in place of property bonds because of the risk of losing their homes.

How to Become a Virginia Surety Bail Bond Agent

As mentioned above, there are two types of bail bond agents in Virginia. Each of these agents has its own requirements a person must meet before earning their license as a Virginia bail bond agent.

Minimum eligibility requirements:

• Must be 18 years old
• Must be a United States citizen or a legal resident
• Must have a high school diploma or a GED

Before you can obtain your license, you must complete a 40-hour bail bondsman entry-level training. If you plan on applying for a firearms endorsement to carry a firearm, you will need to complete the entry-level firearms training.

When you complete your training, you will need to take your bail bondsman licensing exam and pass with at least a score of 70%. Once you pass, you will then need to pay the applicable fees and get yourself fingerprinted.

How to Become a Virginia Property Bail Bond Agent

The minimum requirements to become a Virginia property bail bond agent are the same as the surety bond agent requirements. In addition to those requirements, you will need to take your exam and pass with a minimum score of 70%.

Property bail bond agents in Virginia must prove they have $200,000 of collateral on their bonds and each agent. Any collateral that is not in the form of cash, real estate, or certificates of deposits insured by the FDIC must have approval from the DCJS.

If there is no approval from the DCJS, it will not be considered collateral. If you use real estate as collateral, the property must reside in Virginia, and it must be clear and free of any obligations or liens.

Information you must submit to the DCJS about the property:

• Appropriate deed of trust form
• Title certificate report
• Property collateral verification form
• Full title search

If you decide to use certificates of deposit or cash as collateral, you must submit a control agreement form. If applicable, you will need to submit your current financial statement and special power of attorney form.

How to Keep Your License

It is important to note that you will need to renew your license once every two years. You will need to complete bail bond agents continuing education courses within those two years. You need at least eight hours of in-service training. You will also need to take a firearm in training service if you have a firearm.

Bail Bondsmen Fees

As mentioned above, you will need to pay the applicable fees to obtain your license. Your licensing fee in Virginia is $900, and there is a criminal history processing fee of $25.

Other fees you need to pay:

• Firearm endorsement fee: $30
• Fingerprinting: $25-$35 depending on where you get your prints done
• Surety bail bondsman category fee: $100

Once you have your fees paid and submit all your necessary documents to the state, you can start practicing as a bail bondsman in Virginia. Many great companies you can work for will give you the tools and resources you need to be as successful as possible.

Bail Bondsmen Ineligibility

If you have been convicted of a felony in the United States within the past ten years, you cannot apply to become a bail bondsman in Virginia. If you or your spouse are employees of a regional or local jail, you are ineligible to become a bail bondsman. This includes sheriff’s offices, local or state police departments, or any person appointed as conservators of the peace.

Become a Bail Bonds Agent Today!

Now that you know about the two different types of bail bond agents in Virginia, it’s time to start your bail bond journey! Obtaining your license and working with a reputable company can provide excellent job security and a great working environment.

Regardless of whether you wish to become a property bail bond agent or a surety bail bond agent, we have the resources you need to succeed. If you want to learn more about becoming a bail bond agent, apply now for more information.

South Carolina once had one of the highest rates of incarceration in the US. Since then, multiple attempts have been made to ensure consistency and fairness in the justice system, while freeing up space in prisons. But do you know where bonds come into this legal system?

If not, then you need to know about how this can provide a lucrative career. Read on as we give our essential guide on bail agents and how to set up as one.

Five Things to Know About Bail Bonds

Becoming a bail agent is no easy task, though it is rewarding. Before starting the process, you should know the five points below to help you understand the occupation.

1. How Does Bail Work?

When a person is arrested, there is a period between the arrest and appearing in front of a judge for a trial. Instead of having the person incarcerated, they can apply for bail. This is an amount of money that acts as an assurance that if allowed to resume their normal life, they will turn up for the hearing on the given day.

2. A Judge Sets Bail

For minor crimes, a standard amount is usually set. When the crime is more serious then bail is not automatically granted. A defendant must stand in front of a judge.

The judge can set the bail amount depending on the severity of the crime and if the person poses a flight risk. In serious cases, they may deny bail entirely.

3. What Is a Bail Bondsman or Agent?

Not everyone has the cash available to put down on bail. In these instances, they will contact a bondsman or agent who will pay it for them. This will be in return for a percentage fee, usually between 10% and 15%.

4. What Is a Surety Bond?

Surety is a term often used in bail and bonds terms. It is a person that guarantees the defendant will turn up to their trial, and often puts up the money for them. Thus, the bondsman or agent becomes the surety.

Larger companies are also involved in the process. They will provide the surety money to the agent or bondsman to put up on behalf of the defendant.

5. Do I Need Bounty Hunters?

Bounty hunters, also known as bond enforcers, will help find clients for the bondsman should they jump bail. In some states, this is illegal. While allowed in South Carolina, it does have specific stipulations.

Firstly, the term bounty hunter is prohibited. Bail bond runners are the correct title for the occupation. All bail bond runners must be registered with the state and or you may find your company reputation in tatters if you use ones that are not.

Becoming a Bail Agent

Luckily, becoming a bail bond agent is easier than you may think. In just a few short steps, you can have your own bail bond business up and running.

1. Do Your Research

The first step is to do some market research. As with any new business, you need to check the demand for the business in your area.

Check how many other bail bond agents are in the vicinity. A lot means that there is a demand, but too many may mean a lot of competition. In these instances, you will need to offer more value to get the business you need.

Start by reaching out to law enforcement and defense attorneys. They may be able to give you an overview of how in-demand your services might be.

2. Register Your Business

As a new business, it is recommended that you concentrate on one state, to begin with. It not you can end up spreading yourself thinly. Additionally, each state you set up shop in will require a new registration.

Costs can vary depending on the state you are registering in. In South Carolina, the current fee for registering is around $400 but this depends on the company structure. Register your EIN with the IRS straight away.

3. Find a Surety Company

Unless you have a large amount of capital from your own pocket, you will need a surety company. They will act as an insurance broker and will foot the bond if your client skips bail conditions or does not arrive for trial. When you decide to do this yourself, you will need to budget around 15k.

4. Apply for the State License

To apply for the state licence you will need to have had a clean criminal record in the last five years. A high school diploma is needed, you must be over 18 years old and must be a legal resident of the US.

Sitting an exam is unavoidable, so you will need to do your homework beforehand. There are courses that can get you through everything you need to know. Courses should cost around $80 to take and require you to get a score of 70% or over to pass.

After this, you will need to visit the State Department of Insurance and hand them your exam scores. You can pay for the license here, and you will need proof that you are backed by a surety company. Licenses will need renewal in the future.

5. Set Your Fees

Now all the legal requirements are in place for becoming a bail agent, you can get to work. The first thing to do is to create your bail bond fees. Most people choose to charge a percentage of the overall bail amount.

Other than this, you just need to market your company. Register on local forums and Google My Business. Take out advertising space and begin a digital marketing strategy.

New Bail Agents

Bail agents are always in demand, so don’t hesitate when getting started. Brush up for the exams and find a surety company. Before you know it you could have a promising new career.

Amistad Bail Bonds and associates should be your first stop. We can guide you through the whole process in North and South Carolina. Click here to start your journey.