A bail bond agent is an individual who assists individuals accused of a crime in securing their release from jail before their trial. They act as a surety, posting the required bail amount on behalf of the defendant in exchange for a fee. The defendant is then obligated to appear in court as scheduled.
But what does the bail bondsman do? Here are the main responsibilities of a bail bond agent.
Conduct Background Research
If you were arrested and contacted a bail bond agent, they will conduct background research on you by seeking out and gathering relevant information. This research is conducted to obtain a comprehensive understanding of your background and history. The agent aims to assess various factors such as your criminal record, employment history, financial stability, and ties to the community.
This thorough investigation helps the agent evaluate the potential risks involved in granting you a bail bond and ensures that they make an informed decision based on accurate and reliable information. By conducting background research, the agent can assess your eligibility for a bond and determine the appropriate terms and conditions to safeguard both your interests and the interests of the judicial system.
Explain Bail Bond Legalities
This involves providing you with a clear understanding of the terms and conditions of the bail bond agreement, as well as their responsibilities and obligations. For example, the agent should explain the step-by-step process of obtaining a bail bond, including the paperwork required, the fees involved, and the timeline for release.
The agent should also explain your legal rights throughout the bail bond process. This includes your right to consult with an attorney, remain silent, and challenge the conditions of their release if necessary.
Determine Pricing Options
When you contact a bail agent, they will discuss the financial aspects of obtaining a bail bond. They will provide you with information about the percentage of the bail amount you need to pay to secure the bond. This percentage serves as the fee for the bail agent’s services. For example, if the bail amount set by the court is $10,000, you may need to pay $1,000 to the bail agent.
It’s important to note that this fee is non-refundable, even if the defendant’s case is dismissed or if they are found not guilty. The fee covers the bail agent’s services and the risk they undertake by guaranteeing the defendant’s appearance in court. The bail agent will explain the payment options available to you, such as payment plans or financing options, to make the process more manageable for you.
Have an open and honest discussion with the bail agent to understand all the terms and conditions, including any additional costs or collateral requirements that may be involved. This ensures that you are fully informed before making any financial commitments related to obtaining a bail bond.
Handle Skip Tracing
Skip tracing is the process of locating individuals who have “skipped” or failed to appear for their court dates. The bail bond agent may need to find these individuals in order to fulfill their legal obligations and minimize their financial risk.
To conduct skip tracing, a bail bond agent utilizes various investigative techniques and resources to locate the person who has skipped bail. For example, the bail bond agents have access to various databases that contain public records, such as driver’s license records, property ownership records, and utility bill records. They can search these databases to gather information that might help them locate the individual.
The bail bond agents may also conduct physical surveillance to gather information about the person’s whereabouts. They might monitor the person’s known associates, visit their last known addresses, or track their activities to determine their current location.
Have you been arrested but granted bail? Santa Rita Bail Bonds can help with our quality bail bond services. Contact us today for more information.