Confessions of a Bail Agent

I've been in this business for more than 20 years and the eerie silence seconds before a judge reads a verdict is a moment I'll never get used to.  It's amazing how a single moment in time creates a lasting impact.  In my career, I've witnessed hundreds of jury trials.  I'll be honest, some defendants get what they deserve.  I'm supposed to support and believe in my clients, but it's easier said than done when you know they are guilty. This is a tough business.  I wouldn't have made it through my career with out the support of mentor and confidant, Joe Little, owner of a bail bond company.   As I approach retirement, I now hope to help others trying to make it in this business.

Bail Agents Unite

During my time at that bail bond company I quickly learned the competition, regardless of who they work for, must stick together. Even though this is a cut-throat business, it's important to respect the competition and their clients.  If you try to steal clients or lower your non-refundable fees to attract new business, you are putting yourself at risk for being on the black list.  Trust me, you do not want to be on the black list.  Once you're on this list, it's nearly impossible to become accredited by the local chapter of the Better Business Bureau or the Professional Bail Agents of the United States.  To make a real difference in this business, you need these seals of approval.  Bottom line: respect others and attend regular business meetings.

Bail Bondsman Collaboration

In particularly heinous or violent crimes, a judge will set a defendant's bond exceptionally high.  For example just last week, a judge set bond at $500,000 for a man charged with kidnapping and assault.  In these unusual circumstances, bail bonding companies will team up with others to get an inmate out of jail.  In this business, there is a limit to the amount of financial risk each company can take with a client. By working together, you have more bonding power.  While this may seem counter-intuitive, it's a great way to build relationships and be apart of high profile cases. When I worked at that bail bonds company, we would often team up with other companies on big cases.  It turns out this level of collaboration was a great marketing tool because our names would often be published in stories regarding our high profile clients.

Bail Bonding Agents Need A Break 

When I first started working in this business, I never took a day off.  As you know, this is a business that never sleeps.  You have to be available 24/7, 365 days a year to make money and to keep clients.  When you first start your  career, you need to pace yourself and take a day off at least once every two weeks.  I quickly learned you need to find a good therapist too.  As an agent you will see and hear details of events you wish you could erase from your memory. This business is rewarding, no doubt, but it's an emotional roller coaster.  Talk to your therapist and whatever you do, please don't hide your emotions.  It's okay to cry or to get frustrated with a repeat offender.  This is all part of the job.  And remember you are making a difference in this community!

Jail Bonds and Business 

In the past 20 years, I've enjoyed and created a flourishing business. There's nothing better than helping a father get out of jail and reunite with his son. To make it in this business, you have to have a passion for helping people improve their lives.  You have to care for the well being of your neighborhood and community.  Yes, you can make a lot of money, but it's your unwavering  dedication and drive to help others that will really set you apart from others.  I owe much of my success to my former employer and co-workers.  I hope you take my experiences and advice to heart and enjoy an equally enjoyable and satisfying career.