Bail agents/bail bonds (how much, job market, law)

[westcoastforme]

What's the deal with bail agents in Arizona? Does anyone here do it or know someone who does?

I know they are licensed by the state but work for themselves. Do fugitives and bail jumpers think of bail agents as a legit profession or are bail agents not taken seriously?

[observer53]

I'm a bit curious as to why you are asking. I don't know that bail agents are any different here than in any other state. And, I wonder whether you will get any fugitives or bail jumpers here to answer your question.

[Captain Bill]

I would think they are taken very seriously, because without them, many people would remain in jail because they can't afford the full amount of bail.

If after they get the bail money, if they feel they can just skip, then they'll find out fairly quickly how much more seriously they should have taken them.

These companies are in the business of putting up the bail money to help their clients pay the bail bond to get out of jail; and they expect to get their money refunded from the court when the client appears in court as required.

Therefore, if a client jumps bail, they can expect a bounty hunter, who may be either an employee of, or hired by, the bail bond company to get hot on their trail.

[matyoka]

Bailbondsmen are very serious. Don't you watch Dog, the bounty hunter??? They shoot you with a beanbag first and ask questions later... of course just kidding here. If I was a fugitive I would grow eyes on the back of my skull!!!! They get paid a percentage of the bail and believe me, they go to lenghts to find their targets.

From Law Enforcement point of view however, some bounty hunters are respected and looked upon as legit, serious and honorable men. Unfortunatelly most bail bond Agencies are headed by ex cons and seasoned criminals who know the loopholes of our justice system. The people they hire can work for them directly or hire standalone individuals with state issued licenses. Unlike Law Enforcement, they have the right to enter a dwelling without a warrant(based on information that their guy is in the home) and capture/pursue a fugitive. There is a lot of reading and informative material on the net... just google them.

[observer53]

This is rapidly becoming a not about AZ thread. If the OP doesn't come back soon and explain the question, it will be moved to a more general forum.

[westcoastforme]

Whoa?! Why all The hostility? This is a question reference possible employment for myself when I move to Arizona. I am in law enforcement in Illinois and we DO NOT have bail agents here. Just trying to get some information.

[westcoastforme]

And I work midnights so needed some sleep. Jeeeesh

[LBTRS]

Originally Posted by westcoastforme

And I work midnights so needed some sleep. Jeeeesh

[mod cut-- off topic]

I don't think much of the general public knows about the profession as they have never seen or dealt with a bail agent other than what they see on TV. I for one have never met one in person or know anyone that has dealt with one in person. I know TV portrays them as kind of a joke and doesn't seem to be doing the profession any favors.

Again, welcome!

[matyoka]

What do you do in IL(what department)? I would look for AZ law enforcement jobs... or try CBP.

[observer53]

It's not "hostility", it's just that it was difficult to tell what you were asking without more info, so people were not focusing on the local situation. Now we know what you are looking for and you can get some input that directly answers your question.

I don't think bail agents are viewed in a particularly negative light here in AZ, at least not from what I have heard from those working in the criminal justice system. They provide a service that is needed, and should be respected for it. I don't know what the job market's like in that field, but someone else here may! Good luck!