The Steps To Become A Bail Bondsman
Gordon Wright • January 1, 2023
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The Steps To Become A Bail Bondsman
To become a licensed bail agent in Utah, you must follow certain guidelines.
Bail bondsmen work for bail enforcement agencies and can assist in presenting defendants released on bail in criminal or civil cases. They are also authorized to keep a defendant under surveillance.
If you want to become a bail bondsman, here are the steps you must take.
Step One: Meet The Basic Qualifications
The first step to becoming a bail bondsman in Utah is ensuring you meet the basic qualifications. These include:
- US Citizen or legal resident
- 21 years old or older
- Having good moral character, which is demonstrated by:
- No felony convictions
- No firearms convictions
- No Class C convictions for acts of moral turpitude
- No personal violence/force convictions
- No impersonation of a police officer
- No fraud/dishonesty convictions
- Currently not on probation, parole, or community supervision
- No outstanding arrest warrants
- Not currently employed as a peace officer
Step Two: Complete Education and Experience Requirements
Next, to become a licensed bail bondsman, you must complete Utah-mandated training, which includes education and experience.
1. Education
The Utah Department of Public Safety requires all potential bail recovery agents to complete a 16-hour bail enforcement training course.
These courses must cover the following topics:
- Search, seizure, and arrest procedure
- Pursuit, arrest, detainment, and transportation of a bail bond suspect
- Specific duties/responsibilities regarding entering an occupied building to carry out bail bondsman functions
- Laws and rules of the bail bond business
- Rights of the accused
- Ethics
Furthermore, although it’s not a requirement, having a college certificate or degree can be helpful when applying for licensure as a bail recovery agent. If you want to carry a firearm, you must also take a 16-hour mandatory firearms course.
2. Experience
Before applying for a license as a bail recovery agent, you must have documented 1000 hours of bail enforcement/recovery instruction.
This experience can be obtained as a bail enforcement agent's employee or independent contractor. After completion, you must provide a signed letter from the bail bond company that employed you during this experience. In addition, your employer must complete the Verification Of Bail Bond Recovery Work Form and submit it with your license application.
Step Three: Submit Application
You can submit your application once you have completed the experience and education requirements!
The application Includes the Following:
- Your 1000 hours of recorded experience
- Training course certificate of completion
- $150 fee
- A copy of your driver’s license or state-issued ID card
- A recent passport-sized color photograph
- Completed fingerprint card
- If applicable, a copy of your certification of completion of your firearms course
Step Four: Now You’re A Bail Bondsman
The Bureau may take up to 90 days to process your application. Each application must be approved at the next meeting of the Bail Bond Enforcement Licensure Board. The Bureau will inform you if your application has been approved or denied.
And if your application is approved, congratulations—you’re now a licensed bail bondsman!
Need fast, reliable bail help? Call Utah Bail Bonds 24/7
— we’re here when you need us most!
Bail is designed to mitigate the potential risk factors that a defendant may have and incentivize them to appear in court for their trial.
When you know the process and your rights as a defendant, you can ensure you are processed fairly so you can work toward your release and a better tomorrow.
Not all bail bonds — and, by extension, bail bond agents — are the same. Here’s what you need to know about the classifications of bail bondsmen.
Understanding the legal rights of defendants during this critical phase is crucial for safeguarding individual liberties and promoting a just legal system.
In times of a legal crisis, securing a reputable bail bondsman can be a critical step toward regaining freedom. Learn how to choose the right bail bondsman!
If you need information about the history of the bail bond industry in Utah contact Utah Bail Bonds at 801-978-2245.
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