What are Bail Agent Associations?
The Bail Bond System in Texas
Understanding bail bonds will help you understand the importance of Bail Agent Associations.
When a person is charged with a crime and taken to jail, there is a booking process that will usually last for an hour or two before the defendant is given a court date, where they will face their charges. After this, the individual may choose to remain in jail until their court date or post bail with a bond. If they choose the bond, they will need to contact a licensed county bail bond agent or have a friend or family member do so for them. As with most states, Texas bail bond agents will charge a 10% fee of the total amount of the bail that has been set. So, for a $5,000 bail, a $500 fee will have to be paid. The fee is non-refundable and will provide a defendant with the money needed to make bail and be set free until their court appearance.
Each Texas bail bond company can only write bonds in the county in which they are licensed. A bail bond license does not extend throughout the state. A bondsman must be licensed through each county’s Bail Bond Board that they want to operate in.
What Are Bail Agent Associations?
A bail agent association is a membership group for bail bond companies. The associations allow the companies to have a voice in the bail bond community. Becoming a member is not just paying the membership fee, they must follow the license guidelines and provide service to anyone seeking out bail bonds.
Bail bond companies have licensing and educational requirements to gain access to associations. Associations offer classes and events to educate bail bond company owners. The associations help support the companies, they help to build a network to ensure bail bond companies provide the proper services to those they help. Choosing a bail bond company that is a member of an association helps give you confidence that they go above and beyond standard license procedures. Requirements must be met on an annual basis. When you see that a bail bond company is a part of an association, you know they are continuously keeping up with state law changes, and local law enforcement policies.
Education is not the only area associations help bail bond companies with. An association membership includes several other benefits. One area includes bail legislation. When bail and bail bonds have possible law changes, the association takes a stand for the companies, relay information, and represent their side. The bail bond association also advocates for the safety of the public, as well as the rights of the defendants, if such changes would cause hardships on the accused.
Your Trusted Bail Bond Service
When you find yourself or a loved one in need of a bail bond service call A-EZ Out Bail Bonds. We work fast for you. We have affordable bail bonds and payment plans available. For more information, or to bail an inmate out of jail, contact our office 24/7. We serve Dallas-Fort Worth, Tarrant, Denton and Collin Counties.