APPLYING FOR A BAIL BOND LICENSE Eligibility for a license is limited to persons who have not previously been convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to, any felony, or to a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or dishonesty.
If the felonies on your record have been adjudicated by a court, in other words, not mere arrests where the cases have been dropped or dismissed by the prosecutors, then you will be prevented from qualifying for a license as a bail bond agent.
The bail bond agent will need you to sign some paperwork in order for you to secure their services. This usually means paying an amount to the agent, usually a percentage of the total bail amount, and signing off on any collateral for the bond.
Background Check and Disqualifications A clean background is crucial. You cannot have any felony convictions. If you have a felony on your record, you are automatically disqualified from becoming a bail bonds agent.
It pays well Although you may not become rich over night while working as a bail bondsman, the earning potential in this career is great. For instance, a bail bondsman working as a part-time agent by just writing three or four bonds a month can make enough income to replace a full-time paying job.
To conduct business as a bail agent, the professional must receive licensing from the California Department of Insurance. To obtain licensing, he or she must acquire a California bond of bail agent.
Authority of Bail Bond Agents Bail bond agents can carry firearms (like regular citizens) and make arrests in California. However, they do not have the same power as police officers to investigate crimes, enforce traffic laws, or cordon off specific areas.