Keep Bailing

As a bail bondsman, I think that the questions I’m asked the most revolve around “Who do you bail out? What’s it like working with criminals all the time? Is it dangerous? You must meet some interesting people?”

I’m not sure people believe me when I tell them that a day in the life of a bail bondsman is not much different than most small business jobs — except perhaps answering the phone at all hours. I’m quite certain that people are disappointed to hear that bail bonding just isn’t particularly exciting. The people we bail out tend to be regular joe’s (or jane’s) who just happened to use bad judgement or be in the wrong situation.

I read a blog post by Adelita this weekend where she interviewed a female bail bondsman. I thought that she summed up bail bond clients well:

“… I asked about the type of clients she has and how she can remain neutral or not be judgmental. She says that it can be difficult and tries not to be cynical. Sometimes it is easy to get emotionally attached to some clients, and sometimes it is easy to get sucked into the drama of other clients. But she says that everyone has a story and everyone has different circumstances that get them into the situation they are in. She does her best not to pass judgment but usually she can sense when someone is guilty or not. She says that she feels compassion for those that have gotten in trouble, especially first timers. She reminds me that you are innocent until proven guilty and that not all people who have gotten in trouble with the law are bad people. Many first time offenders never have problems with the law again. Often these people are single mothers who have gotten in trouble and have no one to care for their children. Bonding someone out can allow them to possibly continue to work to support their families until their case is settled – a fact I never had even considered.”

 

I have to agree, sometimes you really feel for the defendant – often you feel for the indemnitor (the one who’s paying and signing the bond contract). We actually have very few repeat clients. I like to hope that people learn their lessons. I know the price they pay is much higher than the bond.

Photocredit: © fred goldstein – Fotolia.com