How to Become a Bondsman in Newport News, VA

By Ron Owens Bail Bonds | November 13, 2023

Is your regular nine-to-five job not making you happy anymore? Consider switching careers and becoming a bail bondsman in Newport News, Virginia. It’s the opposite of boring; you’ll handle new cases every day, and you can make good money while helping people get ready for their court appearances.

Check out: How Do Bail Bondsmen Get Their Money Back?

In the United States, the law treats defendants as innocent until proven guilty. That’s the idea behind the bail system! Further, defendants have the right to stay out of jail while they wait for their trial, but they need to pay bail or post a bond as a promise that they’ll show up for their court dates. Moreover, they can meet their bail requirement by offering cash, property, or certificates of deposit through either a property bail bondsman or an agent bail bondsman.

A Little Information On The Career Path

What Does a Bail Bondsman Do?

A bail bondsman handles bail bond transactions. When someone needs to post bail for a loved one in Newport News, VA, they turn to bail bond agents to secure the funds required for their release. 

Read More: Bail Bonds Essential Guide: What Is Bail Bond And How Do Bail Bonds Work?

Is Starting a Career as a Bail Bondsman a Good Idea?

Yes, pursuing a career as a bail bondsman is a solid choice. There is a consistent demand for their services!

The bondsman earns a commission on each posted bond, which can vary depending on the company you work for. If you choose to work independently, you can set your own commission rates.

Make a Positive Impact on Your Community

Working as a bail bondsman in your community can be highly rewarding. One can support clients going through tough times who rely on his assistance during difficult moments.

A Long-Term Career Path

Opting for a long-term career as a bail bondsman promises a stable future in Newport News. Moreover, many companies are seeking bail bond agents to help you launch your career, and you also have the option to start your own business. As you’ve learned the ins and outs of the industry, you can establish your own bail bonds business. It allows you to create something from scratch and set your work schedule.

As you become self-dependent, you’ll need backing from an insurance company to authorize your bonds. Prior experience as a bail bondsman will assist you in obtaining the necessary insurance and business license to succeed in the field.

Types of Bail Bondsmen

In Virginia, the Department of Criminal Justice Services grants licenses for three types of bail bondsmen:

Property Bail Bondsman: 

These are individuals who use real property, cash, or certificates of deposit from a federally insured institution, or a combination of these, as security for a bond. Further, this bond is posted to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions set by a judicial officer as a condition of bail.

Agent Bail Bondsman: 

A licensed Property Bail Bondsman authorizes these experts to act on their behalf.

Surety Bail Bondsman: 

These bondsmen are licensed by the State Corporation Commission and Bureau of Insurance as property and casualty insurance agents. They sell, solicit, or negotiate surety insurance on behalf of insurers licensed in Virginia. Also, this insurance enables the insurer to act as surety or guarantee a bond posted to guarantee compliance with terms and conditions set by a judicial officer as a condition of bail.

You can practice in multiple areas, but you must fulfill all the requirements for each specific area where you are licensed as a bail bondsman in Virginia.

Read more: Types of Bail Bonds: Detailed Guide!

All You Need To Know About Becoming Newport News Bondsman

Step 1: Meet General Requirements for Virginia Bail Bondsmen

To become a licensed bail bondsman in Virginia, regardless of the type, you need to:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident alien.
  • Hold a high school diploma or GED.
  • Also, finish the initial training at an authorized private security services training school.
  • Pass the bail bondsman exam.

Step 2: Complete Mandatory Training and Education for Virginia Bail Bondsmen

Training

The Virginia DCJS mandates that all licensed bail bondsmen finish the 240-hour Bail Bondsmen Entry-Level Training Course (40E). You can search the DCJS database to find approved training providers for this course. Further, the training covers topics such as:

  • Ethical standards
  • Code of Virginia and Regulations Relating to Bail Bondsmen
  • Basic law
  • Surety and property law
  • Courts: civil and criminal; federal, state, and local
  • Release from legal obligation
  • Fugitive recovery
  • Legal procedures
  • Criminal statutes
  • Use of Recovery Agents in Virginia
  • Responsibilities when a fugitive is in bondsman’s custody
  • Recovery procedures
  • Documentation required by the courts and DCJS
  • Record keeping
  • Reporting
  • Retaining records

If you intend to apply for a Firearms Endorsement, you must also complete initial firearms training approved by DCJS. Also, you can use the database to find suitable training providers.

Education

While a college degree is not a strict requirement to become a licensed bail bondsman in Virginia, having one can be advantageous. Earning one of the following degrees can enhance your knowledge and improve your chances of passing the Bail Bondsman Licensing Exam:

  • Associate of Arts in Business Administration: Criminal Justice Administration
  • Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
  • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
  • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice: Human Services

Step 3: Pass the Virginia Bail Bondsman Licensing Exam

Once you’ve completed the Bail Bondsman Entry-Level Training Course, your training provider will give you the Bail Bondsman Licensing Exam. Additionally, passing this exam is necessary to begin the licensing process.

Step 4: Apply for a Bail Bondsman License in Virginia

After passing the exam, it’s time to apply for your bail bondsman license in Virginia. The application process and required documents vary depending on the type of license you’re seeking:

For Property Bail Bondsman

  • Complete and submit the Initial Bail Bondsman License Application.
  • Pay the required fees (check or money order payable to the Treasurer of Virginia):
    • License application fee of $900
    • Category fee of $250
    • Fingerprint fee of $50
    • Firearms endorsement fee of $30 (if applicable)
  • Submit the fingerprint application along with the completed fingerprint card.
  • Provide the completed Criminal History Supplemental Form and legal presence documentation.
  • If you’re applying for a firearms endorsement, submit the Firearms Endorsement Application form.
  • Include the Property Collateral Verification Form, along with:
    • Title Certificate Report for each individually owned property used as collateral.
    • Current tax assessment or real estate appraisal for each property.
    • Lien or obligation documentation (if applicable).
    • Powers of attorney (if applicable).
    • Current financial statement for cash/CD collateral documentation.

For Agent Bail Bondsman

  • Complete and submit the Initial Bail Bondsman License Application.
  • Pay the required fees (check or money order payable to the Treasurer of Virginia):
    • License application fee of $900
    • Category fee of $100
    • Fingerprint fee of $50
    • Firearms endorsement fee of $30 (if applicable).
  • Submit the fingerprint application along with the completed fingerprint card.
  • Provide the completed Criminal History Supplemental Form and legal presence documentation.
  • If you’re applying for a firearms endorsement, submit the Firearms Endorsement Application form.
  • Include a Power of Attorney from a Property Bail Bondsman who confirms your collateral.

For Surety Bail Bondsman

  • Complete and submit the Initial Bail Bondsman License Application.
  • Pay the required fees (check or money order payable to the Treasurer of Virginia):
    • License application fee of $900
    • Category fee of $100
    • Fingerprint fee of $50
    • Firearms endorsement fee of $30 (if applicable).
  • Submit the fingerprint application along with the completed fingerprint card.
  • Provide the completed Criminal History Supplemental Form and legal presence documentation.
  • If you’re applying for a firearms endorsement, submit the Firearms Endorsement Application form.
  • Include the Power of Attorney from a Surety Company licensed to operate in Virginia.

Now, mail all applications, documentation, and fees to the Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Step 5: After Becoming a Licensed Bail Bondsman in Virginia

Congratulations! You have obtained your bail bondsman license in Virginia. 

Your license needs renewal every two years, and during this period, you must finish the 8-hour Bail Bondsmen In-Service Course. You can find approved course providers by checking the DCJS database. When it’s time for renewal, you will need to submit the Renewal License Application, along with the same fees and documents you provided during your initial application.

More On The Benefits Of Becoming A Bail Bondsman In Newport News

You Thrive On Excitement

Many individuals are drawn to careers in law enforcement because of the fast-paced nature of the field. Some law enforcement roles come with demanding exams and extensive eligibility requirements. But starting a career as a bail bond agent and establishing your own bail bond business is relatively straightforward. 

Even in this line of work, you get to experience the dynamic industry and take a break from the typical office job where you put in long hours each day.

The Work Is Rewarding

Few things are more fulfilling in a career than being a bail bond agent!

While dealing with certain clients can be challenging, the work is genuinely satisfying and inspirational to others. Also, it fosters a mindset of “if that person can turn their life around, so can I!” 

Contrary to common misconceptions, bail bond agents don’t typically work with repeat offenders and hardened criminals. In reality, most of your clients are decent individuals who have temporarily lost their way. They’ve made a few poor choices that, if not corrected, could have serious negative consequences for their lives.

By the time they or their loved ones reach out to you, they’re at a point of desperation. Moreover, they want to make a change, but they can’t even afford to post bail and get out of jail. This is where you come in! You’ll visit them at local jails and provide the financial support they need to cover their bail amount. After that, you’ll be responsible for making sure they appear in court.

If a client fails to show up in court, it’s your job to locate them and be a voice of reason. Sometimes, people just need a nudge in the right direction. As a bail bonds agent in Virginia, you can be that guiding force.

Good Income and Job Security

Unfortunately, in today’s world, it’s not easy to find jobs that offer both a good income and job security. It often seems like most jobs have one but not the other. Well, we’ve already touched on this point briefly at the beginning of the article.

In Virginia, there will always be a need for bail bond agents. Such experts play a vital role in helping individuals who have made poor choices turn their lives around. The more bail bond agents there are in Virginia, the fewer repeat offenders there will be.

In terms of income, there’s a broad range to start with. Some bail bond agents have gone on to make six-figure salaries, but you can expect to begin with an income ranging from $50,000 to $80,000.

Always Something to Keep You Busy

As a bail bond agent, you’ll never have a day where you have nothing to do. There will always be tasks to handle, people to get in touch with, or clients to check up on.

Indeed, bail bond agents often work non-traditional hours, which might be seen as a drawback by some. But it also means you have the flexibility to set your work hours, the number of clients you take on, and more.

Further, you have the freedom to schedule your vacation days, take time off for family emergencies, and even enjoy a spontaneous day off to spend time with your kids.

Enhance Your Learning Opportunities

Becoming a bail bondsman involves a lot of studying and learning about different aspects of criminal law and procedures. If you decide to join the bail bonds business, you’ll need to engage in studying and research. This process will help:

  • Improve your communication skills
  • Enhance your ability to interact effectively with clients 
  • Teach you to manage clients’ behavior in a more mature and sophisticated manner while also controlling your emotional reactions

Takeaway

If you’ve been curious about the life of a bail bond agent as a career, we trust that this explanation has addressed any doubts you may have had. If you require assistance posting a bond or have questions about becoming a bail bondsman in Newport News, contact Ron Owens Bail Bonds today. We’ll be happy to assist you.

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