Bounty hunters, also called bail enforcement authorities, trace and arrest people who have been released from law enforcement custody on bail, but who have failed to attend their court dates. When individuals miss their trial while out on bail, they become fugitives of the law. Fugitives are apprehended by bounty hunters and returned to police custody where they will await trial.
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How much are you paid as a Bounty Hunter?
[campusexplorer header_text="START YOUR FIREFIGHTER JOURNEY" intro_text="Fill The Form Below To Get Admissions Info From Local Schools" aos="41826B55" concentration="F3205941" is_lightbox="1" lightbox_btn_text="CLICK HERE TO BEGIN YOUR FIREFIGHTER JOURNEY"]In exchange for their services, bounty hunters will usually obtain ten or twenty percent of the bond or bail sum as payment and they generate an annual salary that is within the range of $50,000 to $80,000. Because there have been many people who overlook trials, the field is looking for more employees. Those bounty hunters with formal certification and working experience will get the most job opportunities open to them.
What Does A Bail Enforcement Agent Undertake?
When an individual is arrested for a criminal offense he is taken into law enforcement custody. The person will be taken to processing of data before a prosecutor could set a schedule on the court trial. Prosecutors have a certain amount of time after booking takes place in which they should place charges. The time it will take in general is 48-72 hours depending on the laws of state. After charges have been placed, the accused is introduced before the court. There the judge will read the charges that have been laid against the defendant.
The judge will inquire whether the accused pleas guilty or not guilty. Once a plea has been made, the presiding judge, based on the crime the defendant is involved in, may allow the defendant to go out of police custody in return for bail. It is necessary for both parties because it keeps the expenses of the authorities from growing and it also gives the defendant liberty until their trial. Bail also acts as a reason for offenders to be present at their trial.
Judges may place bail at hundreds of thousands of dollars. Bail is not always paid because not everyone could find the money for it. When such a scenario develops the defendant may turn to a bondsman who’ll pay the bail in his place. Attending the trial means the bail will be refunded. Failure to attend the trial will end up with a warrant of arrest without bail.
Bounty hunter services are engaged when he bondsman discovers the accused will not be able to pay back the cash because he or she did not attend the court. The duties of the bounty hunters include interviewing, researching, and more so that they will find who they are searching for. Nevertheless, they still have to follow the rules of the state while carrying this out.
In Washington, there must be a good reason for a bounty hunter to go into the building especially those privately owned properties. In instances where they want to enter, they must tell the enforcement officials. If the bounty hunter is in Virginia, he will have to make a 24 hour notice beforehand and a 60 minute notice following the arrest.
How To Become A Bounty Hunter
[campusexplorer header_text="START YOUR FIREFIGHTER JOURNEY" intro_text="Fill The Form Below To Get Admissions Info From Local Schools" aos="41826B55" concentration="F3205941" is_lightbox="1" lightbox_btn_text="CLICK HERE TO BEGIN YOUR FIREFIGHTER JOURNEY"]Other states in the United States authorize bounty hunters considering they have the appropriate credentials and license. Other states do not have such a requirement, but in these states, there are strict laws in place that control the practice of bounty hunting. Some states prohibit bounty hunting in general. Before becoming a bounty hunter, one should discover how the job and the work is welcomed in the state they live in.
What Is Required To Become One?
There are other prerequisites that soon to be bounty hunters should submit. They should go through a criminal record assessment and they must pass an exam. A U.S. citizenship is needed, along with evidence that the individual is a resident of the state. They must possess a legitimate driver’s license. There is a need for the person to be clean from any crime, be it minor or major. Some states need applicants to at least be 18 years old while others require candidates to be at least 21. Training is the most important part of getting the job. Prospective bounty hunters will be given an opportunity to go to an academy or training center by the state. The training will not only be physical but also intellectual since these institutions will also show you the laws and strategies to become a reliable bounty hunter in the state. Some states even demand applicants to finish specific approved courses.
Academic Requirements
Learning the laws of the state regarding the career of bounty hunting is vital as there are many, and each should be followed to the letter if bounty hunters want to work within that state. States like Washington require bounty hunters to have “reasonable cause” to believe that a fugitive is currently within a building before entering privately owned property. The police officials need to know this before the hunter could get into the premises. In Virginia, bounty hunters are required to provide law enforcement officials notice 24 hrs prior to an arrest and 60 minutes after making the arrest. Apprenticeship will take place after the training; this is where they will apply their knowledge on the field.
License And Certification
A license would be needed by a few states as proof that the bounty hunter have received training in authorized institutions. A licensure examination on the laws of the state will take place. Some states will require an age limit depending on the state, mostly 18 or 21 years old, accomplished trainings, and completed internship. In addition to these requirements, some states might also require that candidates have a background in law enforcement just before they can receive a license. A license might only authorize the bounty hunter to do his work without prohibition in the state he applied for.