Bounty hunters, also called bail enforcement authorities, track down and arrest individuals who have been released from police custody on bail, but who’ve failed to attend their court dates. Those who ignore the trial schedule are considered fugitives. 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 return for their professional services, bounty hunters will usually obtain ten or twenty percent of the bond or bail sum as payment and they earn an annual salary that is within the range of $50,000 to $80,000. Because there have been numerous individuals who ignore trials, the field is searching for more employees. Those bounty hunters with formal certification and experience will get the most job opportunities available to them.
What Does A Bail Enforcement Agent Perform?
The authorities bring a person who committed a criminal offense in the station and keep them there. The person will be brought to processing of records before a prosecutor could create a schedule on the court trial. Prior to the trial, the prosecutor will have time to place charges. The time it will take in general is 48-72 hours depending on the laws and regulations of state. After charges have been placed, the accused is introduced before the court. The accused will be aware of charges filed against him or her from the prosecutor.
The defendant will then have to make a plea of guilty or not guilty. Bail will be settled by the individual whose charges are lifted by the judge, as he views appropriate to the case. It is good for both parties since it keeps the expenses of the police from growing and it also gives the defendant freedom until their trial. Those who participate in their court dates can even give bail as their incentive.
The amount of bail given by the judge could be hundreds of thousand dollars. Bail is not always paid because not everyone could afford it. A bondsman will pay the bail for the defendant in this instance. If the accused shows up at his court dates his bail will be refunded. If the individual overlooks the schedule and does not make an appearance, the bail will be dropped in exchange for a warrant of arrest.
Bounty hunter services are hired when he bondsman discovers the accused won’t be able to repay the money because he or she failed to attend the court. Bounty hunters will spend much of their time doing interviews, researching their target, and doing surveillance while tracking down a fugitive. But while doing their obligations, bounty hunters should firmly abide by laws and guidelines placed by the state.
States like Washington require bounty hunters to get “reasonable cause” to think that a fugitive is presently within a building before getting into privately owned property. They are also instructed to tell authorities that they’re going to get into that property. If the bounty hunter is in Virginia, he will need to make a 24 hour notice beforehand and a 60 minute notice following the arrest.
Preparing 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"]There are states where a license for becoming bounty hunters is necessary. Other states do not have such a prerequisite, but in these states, there are demanding statutes in place that regulate the practice of bounty hunting. Some states restrict bounty hunting on the whole. Since the licensure process and prerequisites vary from state to state, it’s vital that anyone planning to become a bounty hunter first gain knowledge of what his state needs.
The Prerequisites
Candidates wishing to become bounty hunters must also meet other prerequisites. There will be a test and a background check for their criminal records. A U.S. citizenship is required, together with proof that the person is a resident of the state. The driver’s license must be renewed and valid. It is essential that they haven’t made any minor or major criminal offenses. The age qualification for applicants depends on the state’s rules; some need at least 18 years old, while others require at least 21 years old. But most significantly, they must undergo thorough training. Many states need potential bounty hunters to participate in an academy or community training college. Apart from the physical training, they’ll also be guided on the various rules for a bounty hunter in the state. Some states even require applicants to complete particular approved courses.
Academic Requirements
Mastering the laws of the state regarding the profession of bounty hunting is essential since there are many, and each should be followed to the letter if bounty hunters want to work within that state. There are states such as Washington, which needs bounty hunters “reasonable cause” before they can enter the privately owned property and do their work. The law enforcement officials have to know this before the hunter could enter the building. In Virginia, bounty hunters are expected to provide law enforcement officials notice 24 hrs prior to an arrest and 60 minutes after doing the arrest. Application of the training will be next; this is called the apprenticeship stage.
Accreditations And License
After training is completed, several states require candidates to first get a license before they can serve as bounty hunters. Before you will be provided this license, the individual must pass an examination on the laws of the state. Some states will need an age limit depending on the state, mostly 18 or 21 years of age, accomplished trainings, and completed internship. In combination with these requirements, some states may also require that candidates have a background in law enforcement just before they could get a license. As soon as a bounty hunter becomes licensed he will be able to work freely within the state that awarded him his license.