Lawmakers Call For Reform On Bail System
Two lawmakers in California are working on reforming the bail system in the state. It is a welcome development. However, it seems to cast the bail bondsmen in a negative light. While we agree that reform is meant to improve things, it should not be at the expense of licensed bail bonds businesses that are doing their business legally.
We know there are unscrupulous bail bond companies out there. We despise them to the core for ruining the reputation of us, the legitimate bail bondsman. We also want reform because we see that it is good for everyone. However, making us look like a greedy salesperson for the sake of pushing for the change is going below the belt.
For one, the bail bondsmen fees, in our opinion. It is just about right. 10% of the bail amount for us to cover the full amount is not onerous. Say we get the premium of $1000 for covering $10,000 bail; that bail amount we have to pay in full when the defendant skips bail.
If there is anything that needs to be changed, it is the court’s process of granting bail. The courts should take into consideration the circumstances of the defendant as well. If the person has a higher capacity to pay the bond, the bail amount should be adjusted to be equitable for all.
Bail bondsmen are not the villain; we are here to help.
wcbe.org/post/lawmaker-calls-reform-bail-system