With so many bondsmen out there, how do you know if you’re getting a good one? The reality is, not every bail bond agent has your best interest in mind. That’s why we’ve put together this list of qualities you should look for in a good bondsman. After all, if you or someone you love has been arrested, the last thing you need is one more headache to deal with. So read on, and find out what qualities you should look for in a trustworthy bail bondsman.
Knowledgeable
It may seem like common sense, but you should always seek out a knowledgeable professional when you’re in need of any service. It’s the human equivalent of having the right tool for the job. You wouldn’t trust a mechanic to perform surgery, just like you wouldn’t trust a surgeon to fix your car. In the same way, you shouldn’t trust a bail bond agent who is unlicensed or has never posted bail before. A good bondsman should have plenty of experience dealing with the criminal justice system. The licensing process requires every bail bond agent to learn about the facets of the justice system that they deal with on a regular basis.
Experienced
Knowledge and experience go hand in hand. In fact, there is an Albert Einstein quote that states, “the only source of knowledge is experience.” A bail bond agent who has posted bail many times for a variety of criminal charges is worth having on your side. Not only will they be able to perform their tasks faster, but they will also be able to foresee potential problem before they arise.
Respectful
The bail bond business requires a great deal of social interaction. A good bail bond agent needs to be a good communicator. If they cannot listen to clients and speak to them in a respectful manner, it’s doubtful they will perform their bondsman’s duties to the best of their abilities either. Being incarcerated is stressful enough, so having a bail bond agent that is friendly and treats clients with respect can ease some of that stress.
Patient
Patience is a virtue, especially for bondsmen. Many people who seek bail have never been incarcerated before, as a result they may be highly stressed or scatter brained. Without patience, a bail bond agent could easily get frustrated by the barrage of questions being asked of them. Not only does this help to calm clients down, but it also makes the process smoother. If a bondsman is quick to get angry or frustrated with clients, it’s a good sign you should take your business elsewhere.