So, you want a bail bondsman job. Let’s look at the requirements for becoming a bail bondsman in Angleton and other locations in Texas.
Bail bondsman training
There’s a process associated with becoming a bail bondsman in Texas, but it varies depending on the county in which you reside. Texas is the only U.S. state that requires bail bond boards in counties with a population of 110,000 people or more, meaning the requirements for a bail bondsmen in bail bond board counties (BBBCs) will differ from the requirements in criminal code counties. Bail bonding is regulated by the board in Texas counties with a bail bond board, while the county sheriff and judges are in charge of bail bond laws in counties without bail bond boards.
Basic qualifications
Whether you live in a bail bond county or a criminal code county, there are basic requirements to become a bail bondsman in Texas. You must be a U.S. citizen living in Texas, be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED and have never been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor of moral turpitude. If you are in a BBBC, you also need to have enough financial resources to provide indemnity. And, keep in mind that counties without a bail bond board may require you provide a financial statement each year to show you have the resources to provide bail bonds.
Required education and experience
Want to work as a bail bondsman in Texas? Only counties with bail bond boards have education and experience requirements:
- Experience: You’ll need to have documented work experience at a bail bond business before you can apply for a license to become a bondsman in a BBBC. Work experience must be full-time, at least 30 hours a week for at least a year. Since this is considered an apprenticeship, all work involved in learning the tasks of a bail bondsman is required to be completed under the supervision of a licensed Texas bail bondsman.
- Education: When you apply for a license in a BBBC, you need to have completed eight hours of continuing education (CE) in the classroom in the last two years. The CE must be from an accredited Texas college or university and approved by the State Bar of Texas. However, you will stand out from other applicants if you have a higher degree in criminal justice or a related field—like an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or business administration.
Submit an application to become a bail bondsman
In BBBCs, be sure to fill out the application completely. Include your business name and address, letters of recommendation, sworn financial statements and sworn declaration of compliance with Texas law. Submit a passport sized photo, fingerprints and a $500 filing fee. No license is required to become a bail bondsman in counties without bail bond boards, but you have to follow the bail bondsmen laws in the county. You must also submit to the county sheriff a sworn financial statement every year.
Do you need a bail bondsman in Angleton, or are you interesting in learning more about the job? Call Brazoria County Bail Bonds today!