While
becoming a bounty hunter in the state of Alabama is relatively simple on paper,
it requires much effort and dedication in practice. However, in order to
understand the definition and role of a bounty hunter, it is first important to
know and understand the term bail bonding service.
A bail
bonds agent - or bail bonds agency - is utilized when bail is posted for an
individual who has recently been arrested and put in jail. In order to be
released during the interim time between arrest date and hearing date, that
person is required to pay the courts a large sum of money as collateral to
stick around and attend the hearings. The money is returned if that individual
makes his or her court dates. Often this sum is large to entice them to attend
and have it returned. Sometimes it is so large, that is too difficult for the
individual to pay. In this case, that individual will secure the help of a bail
bondsman. The arrested individual will pay a small percentage of the bail to
the bail bondsmen, who will in turn pay the lump sum of the bail amount to the
courts. The agency will also receive the full return, while the arrested
individual forfeits that right.
If the
person arrested meets all his dates and the court repays the agency in full,
there is no need for assistance from a bounty hunter. However, if that
individual decides to leave town, cross state lines, or disappear for any
reason, the bail bondsmen will most likely contract a bounty hunter to locate
the individual and secure the money lost.
While a bail bondsmen is a
businessman, dealing with the courts, arrested individuals, loans, etc., a
bounty hunter leads a very physically demanding life. Bounty hunters are often
retired law enforcement officers, or individuals who have trained in military
training programs or police academies. They often have degrees in government or
law related fields. They have extensive knowledge of the justice system in their
own state and the surrounding states.
While in Alabama no special license
is required, bounty hunters are sometimes registered bail bondsmen. They work
closely with practicing bail bondsmen who assign them fugitives and provide
them with proof of authorization to do so.
To become a bounty hunter in the
state of Alabama, one must be eighteen, be a state resident, have no felony
convictions, and “have not violated Alabama’s Rules of Criminal Procedures
within in the two years preceding the application” [sic.] You must be
registered to use a firearm or some other device to secure the fugitive and be
in top physical condition. You must be aware of the justice system in Alabama
as well as in the surrounding states. You will want to take the required state
course on bail bonds. Finally, you will need to locate a bail bondsmen to work
with.
Both bail bondsmen and bounty
hunters are integral parts of the United States justice system. They provide
help to both the individual and to the courts, promoting fairness and liberty.
One cannot be fully understood without a proper knowledge of the other.
For more information on both bail
bondsmen and bounty hunters (including definitions, roles, education, job and
education requirements, etc.) in the state of Alabama, please refer to either www.bountyhunteredu.org/alabama
or www.aldoi.gov.
Source: www.bountyhunteredu.org/alabama
