SMITH COUNTY, TX — Some bondsmen are claiming that jail overcrowding problems in Texas are hurting their business. Due to the level of overcrowding, defendants are being released on personal recognizance. Maria Salinas Avelar of Lone Star Bail Bonds in Smith County spoke to the media and said that the … View full post on Collateral Magazine

GREENE COUNTY, MO – According to Greene County Judge Dan Conklin, the credibility of Missouri bail bondsmen is being threatened by the actions of some bondsmen and by headline-making incidents involving bondsmen and violence. As a result of a few high-profile incidents where individuals were threatened or injured while bondsmen … View full post on Collateral Magazine

SPRINGFIELD, MO — A Springfield case is calling into question the authority of bondsmen. Derek Crain Said was a wannabe bondsman working for a licensed bail agent. He allegedly shot John W. James in the chest when James was attempting to flee from a bondsman. Police are investigating the incident … View full post on Collateral Magazine

Although the private bail industry in Colorado suspected that trouble was brewing, most everyone was still blindsided by the swift introduction of Senate Bill 11-186, a bill that could potentially do major … View full post on Collateral Magazine

MOBILE COUNTY, AL – A recent editorial has raised questions about changes needed to Mobile County’s bail bond system. In 2010, Kyser Miree, a repeat offender who was out on bail many times, became violent, killing and injuring others. In December of 2010, The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office called for … View full post on Collateral Magazine

WASHINGTON, DC — According to a recent article by Sandra Ryder, 2010 was a difficult year for the bond industry, an industry rocked by scandals, increased regulations, and battles with pretrial programs. According to Ryder, the headlines have affected the public’s perception of the bail bond industry and may have … View full post on Collateral Magazine

For millions of people, the 2010 mid-term elections portend an enormous change in the attitudes of Americans with respect to the direction of the economy, social issues and the nation as a whole. Having recaptured a majority of seats in the House and narrowing the deficit with Democrats in the Senate, … View full post on Collateral Magazine

WASHINGTON, DC – Journalist Laura Sullivan and NPR have been named as winners of the 2011 Alfred I. Dupont-Columbia Award for a three-part series about the bail system. The series, “Bonding for Profit,” explored some of the flaws of the system and followed the story of a prisoner who is … View full post on Collateral Magazine

MIDLAND, MI – Michael Perez of Bond Bonding has only had about 20 skips in 6 years and he notes that in many cases when someone skips out on bail, their mother is aware of their whereabouts. Perez said that in order for his business to stay afloat he needs … View full post on Collateral Magazine

In the bail industry, bail agents who exemplify professionalism and responsibility don’t always get the recognition they deserve. Their achievements are often overshadowed by negative press coverage about the bail industry and adversity from those who oppose the private … View full post on Collateral Magazine