Probably Not The Best Idea For A Christmas Parade Float

http://www.news-record.com/news/north_c ... 51e83.html

But it is funny.

Tony,

I know these folks..yeah they beat to a different drum...there heart is in the right place and from I know they do give back to the community...Something doesn't smell right...they have had their float in that parade for 4 years..now they get uninvited...it sounds like politics or possible another bonding company with ties to that local government pulling some strings..I don't blame them for being mad...maybe they could dress the jail up like a Christmas tree and the other folks could look like Santa's helpers...we probably have not heard the last of it...

_________________
Robert J Brown

Bail Bondsman
NPN: 17113240
Holmes Bail Bonding
Johnston County, NC
(919) 376.6661

I suspect maybe complaints from a competitor bail agency.

This sort of thing really irks me, if it is indeed competitor complaints. I was at the LAPD's 77th Street station awhile back to post a bond. I met the indemnitor in the lobby, did the paperwork and, before I posted that bond, I got a call for another bond which required an interview with the inmate at that same jail. I posted the first bond and interviewed the second guy while waiting for the first to be released. Upon #1's release, I did his follow-up paperwork there in the lobby. I also ran into the wife of the second guy and turned a "self-indem" into an actual co-sign situation, also right there in the lobby. I then went in and posted the second bond.
Altogether, I was in that lobby for about four, maybe five, hours. Mind you, I was working preset transactions and not soliciting at all. Unfortunately, the soliciting agents right outside the door did not see it that way and repeatedly made complaints to the desk sergeant, who caved under pressure and even asked me to leave somewhere between the bonds I was working. In truth, there was no in-between (which is my whole argument and one I made plainly to the sergeant!) but, to keep the peace, he insisted I leave.
The ugly truth here is, I was working and making money and these other agents were not. They took a situation that was not illegal or improper, but could appear to be (I guess), and exploited it to cramp my style. F@ck 'em. I got both bonds. But, if the situation in this article is the same, it is an ugly, pitiful practice.

_________________
Tom Duprey
Founding member, NABBI (Nat'l Assoc. of Bail Bond Inv.)
Ca. Bail Agent Lic#1845795
Owner/Operator, Thomas Duprey Bail Bonds
Owner/Operator, Orange County Bounty
(714) 727-4689

Well Damn..is all I can say to that Tony...in a case like that is there anyone higher up in the PD that you could appeal your case too? Here in the county that I live in...I simply walk into this little Magistrate waiting room where bondsman and family members wait. but you first walk up grab the phone and and one of the two magistrates on duty ask you your business you tell them of course that you are hear to post bail for john doe..they will prob tell you to wait then will call your and unlock this solid steel door which brings you into a 4x6 cove where you talk to the magistrate behind 3" glass...she gives me a copy of the release to fill my powers out then she prints my paperwork for me...all i do is sign and then go back out and wait for the defendant to get brought down...Now...if someone else happens to come in asking the magistrate about bailing someone out...and I could see a chance to jump in..I would simply asked if they need help and that I need to speak to them outside the bldg. But I would only do this if other bondsman were not around...your thoughts?

_________________
Robert J Brown

Bail Bondsman
NPN: 17113240
Holmes Bail Bonding
Johnston County, NC
(919) 376.6661

Only one time when I was posting a bail at a jail did someone ask if I was a bail agent and I ended up doing that bond also.

In fact, it was the jail "lobby attendant" that sent the family to me. I did tell her that se was not suppose to refer anyone to a particular bail agency but, she saw me already there and wanted to help the family.

On the other hand I have caught bail agents soliciting inside and outside our local main jail. I actually took pictures and sent them to the jail commander, who told me if that happens again to ask for the duty sergeant to handle it right away.

We will always have "scumbag" bail agents trying to one up everyone else. I have no answers unless the regulating agencies make examples of the bad apples.

I wonder what is the reasoning behind not soliciting at or near the jail or courthouse here. My truck has the vehicle lettering & decal on it and though I would never break the rules. I do not see anything wrong with parking it on the public street for advertising..

_________________
Robert J Brown

Bail Bondsman
NPN: 17113240
Holmes Bail Bonding
Johnston County, NC
(919) 376.6661

In CA, the Dept of Insurance does not want lots of agents clogging the streets and hallways of the courts or jails.

There have been many instances of fist fights between agents over who is going to post a particular bond.

Also, agents get into a bidding war to see who can charge the lowest amount. That essentially lowers the bail set by the court so that in reality it is the bail agent setting bail amounts, not the court or magistrate.

Finally, this is usually a stressful time for the defendant and family. It could very easy for a bail agent to take advantage of them when all they want to do is get out as soon as possible.

Regarding vehicles with ads on them, in most CA counties it is OK to park your vehicle outside or near the jail or court house if you are actually there conducting business.

Several agencies used to park a Hummer or other SUV completely covered with their company name, etc. They would park it in front of the jail or court all day long even though they were not there conducting business.

Almost all counties have banned that practiced now. Santa Clara County where this was a big problem went even further and banned shirts, jackets and caps with a bail bond company name or number, from their bail posting areas.

Just like lawyers can't solicit in or near a jail or court, neither should bail agents be allowed to.

Just saw the comments. The Bail Agency (DNA) is one of the best and most professional in the entire state. I know these folks on a business level and know them to be law abiding bail agents and bail company owners. I suspect the reasons given for not allowing the float to be displayed are in fact the true feelings of the powers that be. Problem is, when the community needs help by way of toys for tots, thanksgiving meals etc. the powers that be have no problem asking these folks to participate and DNA bonding is always willing to give back to their community.

As far as being asked if someone is a bondsman while in the jail facility, it happens all the time. I have no idea the number of times it's happened to me, including today but it does happen quite often.

_________________
Bill Williams
Bail Agent
Eagle Bonding Services
Asheville NC 28804
828-777-8667
Lic # NC10013561
Lic # TN 2033018

Never be haughty to the humble
or humble to the haughty - Jefferson Davis

The other day when I was waiting for my lady to get released...a young girl and guy came in to bail our some family member and I heard the magistrate tell her the bail amount she hung up..a part of me wanted so bad to follow her outside to ask if they needed help. But that little voice inside if I do it..one I am no better then the other guys and where would it stop..two.. Is that the reputation that I want to build for myself..I chose door #3...stayed seated and kept my mouth shut...my mama would have been proud.

_________________
Robert J Brown

Bail Bondsman
NPN: 17113240
Holmes Bail Bonding
Johnston County, NC
(919) 376.6661