Written By: Justin Scott | Last Updated: Oct 13 2023 | Category: Bail
Importance of Background Checks Before Issuing Bail
When it comes writing bail for a defendant you need to ensure you don't put your agency at risk by increasing exposure to FTA's or non payment if terms are offered. While growing your bail agency is always top of mind, it's equally essential to conduct thorough background checks when needed. We explore the key benefits of performing background checks before issuing bail to a defendant.
Benefit 1 - Accurate Assessment of Flight Risk
Why is this very important? Background checks provide valuable information about a defendant's past, including their ties to the community and any history of evading legal proceedings. This information is crucial in determining whether a defendant is likely to flee if issued a bond. By evaluating flight risk, agents can make informed decisions to either deny bail or set appropriate conditions to mitigate their risks.
Benefit 2 - Tailoring Bail Conditions
Tailored Conditions: Background checks offer insights into a defendant's personal circumstances and criminal history. This information allows agents to tailor conditions to the individual's needs and potential risks. For instance, if a defendant has a history of repeated arrests the agency may require regular GPS based Check Ins as a condition of issuing bail. These tailored conditions can support both the defendant and their family all while ensuring public safety.
Benefit 3 - Upholding the Integrity of the Bail Bond Industry
Industry Integrity: Conducting background checks before issuing bail not only safeguards the community but also upholds the integrity of the bail bond industry. It demonstrates a commitment to fairness, accountability, and transparency. When the public perceives that the industry takes careful measures to assess defendants before granting bail, trust in the industry is strengthened.
This has been written to help people across the U.S understand what the value of the ABC's of Bail. Although I have linked to a few examples, there are a range of cases and applications, many of which may compliment this article.
Benefit 4 - Enhanced Public Safety
More than the industry: The safety of the community is also a key priority for the criminal justice system. Conducting background checks on defendants before issuing bail allows agencies to identify potential risks. It helps ensure that individuals with a history of violence or flight risk potentially have firmer or stricter conditions of bail to both mitigate the risk to the agency but also to play a role in reducing the chances of harm to others.
Quick Summary And Concluding Thoughts
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Background checks play a key role in Bail Agents managing their exposure and risk when deciding on whether or not to issue a bond. Background Checks are one of the ABC's of Bail (Arrest History, Background Checks and Credit Checks) that agencies should consider using, especially when writing larger bonds. The risk of forfeitures means it's no longer simply bail, its about careful risk assessment and using good tools and services to help you make informed decisions.
