This week a spoke to a great group of students studying and training to become bail bond agents in Florida. Eventually, after a 120 hour course and training under a licensed bondsman, they too will receive their bail agent license. Many people ask me though if they can be a bondsman if they have a criminal record.
Bail agents in Florida are regulated by Chapter 648, Florida Statutes and Chapter 69B-221, Florida Administrative Code. A limited surety agent is the name of the license issued to bail bond agents in Florida. Just as when an individual seals or expunges their record, a potential bondsman has to be fingerprinted and undergo a background check. This is when having a criminal record causes problems for someone who dreams of becoming a bail agent. Florida Statutes §648.34 states you may not be a bail bond agent if you have ever been convicted of a felony. Unfortunately, the restoration of your civil rights does not change your status and will not allow you to become a bail agent.
This is one example of why if you are arrested, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney fighting for you in court. A criminal conviction can have a sever impact on your ability to realize your dream of becoming a bondsman, doctor, nurse, dentist, lawyer, police officer, fireman, or a school teacher. There are many things an aggressive lawyer can do to resolve your criminal charge to lessen the impact on your future. There may be a defense to the crime you may not know about. There may be motions to suppress evidence in your case if the police violated your constitutional rights which could result in the criminal charges being dismissed. There may be a diversion program available to you that results in the criminal charge being dropped. An experienced attorney can often negotiate a plea with the prosecutor to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor.
If you have been arrested, call a criminal defense attorney who knows the law and the consequences of a criminal conviction on your future.
CALL AN AGGRESSIVE POLK CRIMINAL LAWYER THAT IS NOT AFRAID TO STAND UP IN COURT AND FIGHT FOR YOU
FREE CONSULTATION – YOUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT!
Thomas C. Grajek 863-688-4606
Aggressive felony attorney representing all individuals arrested in Florida and Polk County.
