Study Shows Bail Bonds Reduce Number of Fugitives

Bail Bond Agents are truly the best friends of law enforcement. They help make our streets safer by ensuring that offenders are not roaming the street when they should be in court or jail.”

Huntington Beach, CA, (PRWEB) January 4, 2006 -- Because our system of law affords us the right to be considered innocent until proven guilty there is a mechanism in place to allow for a criminal defendant to be released pending trial unless the merits of the case warrant the defendant to be held in custody until the court appearance. Release before trial also saves the justice system the burden (and cost) of keeping people in jail unless it is absolutely necessary. The flip side, of course, is that the said defendant who has been released may choose not to show up at their court appointment and become a fugitive of the law, hence the need for bail. In essence bail is a monetary guarantee in sufficient amount that the thought of losing the money would make the individual think twice about defaulting. The individual can provide his or her own cash to pay the bail or, most commonly, resort to a surety bond provided by a bail bond agency. A study by Eric Helland and Alexander Tabarook of the Dept. of Economics of Clermont-McKenna College and the Independent Institute respectively, has shed new light into the efficacy of the bail bond system. According to their research “Private versus Private Law Enforcement: Evidence from Bail Jumping,” the probability of a defendant becoming a fugitive is 64% less likely for those released on a surety bond compared to those released on a cash bond. The finding indicates that bond agencies and bail enforcement agencies (bounty hunters) are effective at discouraging flight and recapturing escapees.

“The results of this study did not surprise me at all,” says Sean Cook, author of the book Bail 101, a primer of the bail bond system, “I’ve always known that surety bonds were more effective, but this study provides quantifiable evidence. Public police are so busy and overworked that hunting down a defendant that has skipped bail may not be a top priority. A bail bond agency, on the other hand, has a financial stake in the recovery of the individual and therefore has the resources in place to ensure that the defendant will be found and returned to the authorities. Bail Bond Agents are truly the best friends of law enforcement. They help make our streets safer by ensuring that offenders are not roaming the street when they should be in court or jail.”

If you have a need to post bail, would like to know more about how the bail bond system or if you are considering a career as a bail bonds agent, go to bail.com or consult the book Bail 101 for a comprehensive guide on the bail bond industry.

Bail.com is the bail bond industry leader for over 12 years dealing with individuals, attorneys and law enforcement authorities in order to provide better service to everyone involved in the process of bail. With a network of over 200 agents nationwide Bail.com provides nonstop service 24 hours a day seven days a week. For more information call 1.800.662.0056 or visit www.bail.com

Contact: Sean Cook
Premiere Bail Bonds of California
Phone: 1.800.662.0056
www.premierebailbonds.com

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