- Earn a diploma. …
- Research your state’s regulations. …
- Complete necessary training. …
- Become licensed, if needed. …
- Gain relevant experience. …
- Network with bail bond agents. …
- Begin working as a bounty hunter.
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Average salary of a bounty hunter
According to the total amount of bail set for each fugitive and the number of fugitives captured, a bounty hunter’s average annual salary varies. Because they are independent agents working for the bail bond agent, bounty hunters only receive payment when they successfully apprehend a wanted fugitive. Their compensation is calculated as a percentage of the total bail amount.
Bounty hunters typically receive payments ranging from 10% to 25% of the face value of bail bonds. This means that in order to succeed in their careers, bounty hunters need to be highly motivated and competent.
What does a bounty hunter do?
A bounty hunter is a specialist who works on behalf of bail bond agents to track down and capture fugitives who have skipped court or otherwise disregarded their obligations under the bail bond contract.
The judge issues a failure to appear when a criminal defendant misses a court date and gives the bail bond agent a set amount of time to track down the defendant and bring them back to court. Because the bail bond agents’ finances are at stake, they hire bounty hunters to locate, capture, and return the offender as soon as possible.
Bounty hunters do not have the same constitutional protections that shield fugitives from police capture because they work independently on behalf of the bail bond agent rather than as state or federal agents.
A private contract establishes the bail bond agent’s rights to track down, apprehend, hold, and transport fugitives; the bail bond agent transfers these rights to the bounty hunter. Bounty hunters may employ strategies like surveillance, forcibly entering the defendant’s home without a warrant, and seizing the runaway without giving them a Miranda warning.
How to become a bounty hunter
Follow these steps to become a bounty hunter:
1. Earn a diploma
The majority of bounty hunting jobs don’t have a minimum education requirement, but you can start your career by earning a high school diploma or GED.
2. Research your states regulations
It’s important to research and comprehend your state’s laws regarding bounty hunters because they differ from state to state. It’s crucial to be aware of any differences in the laws of the states you’re working in if you’ll be crossing state lines to find fugitives in other states.
For instance, some states mandate that bounty hunters obtain licenses, complete specific training, carry insurance, or only employ particular methods for tracking down and apprehending fugitives.
3. Complete necessary training
Bounty hunting can be a hazardous profession, so it’s crucial that you have a solid grasp of defensive strategies. To obtain a license, many states demand that bounty hunters complete some sort of professional training. Other states leave the training up to the individual.
A thorough training course will cover subjects like conducting investigations, utilizing research tools, arrest and control methods, using reasonable force, surveillance, and comprehending the bail bond industry in your state.
4. Become licensed, if needed
Some states require bounty hunters to be licensed. As each state’s licensing procedure varies, it is crucial to confirm the educational and experience requirements before applying to become a bounty hunter in your state. Common prerequisites include being between the ages of 18 and 21, passing a criminal history and fingerprint check, and passing an exam.
5. Gain relevant experience
If you don’t have any prior experience, becoming a bounty hunter might be difficult. However, there are other criminal justice careers you can pursue to gain relevant experience, such as those of a police officer, security guard, or private investigator.
Military background is helpful for the job of a bounty hunter. You can gain experience, hone your skills, and broaden your network by taking part in an apprenticeship program with bounty hunters who are already experts in the field.
6. Network with bail bond agents
Bounty hunters are hired by bail bond agents. While some bail bond agents employ bounty hunters on a regular basis, many bounty hunters are independent contractors who take jobs as they come up. This means that if you want to become a successful bounty hunter, it is crucial to establish solid professional relationships with bail bond agents in your area.
7. Begin working as a bounty hunter
Being successful in finding and apprehending the fugitives you are assigned to once you start receiving assignments from the connections you have made with bail bond agents is essential to ensuring you keep getting new assignments from those same bail bond agents.
Jobs similar to bounty hunters
There are many jobs you can consider if you’re interested in a career that involves following people and ensuring that others are safe. Here are 10 careers to consider as you launch your career:
FAQ
Do bounty hunters make good money?
A bounty hunter stands to make an average salary between $50,000 and $80,000 assuming they take on 100 to 150 cases annually.
How much do bounty hunters make?
Salary Expectations for Bounty Hunters As mentioned in the previous section, the BLS estimates that bounty hunters can expect to make a median annual salary of $50,510. However, a bounty hunter’s earnings can be influenced by a variety of factors, and because the position is freelance, the pay may vary more than in most occupations.
Can anyone become a bounty hunter?
Most people who want to become bounty hunters in their state must meet certain educational and/or experience requirements, submit to a criminal background check, and pass an exam, although minimum requirements differ from state to state. Other requirements include: A valid state driver’s license.
What training do you need to be a bounty hunter?
You must currently reside in California in order to work as a bounty hunter there. The person in question cannot have any felony convictions. completion of a 40-hour power of arrest course through Police Officer Standard Training (POST)
