Becoming a bail bondsman in Massachusetts follows these three steps:
Network and Expand the Practice in Massachusetts
 | Meet Massachusetts Bail Bondsman Requirements and Register |
 | Develop Qualifications in Massachusetts |
In 2012, 90,000 Massachusetts residents were released on bail, availing themselves of the services of a registered Massachusetts bondsman. For a percentage of a client’s original bail and assurance that he or she will make scheduled court appearances, bondsman will provide the necessary collateral to bail their clients out of jail pending further court action.
Step 1. Meeting Massachusetts Bail Bondsman Requirements
Although there are no bail bondsmen license requirements in Massachusetts, anyone interested in working legally as a bondsman must take the following two actions:
- Register with the Massachusetts Superior Court
- Meet and abide by the rules which pertain to state bondsmen, including:
- Timely completion of the Bail Report to the Superior Court
- Not accept any payment other than their statutory fee
- Bondsmen may only respond to bail requests made by defendants, their families or attorneys, or the detaining authority
- Bondsmen may not refer or contact lawyers on their client’s behalf
Not complying with state regulations can mean incarceration and fines for bondsmen. It is therefore recommended that those new to the field either work as an apprentice with a professional individual or agency with a good track record.
Step 2. Developing Qualifications as a Massachusetts Bondsman
An education in the following subjects will provide a solid foundation for those pursuing a career in the bail bonds industry:
- Criminal justice
- Law enforcement
- Political Science
- Business Management
Bondsmen must also be adept in everything from marketing to psychology. Keeping up with current legislation in the state is also essential because if bondsmen make a mistake it could mean thousands of dollars in losses.
Step 3. Networking in Massachusetts and Practice Expansion
As bondsmen and the agencies they work for become established and their reputations grow, they may find the need to hire more employees, delegate specializations, or reach out with contracting offers. It is common for bondsmen to hire bounty hunters when they are unable to locate a bailed client who becomes a fugitive after not showing up for a scheduled court appointment. This allows bondsmen to avoid losing their full bail payment to the state once their client is returned to custody.
The relationship between bondsman and bounty hunter is relatively unhindered by state laws in Massachusetts, allowing fugitives to be returned to custody more easily.
Source: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleII/Chapter276/Section61B