The steps you’ll need to follow to become a bail bondsman in Maine are outlined here:
 | Meet Maine License Requirements |
 | Submit Application in Maine |
 | Go to Work in Maine |
Maine has consistently had the lowest rate of violent crime per 100,000 people, as well as the lowest number of incarcerations and police presence. Nonetheless, commercial bail is legal in Maine where there are dozens of thriving bail bonds agencies.
Bail bonding is the process of making an agreement between the court, the arrestee and the bail bondsman, who ensures the arrestee’s appearance in court at the scheduled time. In return, the arrestee is allowed to remain out of jail until found either guilty or innocent.
There are few specified requirements for becoming a bail bondsman in Maine; however, you must hold a contract surety bond license (the same license required of a private detective).
Step 1. Meet Maine License Requirements
The following are requirements for receiving a contract security bond license in Maine:
- Over the age of 18
- Citizen or resident alien of the U.S.
- High school graduate or its equivalent
- Good moral character
- No felony or domestic violence convictions
- No failure to pay child support
- No military dishonorable discharge
- No history of reckless driving
A successful bail bondsman must be knowledgeable about many subjects, including:
- Rules/regulations surrounding bail
- Courtroom procedures
- Proper bail bondsman conduct
- Client rights
- Criminal law
- Proper arrest procedures
- Criminal behavior
- Addictive behavior
The best way to acquire the needed knowledge is to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in subjects as varied as business administration and criminal justice, or a related major. There are 10 accredited schools with criminal justice programs in Maine, as well as several reputable online colleges.
Step 2. Submit Application in Maine
Request an application (Form P-28) from the Maine Department of Public Safety. Complete and return to them at 45 Commerce Drive, Suite 1, Augusta, ME 04333-0104; tel.: 207-626-3800.
Step 3. Go to Work in Maine
The best career course for a new bail bondman is to learn the ropes by going to work as an employee of a reputable bail bonds agency. The average annual salary for bail bondsmen in Maine varies considerably depending upon geographic location.
For example, the average annual salary of a bail bondsman in Kennebunkport, one of Maine’s wealthiest communities, is $60,716. Average salaries in other Maine cities are: Augusta-$38,544; Portland-$42,105; Bangor-$38,277; Cape Elizabeth-$57,002; Farmington-$33,064.
Source: http://www.maine.gov/dps/