Defendant Intake, Screening, and Release Procedures
Intake
Screening starts before money changes hands. Verify the defendant's full legal name, date of birth, and booking number; confirm the court, case number, charge, bond amount, and conditions. Check for warrants, detainers, and prior failures to appear. Identify the indemnitor and explain the obligations in plain language, including liability for the full bond amount.
Release procedure
- Complete the bond and power of attorney and file them with the court or jail.
- Provide receipts for premium and collateral.
- Give the defendant written court dates and reporting instructions.
- Record the transaction and notify the surety.
- Do not promise release timing you cannot control.
Worked example
A caller gives a nickname and a bond amount, and the agent posts before confirming the booking number. Reasoning: the bond may be posted for the wrong person or wrong case, delaying release and creating liability. The correct step is to verify the jail roster and court docket first, then complete the documents with the legal name and case number.
Traps
Relying on family statements instead of jail or court records. Skipping the indemnitor interview. Promising “no jail time” or legal outcomes, which is legal advice. Failing to document the court date given to the defendant.