Mark Thompson
Byron Frierson
Lionel Wooden (L) Kevin Watkins
They are men and women who play a critical role in the criminal justice system. They are the Bail Bonds Companies. Individuals, regulated just like insurance agents, who put up funds to insure that defendants appear for all their court dates in a criminal court proceeding. Bail is something guaranteed to all Indiana and US residents under the US and Indiana Constitutions. Four Indianapolis area bail bondsmen appeared on Afternoons with Amos to talk about the role they play in the justice system. And how they, in their way, help keep our streets and neighborhoods safe. The four, Byron Frierson, Mark Thompson, Lionel Wooden and Kevin Watkins also expressed concern about the increasing amount of cash bonds levied by the court. Bonds where if a defendant fails to appear in court, they could go months and years without being brought to justice. Instead of the what private bail bondsmen can go to immediate bring defendants back into court. Listeners engaged in the discussion as Afternoons with Amos listeners asked questions about the bail process, the difference when one pays bail through a bail bondsman (usually 10% of the total amount of bail with the bondsman guaranteeing the rest if a defendant is a non show). And how Bail Bondsman or Bail Agents operate when they go out to apprehend someone they paid bail for who didn’t show up for court. It’s a fascinating interview and discussion of a topic rarely talked about in any media. Click the Audio Player to Hear Amos’ Interview with Indianapolis Bail Bondsmen. Runs 38 Minutes ©2014 WTLC/Radio One.
