Can I Be a Bounty Hunter with a Felony Criminal Record

Scott, can I become a bounty hunter if I have a felony conviction?

In general, the answer is no but there are several exceptions and it really begins with where you live.  First, each state regulates the bail enforcement industry differently- some require specific licensing, others require that one completes various certification procedures while other states do not require licensing at all; it is in those state where there is no licensing or certification process (no background check required) where a felon may try to pursue work in the bounty hunting business.  I’ll be honest with you though, no one that I know in this business wants to work with a felon and will not knowingly hire a felon.

But…

Yes, I know… Dog Chapman is a felon… but he is essentially working for his wife’s bail bond company in a state that does not license or regulate recovery agents working on behalf of a bail bondsman; Hawaii is one of those states which does not require licensing or certification or background checks.

Why then, doesn’t anyone want to work with a felon?

There is a term called “respondeat superior” a key doctrine in the law of agency, which provides that a principal (employer) is responsible for the actions of his agent (employee) in the "course of employment" and this includes the typical independent contractor relationship which most recovery agents have with the client.  Thus, if a bounty hunter causes a liability, the bonding company for which the hunter works will be liable for the injuries as well.  When it comes to light in court that the bondsman hired a felon, a jury will crucify everyone involved.  It has happened on several occasions in the past and I can cite specific cases which involved the use of felons by bondsmen who were subsequently sued for everything they owned- and then some.  It really makes no difference what the felony conviction was for specifically.

But I have the mindset of a felon and I easily move among criminal without suspicion.  It takes a criminal to catch a criminal…

That statement has always been the biggest load of horse shit I have ever had the opportunity to choke on.  Give me a break and sell that crap to someone who is buying it.  If that was true then the best undercover agents in the world would come from San Quentin or Sing Sing prisons and law enforcement agencies would set up career day in the out-processing center of every state jail or federal prison in the country, which is clearly not the case.  I believe that statement has always been a marketing tool by some con trying to sell security consulting services to another dim-witted customer.  I am not a felon or a criminal, have no illegal proclivities, but still manage better than a 97% assignment completion rate for over 14 years.

But Duane Chapman does it…

Go hunt in Hawaii- it’s not really all that difficult.  The defendants are on an island 3,000 miles from the mainland, they have no where to go.  99% of them could not afford the $1,500 plane ticket to the mainland and its not like they can hop on a Greyhound Bus for $19 and be 1,000 miles away in a day or two.  There aren’t any of the jurisdictional considerations of the UCEA we have here in the contiguous 48 states either.  It’s like shooting fish in a barrel over there- you almost cannot miss.

But I want to turn over a new leaf, renounce my prior ways and give back to my community or affect these defendant’s lives…

Volunteer to serve food at a soup kitchen, read to a senior citizen or build a house with Habitat for Humanity and make a real difference.

Which states do not require licensing or certification?

The list of states not requiring a background investigation for bounty hunters are changing every year and that list is getting smaller all of the time.  Do not take this as legal advice, and I am not an attorney, but my understanding is that of this posting the following states still do not require licensing or certification are:

Hawaii
Alaska
Montana
Idaho
Wyoming
Kansas
Minnesota
Michigan
Alabama
Pennsylvania
Maryland
Vermont
Maine
Delaware
Rhode Island

Bail enforcement and bounty hunting is altogether illegal, for everyone, in
Oregon
Wisconsin
Kentucky
Illinois
Nebraska (maybe… but no one seems to know for sure)

Be extra super secret about it in Washington, DC or you will go to jail- they REALLY don’t like bounty hunters or guns there at all.

Don’t chase people into Mexico without going through the “proper channels” and that does not mean the proper channel is A&E. (That one cracks me up)

Obviously the list above is subject to change but felons can’t bounty hunt anywhere else –legally.  I seriously doubt that any state is going to repeal their background requirements for bail recovery agents and this list will only get smaller with time.

The lesson here today boys and girls is drink your milk and eat your vegetables, be a good kid, stay in school, don’t do drugs, listen to your parents, don’t break the law, don’t beat your wife and maybe you too can become a bounty hunter one day.

Before you write to complain or sick "All of Us or None" on me, I realize that all felons are not bad people- only that good people sometimes may make bad decisions and get caught.  But when a person makes a felonious choice there have to be consequences, some of them permanent, and you probably knew that ahead of time.

Nos Vemos.

Comments

[CARL SPIVEY]

After the Mexico debacle, I can't believe Duane "Dog" Chapman can still work in the bail bond industry...

As a convicted felon, Dog Chapman shouldn't even be able to be a security guard; and probably couldn't in most states.

He says he does noy carry a gun as he might be tempted to use it.

The only he does not carry a gun is because he can't...

The born again Christians start the hunt/chase with a prayer for the criminals then they all swear like sailors while making the arrests.

Then the hypocritical bastard has the nads to teach the the half stoned junkie a life skills class on the way to jail.

He's just repeating the the the information that he was given in own pre parole classes.

Ever notice they never have any harcore criminals, biker gang members or any real threat to apprehend?

My favorite episode is the one when they almost got thier asses kicked by trying to grab the wrong guy from that football team... That was classic.

[unknown Marine Corps, Soldier of the Sea from MCRD etc...]

Yo-Yo Mr. G-Man, wassup can't you see me needin to be a bail enforcement agent or somethin? Cast me out a line Mo-Fo and send me a legit e-mail or sumthin bout' the cause all i ght!!!

SAS; Minister of the Word and Eucharist etc. for the Universal Catholic and Apostolic Church, all the Churches of the Universe etc... :)

[Daniel Edwards]

This is in response to ur rediculous statements on not having to have a criminal mind to catch a criminal. Bullshit. if your big time detectives didn't have Confidential Informants or "street people" who give them 90% of their intell they wouldn't crack a single case so yes it does take a criminal mind to catch a criminal to a very great dagree! I hope that this falls on your ears because there has never been a law
enforcement officer in the history of the world who didn't cause their own mischief when they were young before they became who they are today. so just remember that everyone has a criminal mind of some sorts.

[El Scott]

Spoken like a true felon...

Intel is NOT the same as mindset.

[tony thompson]

this is in response to the statement that it takes a criminal to catch a criminal- this statement is total bullshit said by felons to make themselves feel better about there past mistakes and so called wanting to make a chage and help society, well you should have thought about that before you fucked up and landed yourself in jail or prison. anyone with any common sense can locate a criminal, criminals are if nothing else very predictable and if you take the time time to talk to the right people you wil find someone that they have screwed over one time or two in there life and that person will point you in the right direction. i myself am a felon and i dont want anyone to feel sorry for me i fucked up and i know it i took my medicine and now i am trying to pick myself back up and move forward not harp on the past and blame all my misfortunes on someone else. everyone is so fast to blame everyone else for there fuck ups when the only one to point the finger at is the person that is looking back at you in the mirror. those people that are boo wooing everyday that my mommy didn't let me suck milk so now im robbing stealing and smoking crack, BULLSHIT stop the fucking crying bitchboy and move forward because noone is buying that crap and everyone you tell your little sob story to is laughing in your face! i should know because i was one of the cry babies and i felt so sorry for myself and wanted to blame everyone else and so i fucked up big time and ended up spending 10 years in a federal prison for bank robbery, trust me when i tell you that the only person that i had to point a finger at was tony(myself) so to all the little cry baby pussies out there- man up and and either change your life or don't but stop blaming other people for it! just remember prison is like motel6 they'll keep the light on for ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Joseph R. Cimorosi]

Hello,
My name is Joe, and I wanted to get some info. on becomming a bounty hunter in DE. I have a perfect record and gun permits in DE and PA. I hope that you could e-mail me any info.
thank you

[Rob Stoeckle]

Get real I was convicted of a felony charge when I was 21 for a fight at which by the way was in the Navy and training for the Seals. So I'm still paying for it. But don't let some pussy jackass that wants to be a bad ass bounty hunter because he is such a good person and not in the court system have my back! Hell no I would want a team of some good individuals that I met while I was locked up. Give it time fag Spivey sorry we are not as good as a citzen as you were your whole life. But I bet I could take more criminals down than your ridiculing ass!

[usher]

hey chump iam a convicted felon and was in a motorcycle club ii would of bitch slap you or any one who came looking for me I thought aBout becoming a bounty hunter but I don't play games

[yourdaddy]

you guys are crazy....UAB rules

[Mark J.]

Hello,

I would like to add there is good bounty hunter out of Port Huron, Michigan He has taken Scott Harrell class and he has put over 300 wanted fugitives since 2005. He does this full time and enjoys the fun in getting these bad fugitives off the street, I also like to add this Bounty Hunter has worked with the Detroit Police Dept. In there wanted fugitives as well His Name is Agent Harry L.

[jenn]

ok well i guess i am scum then .... so you cant be a bounty hunter but you can be a cop or a judge???? i live in louisiana and most of the cops and judges here have been arrested and are still on the bench , one is a cocaine addict, hijacked a ladys car at an intersection b/c he was told to take a drug test for cocaine so he hid out for 4 days then passed his test but was convicted of hijacking and is still on the bench as the drug court judge... but you said in this state you cant so whats the deal???? can you be a bondsman in louisiana if you have a felony conviction? or not ? judge mathis went to jail for awhile too and he is a judge , ne way just wanted to know!!

[Wyatt Richard]

whar felon would want to be a bounty hunter? a fucking Rat a snitch.... let a felon be a bounty hunter and the first time he fucks up again and ctaches a case gets sent back to the pen, then is rat ass snitching days will be over fast... I don't think they have wittness protection for a bount hunter who is a felon just a nice sharp shank

[Arthur B]

fellons pay their debt to society after completing the sentence they have recieved from the judge in the state they was tried and are being double sentenced by jackass' whom think they never do anything wrong in their life . seems as though to me you have commited a fellony once in your life and are discusted with yourself for the fact , So you therefore like to take it out on those who have gottin caught and trying to correct their misshaps.

[guy]

I have a question. I was a bail bondsman and went through a terrible divorce. My ex-wife was a woman scorn and made it impossible for me to see my child. I finally was able to see her through the court sytem but recieved a stalking charge for going to my childs daycare to visit her while waiting the year long outcome. I was placed on probation and went on with my life and continued my business. My ex-wife harrassed my probation officer every chance she could until they violated me on a bullshit un paid fine of $2,500. I paid the fine in full but when I went to court I was told I paid it too late and was sent to state prison for nine months. I have been out for three months now and it is hell trying to get my license and business back. I understand if I did a crime i must face the punishment but in the case of a vindictive woman why should I suffer a life time all because I divorced her and moved on. Is there anyone out there that can help me with my situation or give me some advice

[Jasper]

I am a felon but doesnt make me a bad person. I was 19 when it happen and just got in the wrong crowd. I cant find any job that will take me because of one mistake and the judge even said I just made the wrong choise but it was a hard one to make. I have a aggravated battery on my record and i didnt even hurt the guy and he didnt even say a statement and he even said he was in the wrong. People get in trouble for stupid things and it will follow them the rest of there life. And then these people that think they are perfect can judge me. Who are they to judge me I know every one has done something wrong in there life and a lot of people have commited a felony but just didnt get caught.

[robert]

i was convicted of theft of less then $300.00 back in 98 and was only 18 it was stupid. But is the only bad thing on my record. will this keep me from becoming a bounty hunter.

[El Scott Harrell]

Probably not.

[Jeff]

Reading all the comments about Felons and Bounty Hunters, I know a guy who started his own Fugitive Recovery Business in 2003, usting Scott Harrell's Training course, To date this company is still operating and growing, this guy is very professional and you would never think this guy was a FELON that's right FELON!!! He never uses the term Bounter, instead he uses Fugitive Recovery Agent or FRA...The irony is when you say bounty hunter people automatically think of Dog the bounty hunter, when you use Fugitive Recovery Agent, people think of Law Enforcement, The Professional mindset plays a big part in this profession!!! Being a felon may stop you from being a Fugitive Recovery in some states, however if your professionalism,Is superior you can network in all states, I know first hand. Just because you have a felony conviction doesn't mean you have to act like a Felon!!!

[cmolina]

Now that's what I'm talking about

[Dion Locklear]

Research your history, the oss, better known as the CIA was started with criminals. They didnt teach safe cracking, lock picking, pick pocketing or any other crimes in college back then. You are an armchair jockey, and couldnt find Waldo without help.

[Ronald Paup]

I think your a biast bastard and you probabley love the Philidelphia Eagles and Micheal Vick but your such a hypicritical bastard you don't believe in second chances. When some one breaks the law as a teenager say 18 yr's of age and dose'nt break another law for 20 yr's it's "BASTARDS LIKE YOU" that still don't wan't to give them a second chance! Some people are manipulted or framed into breaking the law you bastard and not everyone that makes the mistake of coomiting a crime is a criminal for the rest of thier lives! FUCK YOU!

[Godsend]

you all act like the government is perfect when its not we are the ones who taught half the world how to kill and guess what half the people we taught to kill went and killed some more and more until the were killed. im a convicted felon been a convicted felon since 16 so fuck you all and yes its true it makes life hard but that doesnt mean you can be who you are it only means you gotta try harder to be who you are.life still go's on and on my friends now its up to you to choose how.

[Y.E. TAYLOR]

THIS HAS REALLY GOT TO BE THE DUMBEST THING I HAVE EVER READ. LETS JUST MAKE IT SIMPLE
1. THERE ARE LAWS THAT IN CERTAIN STATES THAT MAKE IT IMPOSSABLE FOR A FELON TO BE A BOUNTY HUNTER (AS PRESTATED DOGS PREDJUDICE BEHIND WORKS FOR BETH WITH A FELONY! MURDER NONE THE LESS!!)
2. HOWEVER IN THOSE STATES WHERE THERE ARE NO REQUIREMENTS FOR LISCENCING TO BE A BOUNTY HUNTER THEN GUESS WHAT, GO THERE AND CLEAN UP! SIMPLE, THE MONEY IS OUT THERE AS WELL AS THE RISK AGAIN LOOK AT DOG, WITH HIS PREDJUDUCE BEHIND.
ALL IN ALL THIS IS THE POINT IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE THE SKY IS THE LIMIT FELONY OR NOT.
TO TAKE A STATEMENT MADE EARLIER THE POLICE, FBI, ATF ECT.. WOULD TRUELY BE DUMBER AND LESS EFFECTIVE WITHOUT THE "REHABILATED" CRIMINAL HELPING THEM AND TELLING THEM WHERE TO LOOK. THINK ABOUT IT.

[bob]

Im a fugitive recovery agent. I m also a felon. That dont make a piece of shit. It makes me a person who got in trouble and is paying the price everyday of my life. so dont forget that. we have every right to work just like the rest of you nonfelons. And yes some felons are garbage, but not all of us. Thats one of the biggest things wrong with this country. Im great at my job i have 100% arrest rate. I work with the police and they dont mind that im doing my job. and as far as dog chapman, he messed up over 30 years ago. its time to let him live his life. That fugitive he went after in mexico. That guy needed to be arrested dog did the right thing. thats why the USA went to back dog. And by the way. if it werent for US fUGITIVE RECOVERY AGENTS there would be fugitives running around making your life and everyone else in this country a living hell. SO DONT judge a book by its cover.

[steve]

Every one has a different story. Guess we should all stop judging others and worry about our selfs including me. Wish people would just awnser the question and stop telling our life stories and arguing with eachother. I'm sick of asking questions just to have one person answer and he next fifty argue.