Your Child Has Been Arrested: What Families Need to Know About Bail
The Secure Family Podcast host Andy Murphy speaks with David Stuckman, president of the Professional Bail Agents of the United States about what families should expect after a loved one is arrested. Stuckman explains the jail intake and bail process, typical bail-bond costs, the role of the bondsman in ensuring defendants appear in court and why families facing large bonds should consider involving an attorney who may be able to secure a bond reduction. He also discusses what happens when defendants miss court, how bonds can be revoked and how bail agents may connect defendants with rehabilitation, employment and other support services.
A major focus of the interview is the growing problem of bail scams. Stuckman urges families to slow down and independently verify an arrest by contacting the jail through a publicly listed number or checking the jail's website before sending money. He describes common scam tactics, including impersonating defendants, attorneys or legitimate bondsmen and creating a false sense of urgency. The conversation also explains how to identify reputable bail agents, including meeting them at the jail or a legitimate office and checking whether they are approved or certified in the jurisdiction.
Below is a summary of the segment as well as a link to the full interview.
YOUR CHILD HAS BEEN ARRESTED: DON’T MAKE THESE MISTAKES
Bail Bonds: What Happens After an Arrest
On this episode of The Secure Family Podcast, Andy chats with David Stuckman who is the president of the Professional Bail Agents of the United States (PBUS).
David shares how he went from private investigator to bounty hunter to bail bondsman, and explains what families should do after a loved one is arrested. He walks through the jail intake process, how to verify an arrest, what bail typically costs and shares the red flags of a bail bond scam.
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