Privacy is a luxury that many Americans take for granted. Our personal information can be collected at a doctor’s appointment, when applying for a loan or by enrolling in a college or university. The information that is gathered is protected and not to be shared with anyone outside those sectors.
In the unfortunate event that a person is charged with a crime, their information is collected by the courts and law enforcement agencies. However, this information is not always kept in the strictest of confidence. Although an attorney has legal obligations to withhold personal information (such as background, employment history, financial history, etc.), a bail bondsman is not held to the same legal requirement when it comes to client protection. This can create an issue when choosing a bail bond service in the event that one is needed.
Data Protection
Although a bondsman is not required to withhold information about their client, it is best to research and pursue an agency that will treat their clients with the same respect that an attorney would treat their client. Defendants should seek out bond service that will protect their personal information, as well as their anonymity.
An agency has the option to maintain records and information on their clients in either a physical form or electronically. State laws mandate that personal information is protected and not allowed to be shared. These laws require agencies to keep files either physically or electronically. Physical files are to be kept in a secure space that is under lock and key at all times. These files may be kept in an offsite storage service to add an extra layer of security. Electronic files kept in a cloud storage may require multi-step authentication in order to access these files from software programs. The use of cloud storage platforms allows the agency to encrypt the files for protection against data breaches and email communication.
A reputable bail bond service will work with the client to ensure that their anonymity is maintained. Although criminal offenses can be made public, working with your bond agency can ensure that only the court and your bondsman know your name, and will not appear on public records that are associated with the case. The relationship between bondsman and defendant can help to maintain the privacy of all parties involved.
Legal Landscape
It is important to always be aware of data privacy laws and the implications that can come from not adhering to these laws. Everyone deserves protection and their information to remain private. However, criminal acts can jeopardize this right and information can become public. Employing a knowledgeable and reputable bail bond agency will ensure that the legal landscape of privacy law is followed and that all parties are protected.
Each state has its own laws and regulations, it is your bondsman’s responsibility to know how to navigate these jurisdictions and protect the rights of his client. Building that trust and reliability with the defendant is the most important relationship that a bondsman can achieve.
