In 2011, the Superior Court Judges of King County, Washington, established a detailed resolution to regulate the justification of bail bond companies. This resolution outlines the procedures and requirements that bail bond companies must meet annually to be authorized to conduct business in King County. Compliance with these rules is crucial for any company that wishes to post surety bail bonds in the King County Correctional Facility in Seattle or the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent.
Annual Justification Requirement for Bail Bond Companies
To operate in King County, bail bond companies must justify their qualifications every year. This annual justification process ensures that all companies meet the stringent legal standards set by the court, as outlined in RCW 19.72.040.
Steps in the Justification Process
- Petition Filing Deadline: Bail bond companies must file their justification petitions with the King County Superior Court by October 1 each year. The petition must include a proposed Order of Justification and working copies for the Presiding Judge and the Civil Division of the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. All forms and formats required for this process are available on the King County Superior Court’s website.
- Petition Requirements: The petition must include several key pieces of information:
- A list of unpaid bonds from the previous year.
- Documentation from the Washington State Department of Revenue or Department of Licensing.
- Names and ownership details of the company owners.
- An alphabetical list of bail bond agents employed by the company.
- Sworn statements regarding criminal history and disciplinary actions for all owners and agents.
- Copies of current licenses for both the company and its agents.
- Corporate Surety Documentation: Companies must also submit documentation for each Corporate Surety they work with, including:
- A power of attorney authorizing the bail bond company or its agents to act on behalf of the Surety.
- A certification letter from the Washington State Insurance Commissioner confirming the company’s authority to operate in the state.
- Response from Prosecuting Attorney’s Office: The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has until November 1 to file any responses to the petitions. These responses are shared with the court and the petitioner.
- Hearing and Approval: If necessary, the Presiding Judge may schedule a hearing by November 30 to review the petition. During this hearing, the judge will assess the petition’s completeness and the company’s compliance with legal requirements. If the petition is approved, an Order of Justification is issued, allowing the company to operate for the following year. This order remains effective until December 1 of the next year.
Ongoing Compliance and Notifications
- License and Employment Changes: Bail bond companies must notify the Presiding Judge and the Civil Division of the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office within three business days of any changes to their licenses or employment status of agents.
- Petitions for Amendments or Initial Justification: Companies can file petitions for initial justification or to amend their existing justification at any time, following the same procedures as the annual justification process.
Judicial Oversight
The Presiding Judge has the authority to deny or revoke an Order of Justification if the petition is found to be inaccurate, incomplete, or insufficient. The judge can also refuse to issue an order for other valid reasons, ensuring that only qualified and compliant companies are allowed to post bail bonds in King County.
Conclusion
The 2011 King County Superior Court Judges’ Resolution on bail bond justification sets forth a clear and rigorous process that all bail bond companies must follow to operate within King County. By adhering to these requirements, companies help maintain the integrity of the judicial system and ensure that only reliable and qualified entities can post surety bail bonds.
For more information on the justification process and to access the required forms, visit the King County Superior Court’s website.
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