Snohomish County Superior Court has implemented a detailed process for the justification of bail bond companies and sureties. This process, governed by Administrative Order 07-09, ensures that only qualified and responsible companies are authorized to post bail bonds in Snohomish County’s Superior, District, and Juvenile Courts. Here’s what you need to know about this essential process.

Annual Justification Requirement

To post bail bonds in Snohomish County, all bail bond companies and corporate sureties must obtain an Order of Justification from the Snohomish County Superior Court. Bonds will not be accepted unless the company has received this authorization following a formal hearing.

Key Steps in the Justification Process

1. Petition Filing: Bail bond companies or corporate sureties must file a petition with the Snohomish County Clerk at least 45 days before the annual hearing in December. If the company was previously justified, it can file under the existing cause number; if not, a new cause number is required.
2. Serving the Petition: The petitioner must serve a copy of the filed petition on the Superior Court Presiding Judge and the Civil Division of the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. If the petition is not served properly, the hearing may be canceled, or the Order of Justification may be denied.
3. Required Documentation: The petition must include:
   • Business License: A valid state business license and bail bond agency license.
   • Certificate of Authority: If posting surety bonds, a Certificate of Authority from the Washington State Insurance Commission.
   • Power of Attorney: For each agent authorized to execute surety bonds.
   • Property Bonds: If posting property bonds, financial guarantees such as a letter of credit.
   • Bond Obligations: A current list of the petitioner’s bond obligations, separated by county.
   • Agent Licenses: Current bail bond agent licenses for all authorized agents.
   • Agent Declaration: A declaration signed under penalty of perjury by each agent, including personal details, criminal history, and other relevant information.
4. Justification Hearing: The court will review the petitioner’s financial and corporate responsibility and any objections or evidence submitted by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The court may deny the Order of Justification if the petition is incomplete, insufficient, or for other valid reasons.
5. Issuance of Order: If approved, the court will issue an Order of Justification that:
   • Designates the corporate surety authorized to write surety bonds.
   • States the basis on which property bonds may be written.
   • Names the authorized agents.
   • Sets the maximum bond amount, generally capped at $250,000.
6. Order Validity: The Order of Justification is valid for one calendar year, expiring at midnight on December 31st. To continue operating in the following year, the company must repeat the justification process.

Additional Requirements

• Bond Acceptance: The Snohomish County Jail will not accept a bond unless it verifies that it is posted under a current Order of Justification. The petitioner must provide the jail with a copy of the order and photos of authorized agents.
• Suspension or Revocation: The Order of Justification may be suspended or revoked if the sureties or agents are found insufficient or unreliable. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office can initiate this process by filing a notice with the court.
• Adding Agents: During the order’s validity, the company can add agents by filing a Notice of Intent to Add Agent(s) with the court. If there are no objections, the agents will be added within 10 court days.
• Terminating Agents: The company must notify the court and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office within 20 days if an agent is terminated. Failure to provide notice may result in suspension or revocation of the order.

Conclusion

The Snohomish County bail bond justification process, as outlined in Administrative Order 07-09, is crucial for ensuring that only qualified and responsible bail bond companies are authorized to operate within the county. By following these procedures, companies can maintain their ability to post bonds in Snohomish County’s Superior, District, and Juvenile Courts.

For more information and to access necessary forms, visit the Snohomish County Superior Court’s website.

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