Those involved in the bail bond process tend to have some common questions about it, and some of these surround privacy and public access to information. A common example: Are bail bonds public record?

At Beehive Bail Bonds, we’re here to offer 24/7 bail bond services around Park City, Heber City, and nearby parts of Utah, with bail bond agents who are well-versed in the entire bail bond process and will help walk you through it. Are bail bonds public record in Utah? The answer is yes, but there are some important limitations here that are important to be aware of for your privacy if you’ve posted bail via a bail bond company like ours. Let’s dive into the important details!

Utah’s Regulations for Bail Bonds and Public Record

Per the Utah legislature Title 31A, Chapter 35, Part 6, section 604, bail bond producers in the state are subject to the following regulations for public records:

• A bail bond producer shall maintain at the bail bond producer’s place of business: (a) records of all bail bonds the bail bond producer executes or countersigns, so the public may obtain all necessary information concerning those bail bonds for not less than the current calendar year plus the three prior years after the liability of the bail bond agency or surety insurer has been terminated; and (b) any additional information the commissioner may reasonably require by rule.
• Records must be available for examination by the commissioner or the commissioner’s representatives during regular business hours.
• The bail bond agency shall maintain for not less than the current calendar year and the three years after receipt all records of any bail bond executed or countersigned by a bail bond producer appointed by the bail bond agency.

We’ll discuss some specifics and nuances below.

Bond Information, Not Personal Information

It’s important to recognize that Utah’s state regulations listed above for bail bond records apply solely to information surrounding the bond itself, and not the personal information of the defendant. This means that while a bail bond agency must maintain records of all executed bonds, they are not required to keep personal information such as social security numbers or criminal history in these records.

So if a commissioner or any other member of the public is accessing your bail bond record in the future, they will only be able to see basic information such as the bond amount, date executed, and name of the bail bond agency. They will not have access to any of your private or confidential information.

However, it is important to note that in some cases, certain personal information may be necessary for the bail bond process. For example, a bail bond agency may require your social security number or criminal history in order to assess your risk level and determine the appropriate bond amount. In these situations, the agency must still protect your privacy and ensure that this information is not disclosed to anyone who does not have a legitimate need for it.

Checking or Confirming Records (And Record Erasure)

What if you’re looking to check your own bail bond history or record? This is a common need, particularly from those who are approaching the three-year period where bail bond records must be kept, in the hopes that their record will be erased from the system. The process for checking bail bond records varies by state, but typically involves submitting a formal request to the agency that originally posted the bond.

In some cases, agencies may offer online tools or databases where you can search for your own record using personal information like name and date of birth. If no online options are available, you may need to submit a written request or visit the agency in person to obtain this information.

Importance of Working With Reputable Bail Bond Agencies

The concept of bail bonds and public records is one great example of why it’s important to work with reputable and trustworthy bail bond agencies. When you’re dealing with a loved one’s freedom, it’s crucial to ensure that the agency you choose is reliable and follows ethical practices.

Reputable bail bond agencies will have proper licensing and adhere to all laws and regulations set forth by their state. They will erase bail bond files within proper time ranges, not allowing records to persist longer than they should legally. They will also provide you with detailed information about the terms and conditions of the bail bond, including any fees or collateral requirements.

At Beehive Bail Bonds, we’re here to help with all your bail bond needs around Park City and Heber City, including records requests. Contact us for 24/7 bail bond services.