Our Industry Has an Ethics Problem.
It's Time to Say So Out Loud.
A growing group of bail agents across the United States are putting their names on record against the cold-calling, scraping, and deceptive practices that are destroying public trust in everything we do.
What We're Standing Against
These aren't rumors. This is happening right now, in every major market, and most of us already know it.
Arrest Record Scraping
Some companies scrape fresh arrest records from public databases, run background checks on the defendant's family, and start cold-calling — before the family even knows their loved one has been arrested.
Deceptive Cold Calls
Callers tell family members "your son asked me to call you" or "I'm calling on behalf of the jail." These are lies. The defendant never asked anyone to call. The jail never authorized anything.
The Industry Stays Silent
Trade associations know this is happening. Surety companies know. Most agents know. But nobody says anything publicly because nobody wants to be the one who called it out. That silence is costing us the public's trust.
Why Every Legitimate Agent Should Care
This isn't just about ethics. It's about survival.
- Every deceptive call makes every legitimate bail agent look like a predator
- Families in crisis deserve honest help — not manipulation
- Legislators use these practices as justification to eliminate bail entirely
- The agents doing this are handing ammunition to the people who want to end our industry
- If we don't police ourselves, the government will do it for us
This Is Not a Complaint. It's a Standard.
This group isn't about calling out any single company or agent by name. It's about establishing — publicly, on the record — that a meaningful number of licensed bail professionals across the country believe these practices are wrong and want them to stop.
When legislators, journalists, or the public ask "what does the bail industry think about this?" — we want there to be a clear, documented answer from agents who are willing to put their name on it.
California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana — all states, all markets. If you write bail, this affects you.
Chad's Story
Why I Took On the State of California
In 2016, Chad sued the California Insurance Commissioner over a rule that made it illegal to help his own family. In 2019, he was the only bail agent quoted in a federal antitrust lawsuit fighting for Prop 103 rebates. Read the full story.
Add Your Name. Join the Group.
The Facebook Group is where the real conversation is happening. It's private — members only — and open to licensed bail agents in any state.
This page is maintained by Chad Conley Bail Bonds — a licensed California bail agent. CA License #1843260.