THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, July 8, 1996 TAG: 9607080048
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARC DAVIS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 43 lines
What's the worst that can happen to a bail bondsman who doesn't have enough money to cover his bonds?
Consider the case of Herbert M. Collins Sr., Norfolk's new vice mayor.
In 1982, Collins entered the bail-bond business with a partner. They did a brisk business until the company fell into debt in 1987 and 1988.
In those years, the company defaulted on 31 bonds, according to court records. That means his clients failed to appear in court and Collins had to pay their bonds.
Unfortunately, Collins didn't have enough money and the bonds went unpaid. Courts in Norfolk and Virginia Beach suspended Collins' license in 1988. His company filed for bankruptcy and Collins left the business. He is now a grocer.
Today, Collins still owes between $20,000 and $30,000 in delinquent bonds, including interest that dates back to 1987 and 1988.
Recently, the court garnished Collins' City Council salary to collect the money. A judge ordered $586 garnished in September and $939 in February.
Last month, a collections lawyer filed a new proceeding against Collins for $1,500 he owes from a delinquent 1987 bond. A hearing is tentatively scheduled for this week.
In an interview last week, Collins acknowledged that he made mistakes and that he intends to make good on the debts.
``What happened to me was my own fault,'' Collins said. ``I got overextended and it was a time when the courts were tightening up. . . It turned out to be a bad business I got into.''
Collins also said he is working out his federal tax debt. In 1994, when he ran for the City Council, Collins owed the Internal Revenue Service more than $85,000 in back taxes from the failed bail-bond business.
Collins said the bail-bond business is inherently risky. ``A lot of it depends on your experience and judgment. You've got to remember you're dealing with a criminal element. You're dealing with the best cons in the world. They'll do anything to get out (of jail),'' he said.
Collins said he does not blame the Circuit Court for suspending him. ``I feel like the courts do what they have to do,'' he said. ``They have to protect the commonwealth.'' by CNB