Posted by RchCucNotary on 3/18/11 2:31pm
Msg #376632

Serving an inmate

I was asked to serve an inmate papers. There's no notarization required but the person can't be within a certain distance of the inmate, therefore they need me to serve them. Can inmates even take documents? Should I be worried about this? Is there a catch or anything I should be aware of - I've never done this so any suggestions, help, henderences are highly requested and appreciated!

Thanks

Reply by topflyt on 3/18/11 2:40pm
Msg #376634

I've seen it happen or actually known it to happen. In fact, I've been asked to deliver papers...but wasn't available.
The only hinderence is if you are asked to deliver the papers to Alcatraz.....lol

Reply by Arian Doaks on 3/18/11 2:46pm
Msg #376635

Hilarious! Thanks topflyt!

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 3/18/11 2:47pm
Msg #376636

What are you being asked to serve?

And are you authorized to do it in CA? Or do you need to be a process server, sheriff, constable, marshall, etc etc...

Reply by rengel/CA on 3/18/11 3:46pm
Msg #376644

In California...

I believe you can serve up to 5 per year without being a licensed process server.

My .02

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 3/18/11 5:00pm
Msg #376657

In Florida...

The initial summons must be served by a licensed process server. But subpoenas can be served by any person, even one of the attorneys or parties to the case, as long as they file an appropriate return of service.

I looked into becoming a process server, but my county has set bond and insurance requirements that exceed state requirements set by law. Don't know whether or not this is entirely legal, but it is what it is. The insurance quote I got was over $1000 a year, which is probably more than I would ever bring in as a part time process server. If I had the money (i.e. If I won the lottery), I would do it.

As an aside, process servers in my county have to pay $1000 a year and go through a week long training to learn how to hand people papers, while you can take a notary class online in three hours and get a commission for $70.

Reply by Les_CO on 3/18/11 5:35pm
Msg #376658

Re: In Florida...

Thanks for the Florida info.
In CO, Service must be done by someone NOT a party to the case (I think?).
What do gun permits (concealed weapons) cost in FL, and are they hard to get?
Can they ‘extend’ to your help (bodyguards) if needed?
Is dental insurance inexpensive in FL?
Here in CO we as commissioned notaries can charge $5 per notarization, a notary to be a ‘professional’ would have to do like one every 10 minutes (small breaks) all day long to make what? ....Say half of what a auto mechanic would make? NOT POSSIBLE! But maybe the more adventurous of us will look into ‘process serving’?

Reply by CopperheadVA on 3/18/11 3:35pm
Msg #376641

Gosh, I just don't think I would be interested in doing that type of job. Others may feel differently, but I personally would just say no thanks.

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/18/11 3:51pm
Msg #376645

RchCuc

You are a very pretty lady...beautiful smile!

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 3/18/11 4:01pm
Msg #376647

Re: RchCuc

My impression, too, Brenda! I bet all her loan signings take an extra hour with all the men slowing things down so they can flirt with her.

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/18/11 4:12pm
Msg #376649

LOL...good one, GG.

You're probably right. Amazing smile. Couldn't help but comment!

Reply by Les_CO on 3/18/11 4:09pm
Msg #376648

I’m not sure about each and every State, but I believe that if someone is “served’ it must be done by a disinterested (uninvolved, not a party to the case) person. If it were me I would recommend to your potential client that they have the Sheriff’s Dept do it. They serve papers on a daily basis and there is never any question about the service being ‘proper’ later. There is no way anyone will pay you what doing this to an inmate in a prison, or jail would be worth. ( here in CO a Sherriff will serve someone for $50) There are some really weird people out there (especially in jails). If you feel the need to be scared, I suggest you rent a Steven King movie, and sleep well for the next several years. JMO

Reply by James Dawson on 3/18/11 4:39pm
Msg #376655

Find out which prison then call inmate services, they will tell you what must be done.

Reply by LKT/CA on 3/18/11 6:35pm
Msg #376664

If you decide not to take the job, here's a referral to give to the customer who called you. I network with the owner of this company. www.creativeinvestigations.com

I've had calls requesting process service....I don't do those types of assignments and refer the caller to the above link. I also no longer handle inmate notary service requests. I refer those calls to www.inmatenotary.com

Reply by James Dawson on 3/18/11 7:25pm
Msg #376673

valid info...thanks LKT