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Spending Time In Jail Has Been Lucrative

By Jacqueline Dyson

Services for Real Estate Pros with Dyson's Mobile Notary Service

June 02, 2008 05:54 PM

Spending time in jail can be quite lucrative. Over the last 2 weeks, I have had an increase in calls with request to go to the local jail 20 miles from my home to notarize a single document signature. I have completed 4 of 5 assignments as of date.

Going to jail is quite interesting. I must call in advance and make an appointment to visit the inmate. I was able to schedule 2 appointments back to back during one visit. Notaries are allowed to conduct business outside of regular visiting hours. I am allowed to bring in the form to be notarized, my journal, a pen and my own Id. My notary stamp can not be brought into the facility.

Check in is painless. Wait time is another story. I have waited less than 20 minutes and up to 30 minutes for the inmate to arrive into the little private visiting booth which is reserved for legal consultations. A secure glass separates the visitor and the inmate. The most difficult part is sliding the paper through the thin slot for the inmate to sign. If your pen is thicker than a BIC it may present problems when you slide it through the opening. You must ask the inmate to stand, so that you can copy information from the Id bracelet.

My clients have been very nice people. Each had no problem paying me in advance through paypal since they were not local. ‘The inmates I serviced were quite pleasant and conversation was minimal. The deputy sheriffs are always so nice and accommodating. I am looking forward to spending more of my time in jail, completing assignments.

Oh, by the way, I had no hang ups about leaving my business card at the information desk.

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Pamela Knight

Urban Knight Enterprises, Inc. - Phoenixville, PA

This is one service that I have not an opportunity to perform as of yet. How did you advertise this service? Did the inmates call you directly? Do you find by using PayPal to be a benefit?

Jun 08, 2008 03:39 PM

Jacqueline Dyson

Dyson's Mobile Notary Service - Sacramento, CA

Actually, the inmates did not contact me. My contact has been initiated by an inmate's family member, associate or an attorney. In all cases they stated they have found me on the internet.

I like PayPal. Since they charge a small percentage fee, I charge a small processing fee to my client to recoup my cost. Using PayPal is a new process for me and I've not had any negative experience so far.

Jun 10, 2008 12:10 PM

Ronald Gillis

Southwest Florida Notaries (Mortgage Notary Signing Agent) - Port Charlotte, FL

CNSA Southwest Florida. Notaries, Port Charlotte, 941-7-NOTARY

I've thought about doing that, but have been reluctant. Will have to try this! Thanks!

Jul 05, 2008 07:32 PM

J Hendrickson

n/a - Fountain Valley, CA

Jacqueline, I have also had an experience like yours I just completed my first job at a county prison, It was very interesting. I had no problems and actually felt very safe so I didn't mind doing it, and actually gave out about a half a dozen business cards because people are not aware of a "mobile" notary and were asking the information desk where to find one, so I just happen to be behind them with a business card and a smile and considering it is only 3 miles form my home the gas and drive time is not bad. The person that found me was the mother of the inmate and just found me on-line. The interesting part was that I had a lot of firsts that night it was my first prison visit, my first Power of Attorney to notarize and the client was deaf on top of that so I had to write out all my instructions prior to going inside so the prison guard could read over what I was telling him first. Over all I was waiting for 30 minutes, so I wouldn't mind going back.

Jul 21, 2008 05:04 PM

Good for you Jennifer, No reason for the fear factor. I've had 2 more calls since June from the cards I left behind.

Jul 21, 2008 05:43 PM

Mobile Austin Notary

Apostille/Authentication/Embassy Legalization, Notary Public, Loan Signing Agent & Process Server Services - Austin, TX

www.mobileaustinnotary.com

Has anyone tried to contact/market to the prison/county instead of getting sent out there from a lawyer or family member. J.D. the CEO of Mobile Austin Notary really wants to get into this, he's just doing search due diligence from others around the country that have had success with it.

Nov 21, 2008 05:45 PM

Hi Jenette, all of my contacts come from family members or lawyers. I am surrounded by several facilities and each has it's own rules. Jails do not attempt to contact notaries. Our main jail has a notary on site. He is a police officer. I only get calls for the main jail when he is backed up or on vacation.

Nov 24, 2008 02:50 PM

Denise OnullDell

Santa Clarita Mobile Notary - Santa Clarita, CA

Mobile Notary Public/Real Estate Agent

Hi Jacqueline ~ One of my favorite things to do is go to jail. Seriously; the ones I do are pretty painless and I can get in and out in less than an hour on most occasions. Boom bang...done! It's usually one document I'm asked to notarize (by a fiance or family member). The problem is with getting access to the inmate's original ID, but I find most family members have them in their possession. If not, I ask them to come up with two credible witnesses which is a whole different story and involves more time.

In my opinion, jail notarizations (when you have ID) are actually easier than doing loan signings which take just as long -- if not longer -- and I get paid about the same.

Apr 21, 2009 06:21 PM

Hi Denise - check the handbook regarding ID for inmates. You may require more than you have too.

Apr 22, 2009 07:54 AM

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