The Fixer: The Notorious Life of a Front-Page Bail Bondsman

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1451699336 ISBN 13: 9781451699333

Publisher: Touchstone, 2014

From New York’s foremost bail bondsman with “over $30 million on the street” comes the story of a modern-day “fixer” who walks a fine line between hustler and humanitarian with clients ranging from the rich and famous to the mafia and gangs of New York.

With from-the-gut prose, Ira Judelson sheds light on the highs and lows of the bondsman life. But Judelson is no process server. He sees himself as a sort of modern day “macher”—using his juice as a bail bondsman to help friends old and new out of jams wherever he can. He is also a keenly observant and wildly charismatic insider who’s seen it all.

Prepare to be shocked, but also informed in The Fixer as Judelson reveals the unwritten laws of the courtroom and even prison—not to mention the shameless activities of his unbelievable list of clients, including former New York Giants Plaxico Burress and Lawrence Taylor; rappers Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Ja Rule, Lil’ Wayne, and DMX; comedian Katt Williams; notorious Manhattan madam Kristin Davis; and former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn. You’ll see why the New York Times describes Judelson as “an inevitable entry in the BlackBerrys of New York defense lawyers, an ATM for desperate rappers, actors, athletes, executives, and madams with pocketbooks much fatter than his.”

The Fixer is a rollicking narrative that follows Judelson as he learns the ins and outs of the down-and-dirty world of bonds: which judge might let you slide, which ones have zero tolerance, which lawyers do pro bono for the right case, and the cops and DAs who believe in second chances. Judelson illuminates a world almost entirely opaque to the general public, but also entertains and informs with the inside scoop on the underbelly of the justice system.

About the Author:

Ira Judelson is one of New York’s most prominent bail bondsmen. For nearly twenty years, he has posted bail for some of the city’s most notorious defendant-celebrities, as well as thousands of common criminals. He is well known to those in the justice system for his no-nonsense demeanor, his charismatic charm, and his ability to “read” a prospective client. He lives in Westchester, New York with his wife and three children.

Review:

“Ira Judelson, bail bondsman, is an inevitable entry in the BlackBerrys of New York defense lawyers, an A.T.M. for desperate rappers, actors, athletes, executives and madams with pocketbooks much fatter than his.” (The New York Times)

“[Judelson] is a sadly rare breed of New Yorker, a true stand-up guy.” (The Daily Beast)

"Ira Judelson has gotten more guys out of jail than I have. This riveting account of a bail bondsman and his interaction with the criminal justice system is a must read. I thought I knew a lot about criminal law but I learned so much more from this bottom-up look at how the system actually operates." (Alan Dershowitz, author of Taking the Stand: My Life in the Law)

“Judelson, one of New York’s most prominent bondsmen, pulls back the curtain to reveal the backroom machinations, last-minute deals, and occasional manhunts that go along with the job in this page-turner... Tales of close calls and paranoia, as well as tips on surviving prison (“don’t trust a prison phone,” “hire a prison coach”) carry the book, but Judelson’s anecdotes of how his career has impacted his family (“all three of my kids would be born during a major organized crime case”) add another layer of depth. ...It becomes clear that this may be a last glimpse at one of the country’s most unique professions." (Publisher's Weekly)

"If you ever get in trouble, I mean real trouble, remember this guy, Ira Judelson. If you don’t believe me, read this book! It’s a must-read." (Regis Philbin)

"Judelson dishes on the famous, and infamous, clients he’s offered his special services, from an easier ride through the courts to a better life in prison. It seems he always knows someone, from a guard to a gangbanger, who can get things done." (New York Daily News)