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

Judelson, Ira

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1451699336 ISBN 13: 9781451699333

Publisher: Atria Books, 2014

Synopsis

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 this title

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.

Daniel Paisner is the author of more than fifty books, including The Complete Game: Reflections on Baseball, Pitching, and Life on the Mound; and Scratching the Horizon: A Surfing Life; and eleven New York Times bestsellers.

Reviews

The most impressive thing about this autobiography is its restraint: Judelson, a New York City bail bondsman, has had plenty of high-profile clients, but he names only a few and spends relatively little time talking about them. His focus is himself: the directionless kid who fell into a job as a bondsman (due to a family connection and a rather blink-worthy coincidence) and turned it into a thriving, exciting, sometimes dangerous career. With an assist from veteran nonfiction writer Paisner, Judelson takes us through his early years and then deep inside the world of the bail bondsman, which he’s careful to point out is very different from a bounty hunter, who tracks down bail jumpers. This is the story of a guy who operates within the justice system, lending people accused of crimes the money they need to stay out of jail, on the promise that the money will be returned. A risky way to make a living? Sure, but at least to Judelson, it has its own rewards. This isn’t exactly a true-crime book, but it will certainly appeal to the same audience. --David Pitt

Edition details

• Publisher: Atria Books
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1451699336
• ISBN 13: 9781451699333
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 272