Making More Money

When a person is arrested for a crime, they may be given the option of bail. Bail is an amount of money a person can pay to be released from jail with the assumption they will then show up for their court date. Sometimes the amount of bail is very high, and the defendant can not pay the full amount. That is when they may choose to work with a bail bondsman.

1. How a Bail Bond Works 

A bail bondsman will charge a percentage of the bail, usually about 10%, to release the defendant. When this occurs, there is a contract signed between the defendant and the bail bondsman. In this contract, the defendant agrees to show up to court. When the defendant signs, they also agree that they can be arrested if they don't show up. If a defendant breaks the contract and doesn't show up for their court date, the bail bondsman delivers the rest of the bail money to the court. This is not a good situation. The bail bondsman wants their money back, so they have to track down the defendant and turn them in.

2. The Role of the Bounty Hunter

When a person skips out on bail, they become a fugitive. The bail bondsman doesn't hunt for the fugitive themselves. Instead, they hire a bounty hunter to track, arrest, and deliver the person. A bounty hunter, also known as a fugitive recovery agent or a bail enforcement agent, is legally authorized to do the job. They have certifications and training similar to a member of law enforcement, and often have a background in military or law, and they are also certified to use firearms, restraints, and tasers. The job is high risk and they only get paid when they deliver the fugitive.

Regulations for bounty hunters vary by state. Typically, they only need a copy of the paperwork that shows the person is a fugitive. They don't need a warrant and don't need to read Miranda Rights when arresting a fugitive. They are not allowed to use excessive force or dangerous methods, and therefore often use the element of surprise.  A bounty hunter may show up where and when the fugitive least expects it to catch them off guard. After a bounty hunter catches the fugitive, they receive a portion of the bail money, which is returned to the bail bondsman.  

If you find yourself in a position to utilize a bail bondsman, be sure to fulfill your obligations to the court.  Your bondsman will likely use a bounty hunter to track you down. Learn more by contacting a bail bonds company.