When you are an arrestee navigating the criminal justice system, you will probably engage the services of a bail bondsman at one point for convenient and affordable pretrial release. Therefore, you should be familiar with the legal authority of bail bond agents, the rights of bail bond agents, and the requirements for bail bond powers. Furthermore, understanding bail bond arrest power, the role of a bail bond enforcer, and exploring powers of bail bonds can help you manage the bail process because you will be aware of your rights, roles, and possible consequences of forfeiture.
Authority of Bail Bond Agents
Bail bondsmen have the legal authority to arrest clients who fail to comply with the terms of the contract and have an active arrest warrant. Even though they can make arrests, bail bondsmen cannot investigate criminal violations or enforce traffic laws. The authority of bail bond agents to implement arrest warrants can only be exercised after a defendant fails to appear or contravenes other bail terms.
Rights of Bail Bond Agents
What are the rights of bail bond agents? Bail bondsmen can sell bail bonds to individuals who require the services and negotiate bail terms. Additionally, they can guarantee court appearances by depositing a bond for the defendant. Besides, they are entitled to collect bail bonds premiums for the services offered. When a defendant skips to avoid trial, they have a right to pursue the fugitive and present them in court or to the authorities to prevent bond forfeiture.
Requirements for Bail Bond Powers
Not all individuals who claim to be bail bondsmen can make arrests or perform the roles of a bail bondsman. Specific requirements must be met to exercise the powers that come with the role. The key requirements of bail bond powers are:
- The California Insurance Department must license the agent
- The agent must be above 18
- The bail bondsman must not have a misdemeanor or felony conviction record
- The agent must complete pre-licensing training
- The bail bondsman must deposit a $1,000 surety bond for public protection
- The agent must have an active arrest warrant to make an arrest
Understanding Bail Bond Arrest Power
Bail bondsmen can only exercise their arrest powers in limited situations. They can use their arrest power if the court has issued a warrant for your arrest after a breach of bail terms. However, the law requires them to use reasonable force to make the arrest. Excessive force would make the arrest unlawful. They cannot arrest you for a new violation or enter your property without approval from the judge.
The Role of a Bail Bond Enforcer
Bail bondsmen are critical in the justice system. They hire bounty hunters who come after you for skipping court and fleeing town. The hunters the agents hire are responsible for tracking, arresting, and producing you in court for the case to continue.
Exploring Powers of Bail Bonds
Bail bondsmen play crucial roles, like helping defendants secure bail and asking for collateral to secure bail, and are permitted to track and arrest fugitives with the help of bounty hunters. In the event of forfeiture, they can recoup their losses by going after the cosigner or selling the property used as collateral.
Find a Competent Bail Bonds Agent Near Me
Understanding the role of bail bond agents, their legal authority, arrest powers, and limitations of these powers is critical in protecting your rights and knowing what to expect from a bail bonds company when you hire one.
At Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds, we recognize our critical role in the justice system. Our goal is to help you obtain a convenient release from jail. After release, we will maintain open communication with you to remind you of bail conditions and consequences of a violation. Call us today at 844-400-2245 to discuss your case or answer your questions about our California bail terms.
