There is no licensing or registration process for skip tracers in Michigan. The only requirements are that bounty hunters be at least 18 years of age, be a US citizen or resident alien, have no felony convictions, and have some training in law enforcement or investigation.
Authority of Bail Bond Agents Bail bond agents can carry firearms (like regular citizens) and make arrests in California. However, they do not have the same power as police officers to investigate crimes, enforce traffic laws, or cordon off specific areas.
While there is no required training or education to become a skip tracer in Michigan, you should enhance your understanding of bail enforcement and the laws governing such in Michigan. You can accomplish this by attending a bail enforcement training course. Prices typically range from $275 to $500.
Release on Bail Bond: A bail bondsman posts a bond for the defendant's release and ensures their appearance in court. The defendant or their family pays a non-refundable premium (around 10% of the bail amount).
Becoming a bounty hunter may be challenging if you don't have experience. However, you can gain relevant experience in other criminal justice fields, such as a law enforcement officer , security guard or private investigator. Military experience is also relevant to the role of a bounty hunter.
Although a license isn't required to be a Bounty Hunter in Michigan, there are laws regulating their activity. Notably, Fugitive Recovery Agents “are entitled to the assistance of any peace officer,” meaning that Bounty Hunters can ask for assistance from local authorities when detaining a fugitive.
Bail bond agents can carry firearms (like regular citizens) and make arrests in California. However, they do not have the same power as police officers to investigate crimes, enforce traffic laws, or cordon off specific areas. The authority of bail bond agents is more circumstance-dependent.
Bail enforcement agents have the authority to arrest fugitives who have skipped bail but their jurisdiction is limited. They must operate within the legal framework of the state where the bail was granted and where they are attempting to apprehend the fugitive.
Michigan's Act 175 of 1927 gives authority for anyone (who meets the standards listed above) to work as a skip tracer in the state. The Act states that you may arrest or detain a fugitive, and you can request the assistance of a peace officer if needed.
Like officers, bounty hunters should keep their license with them at all times while pursuing a fugitive. However, they are not allowed to pose as officers or even wear badges that may make them look like officers. Except in rare cases, a bounty hunter cannot forcibly enter your place of residence.