While both roles are intertwined, they have distinct responsibilities and legal boundaries. When facing a legal issue, a bail bondsman is your first point of contact to secure your release, while a bounty hunter is the professional called upon when individuals fail to meet their legal obligations.
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.
Authority of Bail Bond Agents So, what authority do bail bond agents have? 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.
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.
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.
Be at least 18 years of age. Be a resident of California. Complete a minimum of 20 hours of approved prelicensing classroom study in subjects pertinent to the duties and responsibilities of a bail licensee, including, but not limited to, all laws and regulations related thereto, rights of the accused, and ethics.
Candidates should verify licensing requirements in their area. Gain experience and network within the community. Bail bonds agents and bounty hunters have very close business relationships. Most work for bounty hunters comes from bail bond companies tracking down fugitives who have missed court after posting bail.
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.
A bail agent is a person permitted to solicit, negotiate, and effect undertakings of bail on behalf of any surety insurer.