If a person can't make bail in Sacramento, they must remain in jail until their case eventually goes to trial. The so-called “pretrial detention” period — the time between when a person is arrested and their case reaches a courtroom for a trial — can take anywhere from several weeks to several years.
A: In California, bail bondsmen, often referred to as bounty hunters, have specific rights under the law, but these rights are not absolute. If someone has skipped bail, a bail bondsman has the authority to apprehend them, but this authority is limited when it comes to entering a private residence.
Bail bond agents must then explain the reason for the arrest and present a warrant signed by a judge.
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.
Fugitive Recovery Agents In California, a bail bondsman typically has six months to find and return the defendant. If the defendant is not found in the timeframe, you will be responsible for paying not only the full amount of the bond, but also any additional expenses and any unpaid premiums.
Bounty hunters don't work on the basis of arrest warrants. Only a peace officer can serve an arrest or search warrant. It's one of the few powers of a law enforcement officer that non-sworn personnel don't have.
Debunking Myths: Jail Time for Unpaid Bail While courts won't jail you for unpaid bail, they might if you fail to attend civil court hearings. Judges could issue a warrant for your arrest for “failure to appear” (FTA).
In California, a bail bondsman typically has six months to find and return the defendant. If the defendant is not found in the timeframe, you will be responsible for paying not only the full amount of the bond, but also any additional expenses and any unpaid premiums.
Any felony where the court finds, with clear and convincing evidence, that the person violated a major condition of release while on bail. Domestic violence offenses (both felony and misdemeanor), if the court believes the person poses a serious danger to the alleged victim.