While bail enforcement agents are authorized to carry firearms and make arrests, they do not have the same authority as police officers. They do not have the power to investigate crimes, enforce traffic laws, or carry out other law enforcement duties.
Bounty hunters have the legal right to enter a fugitive's private property without a warrant and use reasonable force to capture them. Bail bond agents, on the other hand, do not have this right and must rely on law enforcement or the services of a bounty hunter to apprehend a fugitive.
Agencies send teams to arrest individuals and return them to court or jail. However, California limits bail bond arrest powers. For instance, bail agents cannot use excessive force to arrest you. Bounty hunters must apply “reasonable force” instead, which means it should be proportionate.
Bounty hunters can only arrest the fugitives, and they may not arrest any other individuals. The agents also cannot use force during the arrest and are required to carry insurance in case of false arrest lawsuits that are imposed by people who were mistakenly taken into custody.
The authority of bail bond agents is more circumstance-dependent. Bounty hunters can only use their powers if a defendant fails to abide by their bail conditions and judges issue a warrant.
So if you simply won't leave your home, the bounty hunter cannot force their way inside. They may, however, be able to contact local authorities to have you arrested. In some cases, bounty hunters may follow you to California from another state.
Bounty hunters have the legal authority to enter a fugitive's private property without a warrant and may use reasonable force to capture them.
Agencies send teams to arrest individuals and return them to court or jail. However, California limits bail bond arrest powers. For instance, bail agents cannot use excessive force to arrest you. Bounty hunters must apply “reasonable force” instead, which means it should be proportionate.
Before giving us a call, make sure you have the following information handy: The full name of the person who was arrested. Where is the person being held for custody (you should include the name of jail, city, and county) The person's booking number.
State laws protect bounty hunters, and there could be severe legal ramifications if you were to shoot at them. It is best to contact the police if you believe a bounty hunter is trespassing on your property and let them take the proper action.