Television shows like Dog the Bounty Hunter often show bail agents tracking down suspects and making arrests. Bail agents can technically arrest someone, but only certain individuals under very specific circumstances can be arrested by a bail bondsman.

When Bail Agents Can Arrest People

A bail agent may deal with any number of people who are suspected of committing a crime. However, they only have arresting power over individuals who may be skipping bail (failing to appear in court). Additionally, a bail agent must obtain a warrant issued by a judge to make the arrest. Unlike police officers, bail agents cannot just arrest anybody, regardless of whether or not the bail agent believes someone committed a crime. Bail agents are not police and it is not their place to be out performing arrests.

Furthermore, bail agents don’t have the exact same powers as police even when they possess a warrant issued by a judge for a person’s arrest. Bail agents can’t enter someone’s home without a warrant whereas police can, and will, if they can prove reasonable suspicion that a crime was being committed or that a fugitive was located inside.

What Bail Agents are For

Arresting individuals who may be skipping bail isn’t really the primary purpose of a bail bondsman – it’s just something that might happen once in a while. The primary purpose of a bail bondsman is to help get someone out of jail who is being held in police custody pending their trial. Bail agents get far more people out of jail than they put in.

However, since bail agents get so many people out of jail before their court date, they’re also responsible for ensuring they show up to that appointment. The majority of people out on bail show up for court. It only makes things worse for themselves and everyone around them when they don’t. However, the few who choose to take their chances and run from the law will not only have police to contend with, but bail agents looking to ensure that they face their day in court.

Robin Sandoval

Robin Sandoval

Robin Sandoval is a California Licensed Bail Bondsman and owner of SCV Bail Bonds. Robin writes blogs and articles to help increase community awareness of the bail industry. If you have questions or want to suggest a topic, email robin@scvbailbonds.com, visit www.scvbailbonds.com or call 661-299-2245.
Robin Sandoval
Robin Sandoval
Robin Sandoval

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