In the United States, bail is an agreement between a defendant and a court allowing the defendant to leave jail before trial. The defendant pays bail directly or through a bail bond company. Fugitive recovery agents are independent contractors who get paid a percentage of the bail amount for each fugitive they find and bring in. Their work is highly regulated by state law.
Fugitive recovery agents
Fugitive recovery agents are private citizens who make a living finding and capturing fugitives that skip bail and don’t appear in court. These professionals, also known as “bounty hunters,” work under a contract with bail bonds companies and operate outside the legal constraints of law enforcement officers. A fugitive recovery North Carolina agent’s most critical skill is the ability to conduct thorough surveillance, especially when pursuing a suspect hiding in plain sight. Strong negotiation skills can help convince a fugitive to turn himself in without a fight. Some states require fugitive recovery agents to be licensed and wear a uniform that distinguishes them from local law enforcement. Others prohibit bounty hunters from carrying firearms and other weapons and have regulations regarding how they can enter a fugitive’s home.
Bounty hunters
Bounty hunters are often portrayed as brave men and women who hunt down criminals and bring them to justice. While bounty hunting is a lucrative career, it’s also dangerous and highly regulated. Bail bond agents hire bounty hunters to track down and arrest fugitives who skip out on their court dates. In return, they are paid a percentage or flat rate per case. Bounty hunters may use various resources, including social media and pay-by-name search websites, to locate bail fugitives. They are not police officers and are subject to state laws that limit their responsibilities. A Supreme Court ruling 1873 gave bounty hunters broad powers over fugitives, including the right to pursue them across state lines and enter third-party residences without a warrant. However, this power can be used to skirt the law and is often abused. Therefore, bail bond companies must work closely with bounty hunters and adhere to strict legal guidelines.
Sureties
Surety bonds are a great way to get a defendant out of jail without paying the total amount in cash. Unlike a cash bond, however, the person who posts the bond takes on the financial responsibility of ensuring that the defendant shows up to court and doesn’t violate bail terms. The person who signs the bond must also provide collateral to help cover any losses, so they should only do this if they have significant assets that can easily be liquidated in case of an unscheduled court appearance or other problems. The bail bond company carries this risk, as well, and backs the bondsman’s business with insurance companies that take on an average loss of 13% per year. The bail bond company hires fugitive recovery agents or bounty hunters to locate and arrest fugitive defendants. Strict legal requirements govern them; they must be licensed and insured to perform their duties.
Law enforcement
A bail bond is money a defendant gives to a court as collateral to guarantee that they will return to the court for trial and other mandatory pretrial hearings. It is typically paid in cash or property but may also be paid through a commercial bond company that charges non-refundable fees to defendants and their co-signers. Defendants who cannot afford to pay their full bail amount are often detained until their case is resolved by the courts, even though they are presumed innocent. These detentions cost low-income families tens of millions of dollars each year. Fugitive recovery agents, licensed by their states, pursue fugitives and arrest them on behalf of bondsmen for a fee. They may carry firearms and can enter a fugitive’s home without a warrant if they have a contractual right. They may also use force if necessary to recover the fugitive.
