Bail Enforcement 101: A Guide For Consumers

Finding yourself in jail because of a crime is scary, but thankfully, bail loans are an option in most states. Bail bonds are offered by private lenders to help people in tough situations post bond and move on with their life so that they don't have to stay locked up until they go to court. Of course, bail bonds have to be paid back according to the terms you agree on when you accept the loan. If not, there can be repercussions. Take a look at some of the things you likely want to know about bail enforcement.

Are bail enforcers affiliated with the law?

Bail enforces, otherwise known as bounty hunters, are people that are either work for the bail bonds agency or are contracted with an agency to pursue people who do not repay their bail money and do not show up in court. Some agents are privately contracted by individuals who have some interest in making sure someone is brought back to court. These professionals are not law officers, but they do have certain rights that can make it seem like they are affiliated with law enforcement offices. For example, a bail enforcement professional is allowed to apprehend an individual and take them to jail if there is a warrant for their arrest just like a police officer would be allowed to do with a criminal.

Can bail enforcement take place on private property?

Bail enforcement officers are allowed to enter the private property of the person they are pursuing in some states, but they are usually required to obtain a warrant first. Agents are not allowed to enter property owned by someone else, such as a relative or friend, without legal permission to do so. If it is suspected that a bail jumper is hiding out at someone else's property to avoid an agent, they often do get the local authorities involved.

How many people do bail enforcement agents catch? 

Bail enforcement agents are very good at what they do, usually have a lot of experience, and most of them are successful in their attempts to catch someone who has not paid their bail. According to HG.org, there are about 30,000 bail jumpers captured annually by bounty hunters. This is roughly 90% of the people who jump bail every year, which goes to show just how important enforcement agents actually are to the criminal justice system and the bail bonds agencies that employ them.

For more information, contact a company like First Choice Bail Bonds.