When someone is released on bail, they are legally required to show up for all court dates. If they fail to appear, it puts their cosigner—the person who signed for their bail—at serious financial risk. This is where bounty hunters, also known as fugitive recovery agents, come into play. But what exactly do they do, and how does the process work?
The Role of a Bounty Hunter
Bounty hunters are hired by bail bond companies to track down and return fugitives who have skipped bail. Since bail bondsmen take on financial liability when issuing a bond, they have a vested interest in ensuring defendants show up for court. When someone fails to appear, the bondsman may employ a bounty hunter to bring them back into custody before the bond is forfeited.
How Do Bounty Hunters Get Paid?
Bounty hunters are not law enforcement officers, but they operate under contract law through agreements signed by the defendant and cosigner. They are typically paid a percentage of the total bond amount once they successfully return the fugitive. The cost of hiring a bounty hunter is usually covered by the cosigner, making it crucial for cosigners to ensure the defendant complies with their court obligations.
Why Are Bounty Hunters the Last Resort?
Despite what movies and TV shows portray, bounty hunters are not the first option when a defendant skips bail. Bail bond companies prefer to resolve things amicably by working with the cosigner to locate the individual and encourage them to turn themselves in. This approach is more cost-effective for both the bondsman and the cosigner. Sending a bounty hunter is a last resort because it involves additional expenses and legal complexities.
What Bounty Hunters Are NOT
There are many misconceptions about bounty hunters, and it’s important to separate fact from fiction:
- They are not police officers – Bounty hunters work for private bail bond agencies, not the government or law enforcement.
- They do not randomly hunt people – They only go after individuals who have breached their bail contract.
- They don’t act without cause – Their authority comes from legally binding agreements signed by the defendant and cosigner.
Understanding Your Role as a Cosigner
If you’re considering cosigning a bail bond, be aware that you are financially responsible for ensuring the defendant follows all court requirements. If they skip court, you could be held responsible for paying the full bond amount—including the costs of hiring a bounty hunter if needed.
To learn more about the bail process and your responsibilities, visit eBail.
