Rights of a Bail Bondsman
A bail bondsman, more commonly referred to as a bounty hunter, is an individual who ensures that clients who have had bail posted to be released from jail will show up for the necessary court date. These professionals have certain rights in order to carry out their profession, but some of those rights vary and are misunderstood by the general public.
Other People Are Reading
-
Arrest Powers
-
A bail bondsman's ability to arrest someone who jumps bail (who says he'll show up for court but runs as soon as he gets let out of jail) varies from one state to another. In some states a bail bondsman has the full right to arrest a fleeing bail jumper, and in others a bondsman can only arrest with the assistance of the police. In some states a bail bondsman has to have a private detective's license. In all states though, a bail bondsman maintains the right to a citizen's arrest if he witnesses a person committing a crime.
Right to Bear Arms
-
A bail bondsman maintains all the rights as a U.S. citizen to carry a weapon as part of his profession, assuming that the bondsman isn't barred from doing so. In some cases a person may be able to become a professional bail bondsman with a felony conviction on record. That conviction of course stops the bondsman from getting a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Additionally, it's up to each state whether or not an out-of-state permit to carry a concealed weapon is honored. So it's important that a bail bondsman research the laws where he's going to be working.
-
License
-
Not all states allow bail bondsman to operate. In states where bail bondsmen are allowed to exist, there's a license requirement so they can go about their work. A private detective's license may be required in some states, and in others you'll need a specific bail bondsman's license. States where bail bondsmen aren't allowed to operate may not allow bondsmen to arrest bail jumpers who've fled there, so the police will have to be involved.
-
