bondsman

A bondsman, or bail bondsman, is a person or business that acts as surety for a defendant's court appearances by posting a bail bond. The bondsman guarantees the court the defendant will attend hearings and, in return, charges a fee. The bond enables release from custody while awaiting trial while binding the defendant to conditions of appearance.

Role and operations: When bail is set, the bondsman may post the bail for a fee, usually a percentage of the total bail. If accepted, the bondsman posts the bond and the defendant is released. The bondsman may require collateral to cover the full amount if the defendant fails to appear. The fee is typically nonrefundable.

If the defendant misses a hearing, the bond may be forfeited. The bondsman may then be liable for the full bail and may attempt to locate the defendant, sometimes using a bounty hunter, to return them to custody. If the defendant complies and attends required hearings, the bond is discharged and the fee is earned.

Regulation and context: Bondsmen are often licensed and regulated. The practice varies by jurisdiction as part of the bail system and is subject to reform debates. Alternatives include cash bail, release on recognizance, or pretrial services to reduce pretrial confinement.