What Does a Bail Agent Do?

• Arranges for the defendant to remain out of custody until his or her case is resolved.
• Communicates with the defendant when released from jail to provide the details of the bail bond transaction as required by the Department of Licensing regulations.
• Sees that the defendant makes the required court appearances.
• Assists in locating the defendant if they do not appear for any court proceeding.
• Appears before the court to speak about the bail bond when necessary.
• Holds any collateral in a trustworthy & legal manner and returns it when the bond has been cleared by the court.

When a bail bond agent posts bail with the courts, on the behalf of a defendant, that agent is essentially guaranteeing to the courts that the defendant will be at every court appearance. The agent not only becomes responsible to make sure that this occurs but also assumes the financial responsibility for the amount of the bail if the defendant does not appear as required.