Bail bondsmen, in many instances, have a greater license to arrest than local law enforcement. The supreme court decision of 'taylor versus taintor' holds that once bail is provided, 'the principal is regarded as delivered to the custody of his sureties. Their dominion is a continuation of the original imprisonment.' The arrest is not considered a new process but an extension of the original arrest for the bailed charge. The bondsman may at any time cancel the bail privilege and return the defendant to confinement. A bail bond agent may choose to hire an enforcer to bring in the defendant. Bondsmen or their agents are not required to obtain additional warrants or extradition papers. A bail bondsman or their agent can break and enter the residence of the defendant for the purpose of arrest. A bond agent may be required to register with local law enforcement prior to making an arrest of the defendant. Failure to notify local officials can result in fines and potential jail time of the agent. Additional information on the right to arrest can be provided by an attorney or bail bondsman.
