When Bounty Hunters Get Involved: Inside High-Bond Cases
It’s not every day that a bounty hunter shows up at your office, but that’s exactly what happened to us recently. While it’s a rare occurrence, it sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of the justice system—what happens when a high-bond defendant skips court.
The Bail Process and Its Risks
When someone is arrested, they may post bail to secure their release while awaiting trial. High bonds, like $500,000, are often paid with the help of a bail bondsman, who charges a non-refundable fee—typically 10%, or $50,000 in this case.
The bondsman then becomes the surety, guaranteeing the defendant will show up to court. If the defendant fails to appear, the court forfeits the bond, leaving the bondsman liable for the full amount. To mitigate these risks, many bondsmen hire bounty hunters to track down absconding clients, especially when frequent losses threaten their insurance coverage.
The Case of the Missing Client
The bounty hunter who visited Pattis & Paz was searching for a client of my partner’s—a man who skipped his sentencing hearing after being convicted at trial. The case stemmed from a neighbor dispute, resulting in charges like violations of protective orders and harassment.
Facing the likelihood of jail time, the client decided to flee. His bond was forfeited, warrants were issued, and the bondsman enlisted a bounty hunter to locate him.
Attorney-Client Privilege: Where We Draw the Line
Despite the bounty hunter’s questions, we couldn’t provide any information about the client’s whereabouts. Attorney-client privilege protects all confidential communications, even when the client is in legal trouble.
From what we’ve gathered, the client may have left the country, complicating the bounty hunter’s task. Still, their efforts not only assist the bondsman in recovering losses but also demonstrate due diligence to insurers.
A Reminder of Justice’s Complexities
This visit was a reminder of how interconnected the justice system is. While we focus on defending our clients’ rights, others—like bounty hunters—play their own roles in maintaining order.
Don’t Let Legal Troubles Hunt You Down
Life may not be a Hollywood movie, but when it comes to legal matters, the stakes can feel just as high. Whether you’re dealing with criminal charges, appeals, or high-conflict civil cases, don’t leave your future to chance. At Pattis & Paz, we’re here to protect your rights, navigate the complexities of the legal system, and keep you ahead of the game. Don’t wait for a bounty hunter—or worse—to become part of your story. Contact us today and let our experienced team help you write a better ending.
