bail bondsmen

Bail bondsmen are agents who post bail on behalf of defendants who cannot afford the full amount set by courts.

For a non-refundable fee—typically 10 to 15 percent of the bail—the bondsman guarantees the defendant's appearance at trial.

If the defendant fails to appear, the bondsman forfeits the bail and may hire bounty hunters to track down the fugitive.

The profession exists mainly in the United States; most countries prohibit commercial bail bonding.