What should a bail bondsman do if a defendant violates the terms of the bond?

A bail bondsman has a fiduciary responsibility to act in accordance with the law and uphold the terms of the bail agreement. When a defendant violates the terms of the bond, it is essential for the bondsman to notify the appropriate court. This is critical because the court needs to be made aware of any violations to make informed decisions regarding the defendant's case, which may include revoking bail or taking other legal actions.

By notifying the court, the bondsman fulfills their legal obligations and helps ensure that justice is served. Ignoring the violation or concealing the defendant’s actions could lead to legal repercussions for the bondsman, including liability for the bond amount if the defendant fails to appear in court. Reissuing the bond is not appropriate in the case of a violation, as it does not address the underlying issue of non-compliance with the terms initially set forth. Therefore, the correct course of action is to report the violation to the court.