fastpoke asked this question on 5/6/2000:

What powers do bounty hunters have? Do they need warrants when they come and get somebody? I heard that they don't. Do the power that they have vary depending on what state they are in? I hear in NY the have a great deal of power.

Detective gave this response on 5/6/2000:

I am not specifically aware of all the aspects of Bounty Hunter law but here is what I do know:

There was a Federal Law passed around or just after the Civil War which provided "Bounty Hunters" special powers and authority to seek and arrest individuals that have skipped bail. They have a very broad range of abilities which are more flexible than law enforcement. With a special warrant, which is basically the bail bond documents and some confirmation the person "skipped" a court date, they can do a great deal of things to track them down and arrest them. They can often legally break into homes unannounced with reasonable belief the person is in there and so forth. Their powers and authority are established on a Federal level from that law passed between 1850-1870 or so but they can still be prosecuted or sued if they go beyond the scope of these factors. If you need to know the specific Federal code, call up a few bail bond companies. Most of them know the particulars because they work within the confines of that regulation.

I hope this helps and good luck!

Michael Director of Investigations TACTICS Private Investigators http://www.tacticsone.com

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