How Long Can a Bondsman Look for You?
A bondsman can look for you indefinitely until the case is resolved or legal time limits apply. Most active searches happen within 90 to 180 days before the court forfeits the bond.
Factors Affecting How Long a Bondsman Can Search
- Court-Ordered Forfeiture Deadline
- Most states give bondsmen 90 to 180 days to return a fugitive before they must pay the full bail amount to the court.
- During this time, they may hire bounty hunters to track and capture the defendant.
- Bail Contract Terms
- The bail bond agreement remains in effect until the case is closed or charges are dropped.
- The bondsman can continue searching as long as the defendant owes them money.
- Statute of Limitations
- If the crime has a statute of limitations, the case may eventually expire, ending the bondsman’s authority to pursue the fugitive.
- Some serious charges (e.g., murder, major felonies) have no statute of limitations, meaning the search could continue indefinitely.
- Payment of the Bond
- If the full bail amount is paid by the co-signer or defendant, the bondsman no longer has financial responsibility and may stop looking.
Bottom Line
A bondsman can look for a fugitive as long as they remain liable for the bail. The most aggressive searches happen in the first 90 to 180 days before the court forfeits the bond. If caught, the defendant is returned to jail, and the bail obligation is lifted.
