§ 5-209. Property bondsmen

   (a) "Property bondsman" defined. -- In this section, "property bondsman" means a person other than a defendant who executes a bail bond secured by real estate in the State.

(b) Scope of section. -- This section does not apply in the Seventh Judicial Circuit.

(c) Agent. -- A property bondsman may authorize an agent in writing to execute on behalf of the property bondsman:

   (1) a bail bond; and

   (2) a declaration of trust or deed of trust to secure a bail bond by real estate.

(d) Acceptance. -- If all other requirements of law are met, a person authorized by law to take a bail bond shall take a bail bond secured by declaration of trust or deed of trust on real estate properly executed by an authorized agent of a property bondsman.

(e) Required documentation. --

   (1) A person who acts as a property bondsman for compensation shall provide to the court documentation of ownership, tax status, and liens against the property posted.

   (2) A person described under paragraph (1) of this subsection who willfully provides false documentation is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $ 1,000 or both.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 27, § 616 1/2B; 2001, ch. 10, § 2; ch. 259; 2002, ch. 19, § 1.