A bail bonding agent posts a defendant’s appearance bond and guarantees that the defendant will appear whenever required. Bail bonding agents must be licensed by the State and have an appointment from an insurance company or be a qualified cash bonding agent. Bail bonding agents are paid a premium, which is usually nonrefundable, to post the bond. If the defendant fails to appear, the court may order the bond “forfeited” and require the bonding agent to pay the court the full amount of the bond. Bail bonding agents have the right to apprehend, return the defendant to custody, and to use collateral taken for the bond to pay the bond forfeiture and costs.