South Carolina Bail Bonds Practice Exam

What happens if a bondsman collects dues due on a payment agreement after two months without payment?

1. They must invest more effort

2. They must consider it a loss

3. They must surrender the defendant

4. They must report to the authorities

The correct answer is: They must surrender the defendant

When a bondsman collects dues on a payment agreement after two months without payment, the obligation that exists is often outlined in the bond contract. In South Carolina, if payments due under a bond agreement are not made in a timely manner, the bondsman typically has the right to take certain actions to recover the financial risk associated with the bond. If the defendant has failed to make the required payments, the bondsman may need to consider surrendering the defendant. This action is taken because the bondsman's financial liability increases with each missed payment. Surrendering the defendant means that the bondsman returns them to custody, effectively terminating the bond agreement. This step is crucial as it helps mitigate further financial losses and ensures that the terms of the bond agreement are upheld. Understanding this action highlights the responsibilities and risks a bondsman faces when dealing with non-compliance in payment agreements, and it reinforces the importance of adherence to the agreed payment schedule for defendants.