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