Bail agents track and monitor defendants to ensure they appear in court and receive their sentences. Bail agents and the insurance company backing the bonds are monetarily responsible for defendants released on private surety bail. If a defendant flees, the agent must return the defendant to jail or pay the full amount of the bond - which is often a large sum of money. Bail agents not only have a financial interest in making sure a defendant appears in court, but they also have a fudiciary commitment to the courts, taxpayers and victims of crime.