In Ohio, who is authorized to arrest a principal on a bond?

• A. A private citizen
• B. A court clerk
• C. Qualified/licensed surety bail bond agents meeting notice/contract requirements, or law enforcement
• D. Anyone who holds a bail bond license

Answer: (C)

In Ohio, the authority to arrest a principal on a bail bond rests with licensed surety bail bond agents who have met the required notice and contract terms, or with law enforcement. The bail bond contract gives the licensed agent authority to locate and arrest a defendant who violates bond conditions or fails to appear, and to deliver them back to custody. Law enforcement retains its general power to arrest for violations of the law, including breaches of bond conditions. Private citizens do not have automatic power to arrest someone on a bond issue, and simply holding a bail bond license does not grant arrest authority. Court clerks do not have arrest powers in this context.