Who has the authority to revoke a bail bond agreement?

The authority to revoke a bail bond agreement primarily lies with the bail bond agent or the court. A bail bond agent may revoke the bond if the defendant violates any conditions of the bond, such as failing to appear for a scheduled court date or engaging in illegal activities. This action is often taken to protect the interests of the surety—essentially the risk they accept by providing the bond.

Additionally, the court has the jurisdiction to revoke a bail bond if it determines that continued release of the defendant poses a risk to public safety or if the defendant has not complied with the terms of the bail. The judge may decide to revoke the bail, leading to the defendant's return to custody if it is deemed necessary.

In contrast, while the defendant may request a change in their bail conditions, they do not have the authority to unilaterally revoke the bond. Similarly, the prosecutor and the defense attorney do not possess the direct power to revoke the bond; their roles are more focused on legal arguments and proceedings rather than the fiscal and surety aspects of the bail bond agreement. Thus, the combination of the bail bond agent's oversight and the court's authority forms the core of bail revocation decisions.