When you’re placed in jail, most criminals can get temporary freedom through a bail bond. A bail bond is a contract between the person posting the bail and the bail bond broker. It’s the responsibility of the broker to promise that the defendant will appear in court. If they don’t, the bail bond broker has to pay the full bail amount. The bondsmen can hire the services of a bounty hunter to find fugitives who skip their court appearances. The bail agent can also have the defendant use a cosigner who is responsible for that person showing up to court.