[b]Bail fugitive recovery agents must be 18 years old, have no felony convictions, complete a specified training courses, and notify local law enforcement of their intent to apprehend a bail fugitive no more than 6 hours before doing so.
They must have written authorization from the bond agent when making an arrest, and cannot forcibly enter any premises, except pursuant to certain existing provisions of law governing arrest by a private person.
Bounty hunters cannot represent themselves as law officers, or wear badges or uniforms that a reasonable person might mistake for a government agency.
All bounty hunters must carry with them a certification of completion of required courses and training programs.
Out of state bounty hunters must be licensed in their home states, or be licensed bail agents.
Private detectives need not obtain a separate bounty hunter license to operate in the state.
This law will remain in effect only until January 1, 2005. Cal. Penal Code § 1299.
In addition, bounty hunter or bond agent who captures defendant in California must go through extradition procedures to transport him interstate. Cal. Penal Code § 847.5 (1995 West); Ouzts v. Maryland Nat'l Ins. Co., 505 F.2d 547 (9th Cir.1974).
After an arrest of a defendant on bail, the surety must deliver him to the court or police within 48 hours of the arrest if it occurs within California; if the arrest occurs out of state, the surety must deliver the defendant within 48 hours of their entering California. Cal. Penal Code § 1301.