Bounty Hunting in New Mexico

The bail bond business in New Mexico has been governed by an extensive set of laws since 1978, significantly longer than many other states. However, there are no statutes that apply specifically to Bounty Hunters. Regardless, Fugitive Recovery Agents must be well versed in legal restrictions in order to stay in business in the state—a business that can be profitable if carried out carefully and effectively.

How to Become a Bounty Hunter in New Mexico

The closest thing to a Bounty Hunter in New Mexico state law is known as a “solicitor”, defined as “a person employed by a bail bondsman for the purpose of assisting the bail bondsman in presenting the defendant in court when required, or to assist in the apprehension and surrender of defendant to the court or keeping the defendant under necessary surveillance” among other things. Under this definition the individual must be affiliated with a bail bondsman, so, the first order of business would be to contact one of the many bail bond companies within the state. But they won’t just hire anyone. Bail bond companies require that Fugitive Recovery Agents display knowledge and ability in skip tracing. Thus, Bounty Hunter Training is recommended before applying for a contract in New Mexico. Furthermore, a number of requirements must be met in order to become licensed.

New Mexico Bounty Hunter Licenses and Requirements

Fugitive Recovery Agents must meet a number of requirements in order to become licensed in New Mexico. First, they may not be law enforcement, court officials, or state and county officers of any kind. Basically, they may not be formally affiliated with the criminal justice system in any way through their job. They must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen, of “good personal and business reputation”, and, in the case of a bounty Hunter, must be appointed by a licensed bondsman. Becoming licensed as a solicitor requires at least 10 hours of classroom training on topics such as ethics and laws and regulations of the bail bonds business. Then, they must pass an examination presented by the Insurance Division of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. This is part of the license application, available here, which must be endorsed by a certified bail bondsman and accompanied by a full face photograph. Notably, non residents can receive licensing in New Mexico but that is accompanied by fees additional to the original licensing fee.

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