<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="5-209" title_number="5" title_name="Release" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Pretrial Release">
  <level label="a">
    <text>In this section, “property bondsman” means a person other than a defendant who executes a bail bond secured by real estate in the State.</text>
  </level>
  <level label="b">
    <text>A property bondsman may authorize an agent in writing to execute on behalf of the property bondsman:</text>
    <level label="1">
      <text>a bail bond; and</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>a declaration of trust or deed of trust to secure a bail bond by real estate.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="c">
    <text>If all other requirements of law are met, a person authorized by law to take a bail bond shall take a bail bond secured by declaration of trust or deed of trust on real estate properly executed by an authorized agent of a property bondsman.</text>
  </level>
  <level label="d">
    <level label="1">
      <text>A person who acts as a property bondsman for compensation shall provide to the court documentation of ownership, tax status, and liens against the property posted.</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>A person described under paragraph (1) of this subsection who willfully provides false documentation is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
</section>
