1. (a) In this section, “property bondsman” means a person other than a defendant who executes a bail bond secured by real estate in the State.

2. (b) A property bondsman may authorize an agent in writing to execute on behalf of the property bondsman:

   1. (1) a bail bond; and
   2. (2) a declaration of trust or deed of trust to secure a bail bond by real estate.
3. (c) 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.

4. (d)

   1. (1) 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.
   2. (2) 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.

Added by Acts 2001, c. 10, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2001. Amended by Acts 2001, c. 259, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2001; Acts 2002, c. 19, § 1, eff. April 9, 2002; Acts 2024, c. 762, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.

Formerly Art. 27, § 616 ½ B.