Can a bondsman face civil actions for failure to receipt, safeguard, or return property?

• A. No
• B. Yes
• C. Only if property value exceeds $1000
• D. Only if insurer sues

Answer: (B)

A bondsman can face civil actions for mishandling collateral because taking property as security creates a fiduciary duty to receipt, safeguard, and return that property. When property is given as collateral for a bail bond, the bondsman must properly document receipt, protect the property from loss or theft, and return it when the bond is discharged or the case ends. If they fail in any of these duties—such as not providing a proper receipt, carelessly safeguarding the item, or not returning it—the owner or rightful holder can sue in civil court for damages. This liability arises from the breach of fiduciary obligation and possible conversion or misappropriation, not from the property's value or whether an insurer sues.