ABA-432
|
| Although some states totally prohibit lawyers from posting bail bonds for their clients, such conduct is sometimes permissible as long as clients consent after full disclosure. Lawyers should recognize that: (1) there is a possibility of conflicts because someone posting a bail bond has a financial incentive to apprehend a fugitive client or otherwise assure that the client appears in court; (2) some states consider the posting of bail bonds to be a form of impermissible financial assistance to a client; and (3) obtaining the necessary consent from a client would be extremely difficult if the client were incarcerated. Posting such bail bonds is more likely to be permissible if there is an immaterial amount of money at stake, or if there is a family or friendship relationship between the lawyer and client. |