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TCA 40-11-307

Charges for fixing case prohibited

VIOLATIONViolation

What does this charge mean?

It is illegal for a professional bondsman to charge or accept any money, fee, or favor from a defendant or their representative while promising or suggesting the bondsman can "fix" or dismiss criminal charges, arrange lighter sentences or fines, or slow down prosecution. This prohibits bondsmen from selling false promises of influence over criminal cases.

Penalty Details

ClassificationViolation
Penalty SummaryViolation
It is unlawful for any professional bondsman, while acting on the bondsman’s own behalf, or for any third person or persons, or in concert with them, in any negotiation, transaction or dealing with a person charged with a criminal offense or other violation of law, or with any person or persons purporting to represent or act for the one so charged, to charge, demand, contract for, accept, collect or receive any sum of money, fee, compensation, premium or other consideration, return, or favor of any character, directly or indirectly, upon any promise, offer, representation or holding out the inducement that the professional bondsman: (1) Can or will attempt to effect, procure, bring about, arrange or “fix” the disposition, dismissal or compromise of any criminal action or prosecution; Ask a legal question, get an answer ASAP!(2) Can or will attempt to arrange, bargain for or “fix” the amount of fine or costs, and/or term of imprisonment to be imposed, or any particular action of a court, in any criminal case, contempt proceeding or other penal action in any court; or (3) Can or will attempt to stop, prevent, obstruct, impede, interfere with, retard or delay the prosecution of any criminal charge against an accused, or the process of the law in respect thereof, or that the bondsman will cause to be done any of the things enumerated in this subdivision (3).
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

VIOLATION
TCA Section40-11-307