Watkins v. City of Mobile

BOWEN, Judge.

Neil Watkins was convicted of assault in the third degree in violation of a city ordinance. See Alabama Code 1975, § 13A-6-22. He was sentenced to ten days in the city jail and ordered to pay $180.50 in restitution. Watkins, a bail bondsman, claims that he cannot be guilty of assault because he was performing his duties legally and within the letter of the law. In a case of first impression in this state, we hold that under Alabama law, a surety or bail bondsman may only delegate his authority to arrest the principal by a written endorsement on a certified copy of the bail…