An attorney for a Modesto bail bonds company has argued that his client was within the bounds of the law when they held previously bailed defendants against their will for hours on end.  The company in question is reported to have detained these people in an effort to get them to make as-agreed payments on their bonds.

Authorities allege that between the years of 2006 and 2009, the company owner and office manager detained, handcuffed and threatened clients at their business office.  The detainees were told they were being held because they failed to comply with the terms and conditions of their bail bond agreement.   The District Attorney said that kidnapping and threatening to have people arrested because they have not paid their premium equates to extortion and is a direct violation of the law.   Although bail agents are permitted to detain clients and turn them over to law enforcement they are not permitted to capture and restrain them until a friend or relative pays their bill.

One of the alleged kidnapping victims testified he was taken from his home and told he would not be released until his past due balance was resolved.  Another witness for the prosecution said she saw as many as one to two clients per week being taken into the business.  All were held until they could pay, she said.

Preliminary hearings are scheduled to begin in Feb. 2013.