If your bail bond company operates as a corporation or LLC in Washington State, the law requires that you appear in court only through a licensed attorney. Even if you are the sole owner or manager, you cannot represent your business in legal proceedings without violating state rules.
Hiring a bail bond attorney in Washington isn’t just best practice—it’s a legal necessity.
What Washington Law Says About Corporate Court Representation
Under Washington law, businesses are classified as “artificial entities” and must be represented in court by an attorney. This was made crystal clear in Dutch Village Mall v. Pelletti, 162 Wn. App. 531 (2011), where the Washington Court of Appeals dismissed a corporate appeal because the owner, who was not an attorney, attempted to represent the business.
“An artificial entity must appear through a licensed attorney. Any filings submitted on behalf of a corporation by a non-lawyer are invalid.”
When a Bail Bond Company Must Use an Attorney
Your company must be represented by a bail bond attorney in Washington in the following scenarios:
- Bond forfeiture hearings
- Motions to vacate or extend
- Appeals or enforcement actions
- Civil or contract-related lawsuits
- Any court appearances in District, Municipal, or Superior Court
👉 RCW 2.48.170 – Unauthorized Practice of Law
👉 Washington State Court Rules
Even routine filings submitted without an attorney may be struck from the record.
What Happens If You Represent Your Company Without a Lawyer?
If your bail bond company is not properly represented:
- Your filings may be stricken
- The case could be dismissed
- You may be found in violation of court procedure
- You could face sanctions for unauthorized practice of law
These outcomes can cause major financial losses and undermine your legal position.
How Blanford Law Helps Bail Bond Companies in Court
At Blanford Law, we represent bail bond companies across Washington State. Our legal team is experienced in handling:
- Bond forfeiture challenges
- Court compliance and procedures
- Corporate filings and litigation
- Courtroom representation for surety agents
👉 Learn more about our criminal defense services
We ensure that your company is protected, your filings are valid, and your court matters are handled professionally.
