Va. Code § 9.1-186
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Bail enforcement agent," also known as "bounty hunter," means any individual engaged in bail recovery.
"Bail recovery" means an act whereby a person arrests a bailee with the object of surrendering the bailee to the appropriate court, jail, or police department, for the purpose of discharging the bailee's surety from liability on his bond. "Bail recovery" shall include investigating, surveilling or locating a bailee in preparation for an imminent arrest, with such object and for such purpose.
"Bailee" means a person who has been released on bail, and who is or has been subject to a bond, as defined in § 19.2-119.
"Board" means the Criminal Justice Services Board.
"Department" means the Department of Criminal Justice Services.
Va. Code § 9.1-186