Which option is NOT a responsibility of the surety in bail proceedings?

The role of a surety in bail proceedings primarily involves ensuring that a defendant appears in court and fulfilling financial obligations if the defendant fails to appear. The surety’s responsibilities include paying the bail amount if the defendant absconds and also managing the process of bond exoneration once the case concludes.

Monitoring the defendant's court appearances is also part of the surety's responsibilities, as they have a vested interest in ensuring that the defendant adheres to all court obligations to avoid financial loss.

However, providing legal counsel is not a responsibility of the surety. Legal counsel is typically provided by an attorney, who is qualified to offer legal advice and representation in court. The surety’s role is distinctly financial and administrative, rather than legal, which makes providing legal counsel outside the scope of their responsibilities in the bail process.