Can A Felon Can Post Bond For Another Person To Get Them Out of Jail?

At BailOption, we always get asked if a felon can post bond for another person. Believe it or not, this is probably one of the top ten questions we get asked. So, we decide to write a blog about it.

The simple answer is yes. A convicted felon can post bond for someone else. There are no laws preventing a felon from doing it. However, we recommend you consult with your attorney or parole officer before paying someone’s bail.

A felon posting his friend or loved one’s bond isn’t that straightforward. There are other factors that need to be considered. 

You Need To Pay The Bail Directly to the Court

It’s not a secret that government takes away certain rights from felons once they have been convicted. However, they do not lose the right to spend their money on whatever they choose. This of course include bail.

If you want to spend your money on bail to have your friend or loved one released, that’s your choice. Although, you may want to reconsider if you are on still probation, parole or supervised release. Attempting to help someone in jail can be considered associating with known criminals. Thus, causing you to violate the terms your own release.

Check With Your Probation Officer Before Bailing Anyone Out

Whether you are on felony probation, parole or supervised release, as a convicted felon, you have conditions or rules that you must follow. One is to not associate with known criminals. By approaching the court or a bail bond company, you may be putting yourself at risk of getting in trouble. Before agreeing to help get a friend or family member out of jail, you should first speak with your parole or probation officer.

Be Honest About Your Criminal History with the Bail Bond Company

Your probation officer has given you approval to contact a bondsman to get someone out of jail. Now it is now up to the bail agent to decide if they will work with you. They will want to know if you have a current case pending. This is important because you cannot assist someone else with their bail if your case is not resolved.

The bond company will still demand you meet certain requirements. You must show proof that you are a current resident in the state that you are arranging bail in. You can expect to present a valid state driver’s license along with other requirements that the bail bonds agency may have in place such as requiring collateral or proof of income. They basically need to know that whoever is co-signing will be responsible to get the defendant to jail and can afford to cover the bond fees.

Are You Considering Helping A Friend Who Has Been Arrested?