What You Should Know Before Co-Signing a Bail Bond

So, you get a call saying a friend or family member gets arrested. Naturally, you want to help by co-signing a bail bond. Co-signing a bond can help your friend or relative avoid the dangers of  county lockup. However, it comes with significant responsibilities. You need to understand those risks before you add your John Hancock to this binding bond agreement.

The Process Of Co-Signing A Bail Bond

Co-signing a bail bond for a friend or family member is a straightforward process. However, it’s crucial to understand the terms you agree to. You may have prior experience with bail bonds. Yet, co-signing for someone comes with its unique commitments and responsibilities. When a judge grants a person bail, most individuals use a bondsman to help pay. A co-signer vouches for the arrestee. Thus, he or she becomes liable for them until the bond terms are met. When you co-sign on a bail bond, you are telling the bail bondsman that you trust this person to ensure that they make court appearances and all other terms of the bond.

What Does Co-Signing a Bail Bond Entail?

The first step in co-signing a bail bond is deciding whether you can fully trust the person. A bail bond is a legally binding agreement. Thus, there are steps if there’s a change in circumstances. Therefore, it’s best to put some thought into it before initially signing.

Once you’ve made the decision, read and understand all the documents. You need to know exactly what you are signing. A professional bail bond company won’t try to hide anything. Yet, you should always be familiar with your agreement. If you have any questions, always discuss them with the bail bondsman for clarification.

The bail bond company is taking on a risk for each bond. The bail bondsman will make you provide documents that you can pay if the bond is broken. A bail bondsman may be asked to provide proof of employment, financial records, and possibly proof of residency.

In some cases, you may even be asked to provide collateral. The court will return the collateral when the terms have been met. After co-signing, you’ll need to pay the bond premium before your friend or relative is released, and then you’ll need to make sure they make all appearances, pay all fines, and follow any other stipulations.

What are the Pros and Cons of Co-Signing a Bond?

Your decision to co-sign a bail bond can save your friends or loved ones from having to sit in jail. Yes, they may miss work or not be able to fulfill parental obligations.

Remember, you are taking responsibility that the defendant will obey all terms of the bond when yo co-sign on the agreement. You will be responsible for paying the full bail amount if the defendant doesn’t show up for court. Additionally, your friend or relative will be returned to jail. You should be aware that if you realize your friend or relative is irresponsible, you can request to have the bond withdrawn. Consequently, the individual will return to jail and you won’t have any consequences. The withdrawal request must come before a bond violation.

A BailOption Representative Can Explain The Details Of Co-Signing A Bond