Can a Bail Bond Cosigner Be Arrested?

 

Finding out a family member or friend has been arrested is frightening. When asked to co-sign on a bail bond, it is especially challenging to know what to do. Before co-signing an agreement, you must be aware of your responsibilities. 

 

You likely have many questions about being a co-signer on a bail bond. After all, it is a serious undertaking that should not be entered into lightly. We hope to answer your questions and give you peace of mind about how to proceed. 

What Does It Mean to Co-Sign a Bail Bond?

When you co-sign bail bonds, you are taking a considerable risk. As a co-signer, you sign a promissory note to ensure the defendant shows up for their court date. You are held responsible for paying the entire bail amount if they do not. 

 

Once you've co-signed and agreed to pay the bail, you are financially responsible for the defendant. You are also pledging your support to ensure the defendant attends their trial and works to get their life back on track. 

 

As a co-signer, you may pledge collateral such as houses, cars, cash, and your home. If the defendant does not appear in court and cannot be caught within a reasonable time and returned to jail, your collateral is seized. You will also be responsible for paying the remaining balance of the total bond. 

 

When you co-sign bail bonds, you will pay a service fee to the bail bondsman. This fee is a percentage of the bail's total amount and is non-refundable. Even if the defendant shows up for court, you will not get this amount of bail back. 

 

Only some people who co-sign a bond are related to the individual. Theoretically, the co-signer can be anyone the defendant knows. It is important to note that a bond company is more likely to accept a co-signer who has a close relationship with the defendant and lives in the same area.

Things to Consider Before Co-Signing Bail Bonds?

• Has the individual ever skipped out on court before?
• How well do you know the person? Are they reliable? Do they have a good job history?
• Does the individual work? How much money do they make? Is the person able to repay the total amount of the loan?
• What is the crime? Is it a serious charge? People are more likely to flee when faced with serious charges. 
• Does the individual have a drug habit? People who use drugs are less likely to appear in court. 
• How much money does the individual have in their bank account? Do they own property?
• The company will most likely run a credit report to confirm you have a good credit history

 

As a co-signer, you should consider the above carefully. If you do not feel confident in the person's reliability, it is in your best interest not to sign any bail bonds. Do not allow the defendant or anyone else to pressure you into co-signing. 

What Will the Bail Bond Company Do if the Defendant Flees?

 

If the individual does not appear in court, the bail bondsman has a right to hire a bounty hunter to re-arrest the individual, place them back in jail, and ultimately stand trial. The bail bondsman will use private investigators and bounty hunters to find the person. 

Can a Co-Signer on a Bail Bond Go to Jail?

 

Should the accused person fail to show up for their court hearings, the bail bond company will come after you to pay the full amount of the bail. They will not take you into custody, but you will be held responsible for paying the entire bond if you co-signed the bail. 

Can You Get the Bail Money Back if the Defendant Is Found Guilty?

 

Guilt or innocence does not matter when you sign a bail bond. The bail bond is for getting someone out of jail and is not contingent on the trial's outcome. 

 

If you pay the full bail amount in cash and the accused person shows up for their court hearing, you get your money back per the bond agreement. If you hire a bail bondsman, you will get your property pledge back, but not the fee you need to pay. 

Important Things to Know About Co-Signing a Bail Bond

 

We do not want you to enter co-signing without being aware of some essential information. Consider the following before you commit:

• Bail payment or co-signing on a bail bond will lead to the defendant's release from jail. 
• As a co-signer, you have the authority and duty to ensure the defendant meets their terms of release and shows up for their court appearance, among other bond requirements. 
• You also have the right to request stipulations before co-signing a bail bond. You can request the individual get a mental health evaluation or enter a drug treatment program. 
• Should you become uncomfortable with the actions or bad influences from the defendant, you have the right to contact the bail bond company and ask them to cancel the bond and return the individual to jail. 
• If you believe the defendant plans to flee, inform the bail bondsman immediately. Inform the bail bonds company immediately if you know the accused's location. Open communication with the bond company is vital.

Work With an Expert Bail Bondsman Today

 

If you need help with co-signing a bail bond, contact us immediately. As bondsmen, we understand the stress of finding out a loved one or friend has been taken into custody. 

 

Our goal is to make the co-signing process as stress-free as possible. We will give you expert advice and the information you need to help you make a wise decision. 

 

If you feel uncomfortable with the process, let us know at any time. You are under no obligation to cosign the bail agreement. 

 

Contact us today to get started. A bondsman will work to get your loved one or friend out of jail as quickly as possible.