Question and Answers That Every Bail Bond Co-Singer Should Know About!

When your near and dear ones get arrested, you probably do not want them to languish in the cell until they are taken to court. The legal system enables individuals to post bail. It serves as the assurance that he will appear in court on the hearing date. However, it needs the assistance of a professional co-signer.

Before you agree to co-sign the bail bond for someone, it is crucial to understand specific points, like how the process works and what you can lose if the individual you are co-singing for fails to appear in court to fulfill the obligation. Let’s explore the common questions and their answers about co-signing bail bonds. 

According to the law of the land, every arrested individual has the right to post bail. The state has eliminated the death penalty procedure. However, the court needs confident assurance that individuals won’t disappear before the court hearing, fail to appear as required or commit infractions while awaiting trial. 

The co-signing in the bond guarantees that individuals getting the bail will appear in court without fail on the given date. You agree as a co-signer to repay the defendant’s bail if he fails to appear in the hearing. 

Violating the regulations of bail

As a co-signer, your financial obligation ends when the person for which you co-signed meets the court’s pre-trial requirements. The requirements include:

1. Submitting the requested documentation.
2. Preparing scheduled appearances for court hearings.
3. Completing the trial.
4. Not committing any crime.

If the person for whom you have posted bail fails to appear during the trial in court, you will be held responsible and must pay the unpaid bill amount. 

However, you only need to pay a small amount at a time. You can speak with your agent, who can allow you to go with an installment payment plan, where you must pay a certain amount to predetermine everyone until you ultimately settle your debt. To inquire more about this option, check out Castle Bail Bonds.

What is the process of co-signing?

The law does not restrict the nature of the bail bond or the relationship of the co-signer with the defendant. It would help if you show your income before signing the bill. Submit your credit check to ensure you have plenty of resources to pay the whole bond when necessary. 

Defendants, co-signers, and bail bond agents must sign the application. Plus, you have to sign the promissory note that makes you liable financially at the official level for any violation of bail. An indemnity agreement also needs to be signed by everyone to ensure their requirements and responsibilities till the court date.  

The promissory note terms include that you are obligated to pay the premium to the agents of the bonds. According to the court, it represents around 10% of the amount written in the bond. This payment is counted as a service fee to the agent, and you will not get it back even after the defendant appears in front of the court.

Points to consider before agreeing to co-sign?

It would help if you thought wisely before going into the agreement to sign a bail bond for someone. Despite how much you care for the person you want to co-sign the bail bond for, reviewing each detail is suggested. It would help if you understood your process, obligations, and responsibilities as a co-signer.

Summing it up:

First, ensure that the person you want to sign the bill is honest, regardless of your feelings and relationship with him. Rethink your plans before finally signing. Otherwise, you will be held responsible for someone else’s loan.