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When you have been arrested on suspicion of committing a crime in the State of California, posting bail via a bail bondsman and a cosigner is often the best route to freedom. However, knowing what to do if you can't find a cosigner may be necessary too - especially if you want to get out of jail within hours.

While cosigner bail bonds remain a popular choice, a range of alternatives including no cosigner bail bonds are available. Here’s all you need to know about your options.

Why might you need alternatives to cosigner bail bonds?

Cosigners are great to have when attempting to post bail, not least because they can take care of matters on your behalf while you’re held at one of California’s 100+ jails. However, there are many reasons why you may find yourself wondering what to do if you can’t find a cosigner. Examples include;

  • You do not have any family members who would meet the criteria to serve as a cosigner.
  • Your past history of skipping bail or failing to repay loved ones means they don’t want to help.
  • A cosigner has taken their name off of your bail agreement, meaning you now need to find an alternative bail solution.

Not having a cosigner may feel like a major problem but there are still several alternatives including no cosigner bail bonds to consider.

Alternatives to cosigner bail bonds

Before deciding what to do if you can't find a cosigner, it’s important to weigh up the options so that you can make an informed choice. 

Cash bonds and collateral bonds

Firstly, it may be possible to post bail without a bondsman. This could be done by posting the cash bail fee directly to the courts or using collateral in the form of real estate, vehicle titles, or other assets. 

The major benefit of this approach is that the funds (minus court fees) are returned following the completion of the trial. However, the judges do set bail to an average figure of $50,000+ to deter defendants from attempting to skip bail. It should also be noted that assets used to cover the bail amount must be valued to at least twice the amount of the cash bail fee. 

It also means that you run the risk of losing everything if you break the terms of bail - even if unconsciously or by mistake. 

No cosigner bail bonds

When getting a bail bond with a cosigner, your loved one agrees to take on the financial obligation should you skip bail. Here at Future Bail Bonds, however, we are happy to offer no cosigner bail bonds to defendants who do not have a history of skipping bail and are not considered a flight risk.

In this instance, the bail bond agreement is directly between the defendant and the bail bondsman, avoiding the need for any other party to represent you. As well as offering a range of 0% interest repayment plans, our experienced bail bondsmen extend military discounts to defendants who do not have a cosigner.

Aside from the fact that you will remain 100% responsible for attending court hearings and satisfying other bail terms, the process of posting a bail bond without a cosigner is virtually the same;

  • After your eligibility has been confirmed, you’ll arrange for an initial downpayment (if required) to be paid to us.
  • Our local and licensed bail bondsmen in San Diego and surrounding areas will pay your bail and ensure that you are released from custody.
  • You repay the rest of the bail bond premium as per the agreed repayment structure while enjoying your freedom.

Own Recognizance

Another option that may be open to you is known as Own Recognizance, also referred to as O/R. This is an agreement in which a bail fee is still set by the judge but does not have to be paid for you to be allowed out of custody. However, should you break the terms of bail, you will be rearrested and have to pay the full bail fee.

O/R agreements require the help of a lawyer and are only offered to defendants who do not pose a threat to the community or are considered a flight risk. The decision regarding whether you are eligible for this solution will be at the judge’s discretion. This route is also only open for less serious crimes. 

Negotiate your bail

When arrested in the State of California, judges do use guidelines to determine the bail fee. However, there is no set bail figure for specific crimes. As such, you may have the opportunity to negotiate a smaller bail fee. 

In turn, this may open the door for you to cover the cash bail fee yourself or seek 24/7 bail bonds services when the previous fees made it difficult without a cosigner. The reduced financial exposure may even encourage a loved one to serve as your cosigner. 

Stay in custody

Finally, there is the option to remain in custody until your trial arrives. The right to a speedy trial under Penal Code 1382 means you’ll be due to face trial within 30 days for a misdemeanor or 60 days for a felony. 

However, it should be noted that this is still enough time to bring severe repercussions to your professional and personal life as well as your mental health. Therefore, most defendants will find that options like no cosigner bail bonds are far better.

Get no cosigner bail bonds with Future Bail Bonds

For most people who are considering what to do if you can't find a cosigner, no cosigner bail bond will be the answer. In this case, you must find a reliable and professional bail bondsman who can deliver this service. Here at Future Bail Bonds, we have supported hundreds of defendants through similar circumstances.

Moreover, we can even help you try to negotiate a smaller bail fee, which makes it easier for you to secure a no cosigner bail bond while simultaneously reducing your financial exposure. To learn more, contact our friendly English and Spanish-speaking bondsmen today.