BY | December 21, 2021

When a loved one is arrested and taken to jail, the first thing you want to do is bail them out of jail. You have a few options when it comes to bailing someone out of jail. You can pay bail upfront in cash or with your credit card, hire an attorney for help with getting the charges dropped, or find a bail bond agent who will post bond on behalf of your loved one and charge you an additional fee for their services. Bail bond agents are typically the best option because they offer lower service fees and faster release times than attorneys or paying in full upfront.

However, typically in order to bail your loved one out of jail, you’ll have to become a co-signer on their bail bond. In fact, a bail bond must have a co-signer, which means that your help can make the difference between them having to sit in jail or coming home. However, before you sign as a co-signer, it’s essential to know what that means and the liability that comes along with it.

What Is A Co-Signer?

When someone breaks the law and ends up in jail, they’ll typically have a bail amount assigned to their case. This bail can either be property or money given to the court in exchange for the defendant to be released before the actual trial.

If the defendant shows up for the court appearance, that money is typically refunded back, minus any fees or fines that may be deducted depending on the specific case. However, if a defendant does not attend their court date, the court will take that money and use it as a penalty fine.

A co-signer is someone that signs on to a bail bond agreement as what’s called an Indemnitor (co-signer). This means that they are opening themselves up to full financial responsibility for the entire amount of the bail if your loved one doesn’t show up in court.

When you sign as a co-signer on any kind of loan or legal contract, it opens you up to liability and should be done with caution. The same goes for signing onto a bail bond agreement; even though this gives your relative or loved one quick release from jail, it also potentially puts all your finances at risk too.

Who Can Be A Co-signer For A Bail Bond?

Any adult over the age of 18 can be a co-signer on a bail bond agreement. This includes friends, family members, and spouses. The Indemnitor (co-signer) is typically the person who puts up their assets as collateral for the defendant to be released from jail. It’s best if you’re closer with the defendant, so you can ensure that they’ll show up for court or appearances as outlined.

Besides knowing the defendant, you’ll need to make sure you meet the minimum qualifications specified by the bail bond company. Typically this includes being a resident of the same state as the defendant, having a good credit score, and having a stable income to pay back the bail if they don’t show up.

In order for you to be able to sign as an Indemnitor (co-signer), you’ll need to have all your information ready, including your name and contact details, employment status and job history, credit score from each of the major reporting agencies, and your driver’s license number.

What Are The Risks?

There are several risks associated with being a co-signer on a bail bond agreement:

• Financial: As mentioned before, if the defendant does not show up to their court date, you as the co-signer are financially liable for the entire amount of the bail bond. This could mean that you’d have to pay out of pocket for their release or face legal consequences yourself.
• Reputation: If the defendant skips bail and is not apprehended, it could blemish your personal credit rating and make it difficult to obtain loans or lines of credit in the future.
• Relationship: Signing onto a bail bond agreement can stress any relationship, especially if things go wrong. It’s essential to be aware of these risks before you decide whether or not to co-sign for someone’s release from jail.

When considering becoming a co-signer on a bail bond agreement, weigh out all the risks and consequences involved before making your decision. Remember that this type of liability should never be taken lightly – as with any legal contract, always consult an attorney beforehand to ensure you’re fully protected.

The Responsibilities As A Co-Signer

When you decide to become a co-signer for the defendant, it means that you’re becoming liable for the defendant. There are a few responsibilities that come with becoming a co-signer, including:

• Paying The Bond Premium: When you sign for a bail bond, you’ll have to pay a percentage of the full amount of bail. This payment is considered the premium. Some bail bond companies make you pay anywhere from 1% to 15% of the entire amount, while others may require a flat rate fee instead.
• Getting The Defendant To Court: Most importantly, you are responsible for getting your loved one to court at their scheduled time. If they’re not there, you then become liable for the cost of the bail bond, which means the bail bondsmen will look at you to pay the entire bail amount.

Work With Future Bail Bonds Today As A Co-signer

If you have just been notified that your loved one has been taken to jail, it’s essential to act quickly. The first thing you’ll need to do is find an experienced and reputable bail bond company that is available to assist you in a timely manner. Future Bail Bonds is here for any of your bail bond needs. We’ve built a reputation for being reliable, responsive, and available at all times.

Act quickly and contact one of our agents today. We’re available 24/7 to help get your loved one out of jail and back home to you as soon as possible.