Cosigning Bail Bonds: What You Need To Know

If your loved one has been arrested, you can help them avoid jail. One way you can do this is by becoming a co-signer to a bail bond for your relative, loved one, or friend during the court process but before the conclusion of the trial. A co-signer is often a mandatory requirement when a suspect requires a bail bond. Learn what you need to know about cosigning bail bonds.

What Is a Co-Signer?

When a person is arrested, they can often get out of jail courtesy of bail. The defendant posts bail to a court as a guarantee that they will attend court proceedings.

The court or bail bond agent can require the defendant to have a co-signer to guarantee that the defendant will honor court summons and pay the necessary fines. In essence, the co-signer vouches for a defendant and promises that they will help track the defendant and bring them back to trial.

What Can a Co-Signer Do?

If you have agreed to cosign a bail bond, the accused will leave jail. You will then have to ensure that the accused attends every court hearing and fulfills any bond obligations. Before signing the bill, some co-signers require that the accused do some things after leaving jail. For example, the accused can guarantee to enroll in a drug rehabilitation program or do a mental health evaluation.

If you become uncomfortable with the accused’s actions after they leave jail, you can contact the bail bond company. The bail bond company will cancel the bond and ask the court to return the accused to jail. For example, you might suspect that the accused is engaging in illegal acts. If the accused doesn’t attend court summons or flees, you can find out their whereabouts and inform the bail bond company.

What Are the Qualifications of a Co-signer?

Only some people can cosign a bail bond in the United States. To become a co-signer, you must fulfill the following requirements.

Have Good Credit History

Lenders often use credit history to determine the trustworthiness of a borrower. The bail bond companies will also check your credit history to know if you’re a person who can honor agreements. The better your credit history, the more likely you will be accepted as a co-signer.

Have a Good Job History

Bail bond companies often prefer co-signers with a steady and long job history. A job history shows that you are financially stable to take responsibility for the actions of the defendant if they skip bail. For example, you will have to pay the bail bond fee if the suspect disappears.

Be Responsible

Bail bond agents will look for signs of responsibility in a co-signer. You have to provide additional proof that you are a trustworthy person who they can rely upon.

What Should You Consider Before Cosigning a Bail Bond?

Cosigning a bail bond comes with obligations, rights, and risks. Although you help somebody in a tough situation, you also expose yourself to financial and legal risks. Consequently, you must decide if the dependent is a trustworthy person. Only agree to become a co-signer if you believe that they will fulfill all bail conditions and show up for any necessary court hearing.

Also, keep close communication with the defendant and bail bonds agent. Physically check in with the defendant to know about their progress and inform the bail bonds agent of any suspicious things. You can also determine if another person is in a better place to become a co-signer instead of you.

If your loved one has been arrested, you don’t have to wait until the conclusion of the trial to get them out of jail. Instead, have them apply for bail. Once the judge accepts the request application, Hand in Hand Bail Bonds will pay the bail on your behalf. Contact us today for instant help.