What You Need to Know When Cosigning for a Bail Bond

If someone you love gets arrested, they will be unable to handle things on their own that is why they need your help. One of the first things that you should take into consideration is posting a bond. It will help your loved one get out of jail real fast. You may also need to cosign the bond to help speed up the process. However, you may have questions in your mind if you have never cosigned a bail bond before. We have listed the basic things you need to know about cosigning a bail bond.

What is a Bail Bond Cosigner?
Cosigning a bail bond is a serious responsibility. You are taking liability over the financial burden of the person's bail if they fail to pay their bail or they skip on it. Cosigning bail is a risk, so you should make sure you are doing it for someone you know and completely trust because you might find yourself in big trouble if they don't appear before the court in their trial.

What Happens After You Cosign a Bail Bond?
If you decided to be a cosigner for a loved one's bail, you need to complete some forms with the bail bond company. These forms are basically about your information and how you are related to the defendant. The forms will also include a statement saying that you will be financially liable if the defendant fails to pay the remaining bond payments, skip out on bail, or doesn't appear in court during trial dates. When everything has been filled out, and the initial amount has been posted, the defendant can be released from prison.

When your loved one is out of jail, you need to make sure he attends his trial and follows through everything the court demands. It will be your responsibility to remind the defendant of the dates and other requirements set by the court to make sure he doesn't break any rules. As much as possible, you have to keep your communication open with your loved one to make sure you don't fail to remind him of the critical things about his trial.

Can You Get Out of Being a Cosigner After You've Agreed to It?
When you feel or see signs that the defendant will flee or skip out on bail, you should contact the bail bond company right away. This is why it is crucial that you see the person you cosigned for frequently so that you will know what activities he engages himself in. The bail bond company may be able to repeal the bond, and the defendant will be sent back to prison. This will not free you from all liabilities because you still need to pay the money you owe the bond company, but your financial responsibility will be reduced. The bonding company may also charge extra if your love doesn't go back to custody willingly.

Cosigning a bond will help your loved one get out of jail fast, but you must understand that there are risks and responsibilities involved. Call a reputable bail bond company to help you get your loved one fast.

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