Should You Co-Sign On A Bail Bond?
What would be your instinct if somebody you love called to tell you that she was in jail and needed your help to make bail? What would you do if you were asked to co-sign on a bail bond? The decision might be harder to make when you really don't know what it means to co-sign. This guide will walk you through some of the reasons why you should or should not co-sign.
Your Responsibilities as a Co-Signer
When you co-sign on a bail bond, you are agreeing to sign a promissory note so that your loved one can be released from jail. It states that if the individual who has been arrested fails to show up for court, you will be responsible for paying her bail. It is certainly a financial commitment.
You will probably also be asked to put up collateral in case your loved one fails to appear in court. Collateral is often physical property, like a house or a car, but it could also be cash. The bail bonds company will take ownership of this property if your loved one fails to appear and you do not pay the entirety of the bond amount.
If the individual's bond is revoked, she must return to court and turn herself in. It may be in your best interest to ensure that you keep tabs on your loved one for this reason.
Your Rights as a Co-Signer You also have a few rights as a co-signer, including the ability to request certain stipulations for your loved one. You can ask for bond to be revoked if the individual displays risky behavior, such as drug use. This is something you need to discuss with the bail bonds company ahead of time.
This is also a good time to discuss options with your loved one. You can request that he or she attend rehab, anger management, or another helpful type of therapy in the meantime. Just make sure that this program allows for the individual to attend court hearings.
It all comes down to doing what you feel is right for the situation. Which decision makes you feel the most at peace with the situation? How much faith do you have in your loved one to appear in court?
If you have any questions at all, make sure that you ask the bail bonds professionals. The will be able to provide you with specifics based on your state and the charges filed.