No one wants to see their loved ones go to jail. Being a co-signer, you can help your friend or loved one during the court process. You can get them out of jail as soon as possible. Co-signer is mandatory to guarantee the bail bond. 

This blog will be helpful for someone who is planning to co-sign a bond or requires someone to co-sign for you. 

What is a Bail Bond Co-signer?

Bail is the money or property deposited to court in return for the defendant’s release before the trial is held. In simple terms, the court holds the money as a trust that the defendant appears on the court dates. If the defendant doesn’t appear on the court dates, the bail amount is taken by the court as a penalty. However, if the defendant attends the court case, the bail is returned to the person who posted it,

So, during the bail process, a consigner must guarantee that the defendant will appear on their court dates. A co-signer vouches for the defendant to ensure the defendant has the support.

The co-signer can be anyone related to the defendant. The best ones are family members, spouses, co-workers, or long-term friends. The stronger the relationship with the defendant, the more likely the bail bondsman will be inclined to accept the co-signer. 

Co-signing often involves pledging tangible assets like cash, cars, and homes. This ensures that the bondsman will get the money back that he or she has pledged with a surety bond to the court.

If the accused flees, the co-signer must either pay the entire bond or surrender the property pledged to the bail bonds company. The co-signer also has a right to contact the bondsman. One can request the bond withdrawn if he or she believes the accused will not appear in court.

What are the responsibilities of a co-signer?

As a co-signer, you are responsible for the defendant and the bail amount. Being a co-signer means signing the contract as the liable party for the defendant. Also, you will have two responsibilities.

The first one is to ensure that your loved one appears in court for all the scheduled dates. In any case, if they fail to show up, the court or the bail bondsman will seek you to pay the bail amount. So, you are responsible for ensuring that the defendant appears in court.

The second responsibility is to pay the bond premium, which the bail bondsman charges for the service of fronting the bail money for the defendant.

Also, remember that it is important to inform the bondsman if the defendant tries to skip the bail. The bail bondsman may charge a recovery fee to find the defendant and put them back in jail.

What are the Rights of the co-signer?

It is important to know your right when co-signing a bail agreement for your loved one to get them out of jail. You should only enter a legal agreement that, if you fully understand, you will be responsible for paying the full amount if the defendant shows up in court or violates any conditions.

If you think the defendant will skip the court dates or violate any conditions, you can inform the bondsman and terminate the agreement. Once the agreement is canceled, the defendant will be taken back to jail until the hearing. However, you will also have the right to revoke the bail bond once you have co-signed.

Some important things to know about co-signing a bail bond:

• As a co-signer, you have the authority and duty to ensure the accused appears at all court hearings and meets any other bond requirements.
• If the co-signer becomes uncomfortable with the accused actions, such as other illegal acts, he or she can ask the bail bond company to cancel the bond and return the accused to jail.
• If the accused flees or refuses to go to court, the co-signer can contact the bail bond company and let them know where the accused is so that he or she can be picked up and returned to jail.

At Acts Now Bail Bonds co-signers with decent jobs and family members who feel confident that the defendant will make all their court dates more important to us. When a family member or a friend is arrested, it is important to work with an experienced bail bondsman who can guide you through the process of co-signing. Getting advice from a professional bondsman is essential, as every situation is different.

If you are not sure about co-signing, we can help answer any questions you have and explain the process. We can help you learn more about bail bonds and co-signing throughout Colorado.