What Happens After You Cosign a Bail Bond?
When it comes to legal trouble, a bail bond is often the best method for getting out of jail and being able to go home while you are awaiting your trial. That being said, sometimes, you might not have the money to pay a bail bond on your own, making a cosigner a great idea. So, what happens after you cosign a bail bond? Keep reading to find out.
What Is a Bail Bond?
A bail bond is a note or a sum of money that is used to ensure that a defendant comes to court and that they stand trial for what they allegedly did. In most cases, a bail bond will be set based on the crime, how many times the alleged offender has been in prison or has offended, and the likelihood that the person will flee if they are released.
Once someone is accused of offending and they are put in jail, generally, a bail bond will be set if they are a low-risk offender, they have not offended multiple times, and they are not likely to flee or re-offend while they are released. When a bail bond is set, it is generally for a rather large sum to ensure that the offender comes to court to reclaim their bail.
What Happens After You Cosign a Bail Bond?
A cosigner is a person that signs on a bail bond with the offender and supplies some, or in some cases all of the money to satisfy the bail. The cosigner will get the money back when the offender goes to trial, but they are there to help satisfy the bond when the offender cannot do it on their own.
The first thing that happens after you agree to cosign on a bail bond is that you need to meet with the bail bond company to sign the appropriate paperwork and forms. These forms are going to be binding and state that you have agreed to pay to help get that person out of jail. These forms are going to show that you agree to pay. They will take information like where you live, what you do, and, of course, your relationship with the defendant.
After you have signed the necessary paperwork, you will make the first payment or the full payment, depending on what the bail company you are using requires and also according to the particular jurisdiction that you live in requires. You will then need to make sure that the person you cosigned for does get to their court date if you want your money back and if you want to be able to resolve the bond.
You will have fees that need to be paid, and you may have extra charges if the offender does not show up for their court date.
At Free at Last Bail Bonds, we understand the importance and urgency of reuniting families. If you or a loved one needs our services, we are here for you 24 hours a day at 470-410-3409.