When a loved one is arrested, our first inclination is to help them anyway we can. This can be an emotional time and we can make quick decisions just to get them out of jail and back to their lives. Courts offer bail as a way to let suspects out of jail until their court date. These bails are usually set for a very high amount and most people can’t readily access this money. This is where bail bonds come in. Bail bonds are a promissory note that helps raise the money to get the person out of jail for a percentage of the bail. The contingency is that if the person does not appear in court, the cosigner is responsible for paying the full amount.
Since this is a big financial responsibility, there are some important things that you need to know before you agree to cosign a bail bond:
1. Bail bondsmen are trustworthy and are just as invested in your loved one getting out of jail and appearing in court as you are. So if you are going to co-sign, it’s a good idea to work with a bondsmen. That way, if the worst happens you aren’t alone in trying to protect your financial interests, you will have support.
2. Co-signers have rights, as well as obligations. If at any point you become uncomfortable with the arrangement with your loved one, say they are still engaging in illegal activities or you think they may bail on their court date, you can call the bail bond company to cancel the bond and your loved one will return to jail without any penalties to you.
3. Co-signers can request stipulations to the bail agreement. For example, if your loved one has gotten arrested because of a drug or alcohol violation, you can request that they are required to attend drug and alcohol counseling. If you are worried that their actions are the result of mental health issues, you can request a mental health screening.
Co-signing a bail bond is a very big responsibility and should not be taken lightly. At A Be Out Bail Bonds, we can help you. We will explain all of your rights and obligations, and work as your partner to make sure that your loved one lives up to their responsibilities. So if your loved one has been arrested, you don’t help them on your own. Call us today to see how we can help.
