Things You Should Know Before Cosigning a Bail Bond
What Should You Know Before Cosigning a Bail Bond?
You receive a call at midnight from someone close to you. After being arrested for a crime, they need your help to make bail. It’s your loved one request for you to cosign their bond. Though you wish to help, you are unsure and want to know about cosigning a bail bond. You should know these things before you sign.
What is a cosigner?
As a matter of law, bail consists of an amount of cash or property given to a court as a deposit before a trial in exchange for the defendant’s freedom. The court will forfeit the bail if the defendant does not appear in court on the scheduled date.
Regardless of whether the defendant is found guilty, the bail is refunded if the defendant appears in court. The court trusts that defendant will appear, so the money is held in trust. Following the trial, the bail money may be deducted from fines before it is returned.
A cosigner must guarantee that defendants will appear and pay fines on time. Cosigners ensure the defendant has outside support for a successful trial.
The promissory note will obligate them to:
- Complete the payment of the bail bond premium
- Attend all court hearings and make sure all bond conditions are met
- Bail bond must be paid in full if court orders are not obeyed
Do You Know the Rights As a Cosigner For a Bail Bond?
Cosigners can cancel the bond if the defendant fails to appear in court or commit a second crime. Furthermore, if the cosigner is concerned about the accused not appearing in court, they can request a withdrawal of the bond. As a result, the judge can order the defendant to be re-arrested immediately after robbing the bond. As a result, the bail bondsman will notify a bounty hunter of the accused’s details. Since bounty hunters are considered court agents, they can arrest and return fugitive fugitives to jail.
The Bonding company cancels the bond.
Things to Know Before Cosigning Bail Bond
1. There may be a negative impact on your credit.
Case Closed Bail Bonds does not conduct credit checks on cosigners to determine their suitability. Read the contract carefully and know the terms. For more clarity, ask directly and request written confirmation that credit rating factors are used. The bail bond company may also take legal action against you if you fail to honor your cosigner obligation in the event of bond forfeiture.
2. A contract is binding until the case has been fully resolved.
A bond is effective and binding until judgment is entered in the district court if an appeal is not taken or until judgment is entered in the superior court if an appeal is taken. In most cases, a bail bond remains in effect only during the first appearance in court. Therefore, you are on the hook until the court rules guilt, innocence, or dismissal, which could take months, years, or days. Before making such a potentially long-term commitment, ensure you know the defendant well.
3. Indemnity agreements can be enforced in court.
Along with adverse credit actions, forfeited bail bond contracts may result in cosigners getting in trouble with the law. As a result of defaulted bail bond contracts, civil judgments against cosigners can adversely affect employment, interfere with re-licensing, trigger property seizures, and result in property liens.
4. Keeping records is important.
Remembering the terms shouldn’t be left up to your memory. Every document you sign is yours to keep. If you are not provided with a copy, request one.
5. Get in touch with an experienced Connecticut bondsman.
An experienced bail bondsman is crucial if you have a family member or friend who has been arrested, providing guidance and protecting you from the risks involved with cosigning. The circumstances of every single case are unique; that is why a bondsman with experience is essential.
In Connecticut, we can assist you with bail bonds and cosigning, offering licensed and experienced bail bond agents 24 hours a day, making the process easy. For more information, call us at +1 203-726-2179.
