Co-signing for a bail bond is a big responsibility. Before you sign on the dotted line, you need to know a few things. Here are the responsibilities of the co-signer.
Maintain contact with the bailee. It is important for you to know where they live and work at all times. If they fail to attend their court dates you will need to find them quickly.
Help ensure the bailee goes to court dates. Paying close attention to their court dates, reminding them or taking them can minimize your liability and ensure they remain out of jail until they are tried and sentenced.
Work with the bail bond agency if the bailee has their bond revoked. When you sign as a co-signer you are stating that you agree to work with the bail bond company if the bond is revoked. Meaning you are responsible to report where the bailee is if you know and encourage them to turn themselves in.
Pay off the bond if the bailee runs when their bond has been revoked. When you co-signed the bond, you paid the 15% of the face value of the bond. If the bailee runs you are on the hook for the full amount of the bail. For example, if the face value of the bail is $10,000, the bail posted would have been $1,500. If the bailee runs you will owe the full $10,000. If you are unable to pay, the bail bond agency can sue, garnish your wages, seize your bank accounts and assets, or possibly place a lien against your home.