While you may truly want to take part in helping your loved one stay out of jail, it’s important to know that cosigning on a bail bond comes with certain responsibilities – and if they aren’t met, you could find yourself in some trouble.
Not everyone can cosign for a bond
You must be a citizen of the United States and have lived in the same area for a predetermined period, have stable employment, and sufficient credit.
You are accepting financial responsibility
Cosigning for a bond means you are also responsible for payments. If the defendant misses a payment, the responsibility for payment becomes yours. If the accused goes missing, the bond will go into forfeiture, and the financial penalty will again fall to you. If property was pledged to the bail bond company for collateral, it must be surrendered.
The defendant must attend all court dates
By missing even one appearance in court, the bond may be defaulted and a bench warrant may be issued for the defendant. As an Indemnitor, it is your responsibility to ensure the defendant attends all court dates and remains out of trouble in the meantime.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they feel comfortable co-signing a bail bond. While a Harrisburg bail bondsman can help get someone out of jail, there are risks involved for the Indemnitor. Knowing all of the facts regarding bail bonds is crucial before accepting this responsibility.
