Things to know before you cosign a bond

Before you cosign on a bond there are things you should know. 

As the Indemnitor (co-signer) on a bond YOU are liable for the bond amount if the Defendant does not show up for ALL court dates and the bond is forfeited.

You should know the person very well.  It’s never a good idea to cosign for a friend of a friend.  There is usually a reason that person’s family is not helping them. 

If we are unable to locate the Defendant and we have to pay the court YOU are responsible for that amount.  If the bond is $10,000 you pay $1000 for the bond but  you are liable for the $10,000 if they abscond. 

The bond premium is non-refundable no matter what.  Bond premiums are valid for one year and must be renewed for 10% after one year.

If we are required to have someone pick him up and put him back in jail YOU are responsible for that fee.  The fee to pick someone up is usually 10% of the bond or a $200 minimum. 

If you feel that the Defendant is a flight risk call us and we will arrange to have a Bail Recovery Agent pick him up.  YOU will be responsible for fee.   

Don’t call and ask to be released from the bond because you are mad at them.  Don’t call and ask to be released because they already ran off.

You CAN NOT be released from the bond unless the case is exonerated (meaning the Defendant has pled or been found guilty or the case is dismissed) or the Defendant is back in jail in this county and you have notified us you want to be released from the bond.

 If the Defendant is in jail in another county and you want off the bond notify us and we will get a Judge’s signature to get off the bond.  You are not released until the Judge signs the paperwork.