Is someone you know and love sitting in jail? Then you likely want to see the person you care about out and about again as quickly as possible. In this case, you might consider working with a professional bail bond service.
In some instances, the situation may require the indemnitor, or co-signer, to get involved to move the process along. The reality is that there is some liability on your part that will come with this responsibility.
What is A Co-Signer?
In the judicial system, bail is the amount of money set by the judge that you need to pay to get out of jail. One important role you may not know much about is that of the co-signer. There is also an Indemnitor (co-signer) Liability for a bail bond to be aware of. During the process of bail, a co-signer is required to assure that the defendant (your loved one or friend), will attend their scheduled court date and that they’ll also pay fines when called upon to do so. In a sense, the co-signer will vouch for the defendant and confirm they have support on the outside to get back on track and show up at trial. Anyone who knows the defendant can take on the role of co-signer. It’s wise to choose someone that you can trust.
Qualities of A Good Co-Signer
It’s important to choose a co-signer that will get the job done right and can support and be there for you. Some qualifications make a good co-signer so that you can ensure all goes smoothly, no matter the charge. For example, you should check if they have a good credit history and a stable financial situation to pay money that may be owed. It’s also important that the person has a good job history and is a responsible person, generally speaking. There are consequences and liabilities for a co-signer that you must know about and be willing to accept if the responsibilities aren’t met.
What to Consider Before Becoming A Co-Signer
There are also some things to consider before you commit to becoming a co-signer for a friend or family member. Think about the defendant themselves and who you are signing for before you move forward. Do you trust them and find them reliable and that they’ll cooperate and work with you? Also, know what you’re getting into and read the fine print. Ask questions upfront before you sign your name over. If you’re willing to help then also understand that there are liabilities such as financial ones that come along with your role. The bail amount will need to be paid by you if the defendant skips out on their bail or becomes unreachable.
Conclusion
There are pros and cons to becoming a co-signer and it’s a big decision. One matter is certain that it’s a big responsibility and some liabilities will fall on your shoulders if the person doesn’t cooperate. Weigh the benefits and downsides and then consider moving forward if you feel it’s a low-risk situation overall.
