How to Minimize Risk When You Cosign a Bail Bond

Have you recently decided to cosign a bail bond for a loved one? For this selfless act, it’s important that you are familiar with the bail process so that you can guarantee minimal risk for yourself and your friend or family member. Here are 3 simple steps to help you minimize your personal risk when you consign a bail bond.

Step #1: Learn the Details of the Arrest

Gavel Lying on a Bench

Helping Your Friend with Courtroom Appointments Greatly Reduces Your Personal Risk.

This may be a painful step, but it’s important to learn as much information about the alleged crime as possible. Was the incident filed as a misdemeanor or a felony? For felonies, your loved one may face a significant bail price. Make sure that you and your loved one are prepared to cover the cost when you cosign a bail bond. Thankfully, bail bonds are much more affordable than paying the full price, as you will only have to cover a percentage of the bail.

Step #2: Know Your Court Appointments

The most important part of protecting yourself is learning the time, date, and address of each and every court appointment your loved one must appear at. Each of these details are available at your county clerk’s office, who can provide you with all the necessary details of the court process. Missing these appointments, even by accident, is not an option. If your friend or family member fails to show for one of these court appearances, they could face a bench warrant from the judge for their arrest. Driving your loved one and showing up ahead of time is the perfect way to ensure you won’t have to pay the full price of the bail.

Step #3: Choose Your Bail Payment Method

For more expensive bail prices, it can be difficult to cover the full amount with cash or credit payment. You may be required to stake property or valuables as collateral. This is one of the most important reasons why you must personally ensure that your loved one arrives to each court appointment on time when you consign a bail bond. It can be scary, but your presence will help your friend or family member through the process.

For more information about bail bonds or the bail process, talk to our team at Ammediate Bail Bonds. Give us a call at (321) 631-2663.