As someone your friends and family can count on, you might be asked to co-sign to help secure a loved one’s bail bond to get out of jail. A condition of their release is that they must show up to every court appearance. Failure to do so can have repercussions for both of you, including those listed below.

Consequences If Someone You Co-Signed for Skips Court

To ensure your loved one remains out of jail until their case is settled, you are allowed to co-sign their bail bond. This means you sign an indemnity agreement or promissory note that requires you to pay the bond in full if the defendant doesn’t show up in court. If the person jumps bail, you might also be required to surrender your house, car, or anything else used as collateral to the bail bondsmen. When the defendant is a no-show, the court alerts the bail bond agency. The bond is considered in default until the defendant is located.

What You Can Do to Stay Protected

Depending on the defendant’s history and the nature of the crime, the court will give a set period of time to locate the bail jumper and surrender them to police custody. If the person isn’t located within this time, a bench warrant will be issued for their arrest. You can work with bail bond agents to determine the person’s whereabouts. If you fear they’ve left the area, in some states you can also hire a skip tracer to find them. Once they are located, you can fill out paperwork letting the court know. This will bring the bond out of default.

If you or a loved one needs help securing a bail bond, the professionals at Bob Shropshire Bail Bonds will come to the rescue. Located in downtown Cincinnati, OH, they are familiar with Hamilton County courts and procedures and work 24/7 to help clients navigate the legal system during stressful times. To see how they can assist with your needs, call (513) 721-3915. Visit the team online to learn more about their services and experience.