When you have a loved one who’s been arrested, it’s natural to want to do whatever you can to facilitate their release. However, it’s important to understand what you are agreeing to before you co-sign a bail bond. Here’s a guide that goes over what’s at stake and what to do once you sign this agreement. 

The Requirements for Co-Signing

There are certain requirements you must meet to co-sign a bail bond. Most bondsmen require you to be a U.S. citizen, have a good credit score, and earn a steady income.

If you meet these requirements and they offer to post bail, you’ll be required to pay a nonrefundable fee. In Connecticut, this is 10% of the total bail amount. If the total is higher than $5,000, this fee drops to 7%.

Your Responsibilities As a Co-Signer

When you co-sign a bail bond, you’re assuring the agency that your loved one will stay in town and show up for all of their court appearances. For this reason, it’s imperative to stay in touch with the person who was charged after they are released from jail.

If they fail to appear in court, you’ll be responsible for paying back the full amount of the bail, or for giving up any assets you’ve provided as collateral for the bail bond.

What to Do If Your Loved Fails to Appear in Court

The best step to take in this situation is to notify the bondsman and make it clear that you are doing what you can to encourage your loved one to comply with the law.

You also have the option of canceling the bond to protect yourself from financial consequences.

If you have a loved one who’s been charged with a crime, DiAdamo-Tracy & Big Steve Bail Bonds will help. For more than 60 years, this bail bonds agency has been helping individuals in New Haven County, CT, regain their freedom as they attend to their legal matters. Visit their website to learn more about the bond process, and call (203) 787-2245 to speak with a compassionate bondsman today.