If someone you care about has been charged with a crime, getting them out of jail as soon as possible is probably your priority. A bail bond is usually the fastest, most affordable way to secure your friend or family member’s release, especially if you don’t have the resources to post bail yourself. However, there are a few things you should know before cosigning a bond for someone else.

3 Things to Understand Before Cosigning a Bail Bond

1. How Bail Bonds Work

Posting bail is essentially collateral that guarantees a defendant will attend all their scheduled court appearances. If you can’t post bail, a bail bond agent will advocate on behalf of the defendant in exchange for a small fee. This fee is based on a percentage of the full bail amount and is not returned at the case’s conclusion.

2. What Cosigning Means

Cosigning someone else’s bail bond means you agree to compensate the bond agent for the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear in court. This gives the bail bond agent the ability to take legal action against you if the defendant doesn’t meet their obligations, so only cosign a bond if you have total faith in the defendant.

3. You May Set Conditions

To protect your interests, you can put conditions on your willingness to cosign a loan. For instance, you may require the defendant to complete a substance abuse treatment program or keep a job during the trial. If for any reason, you become uncomfortable with the defendant’s behavior, you can ask the agency to cancel the bond and return the defendant to police custody.

If a friend or family member has been arrested anywhere in Southern Missouri, the dedicated agents at Nicholas Bail Bonds will help them get back home where they belong. They pride themselves on offering fast, 24-hour service and giving every customer the compassionate, respectful treatment they deserve. Visit their website for more on their bonding services, get expert tips and updates on Twitter, or call (417) 255-1109 to speak with an agent anytime.