Cosigning Caution: The Responsibilities of a Bail Bond Cosigner

When a person is arrested, they may seek the assistance of a bail bond company to obtain their release until their court date. However, not everyone can secure bail bonds in Lancaster County, PA, on their own, and they may require the assistance of a cosigner.

In this blog post, we will discuss the responsibilities of a bail bond cosigner and the implications of cosigning a bond.

Understand Your Role as a Cosigner

A cosigner is a person who signs a bail bond agreement and guarantees that the defendant will appear in court on their scheduled dates. When cosigning a bail bond, the following responsibilities are assumed:

– Ensuring the defendant makes all their court appearances: Cosigners must ensure that the defendant attends all their court hearings as required by the court.
– Paying the bail bond premium: Cosigners pay a percentage of the premium, usually around 10% of the total amount.
– Being financially responsible for a forfeited bond: If the defendant fails to appear in court, the cosigner may be held financially accountable for the entire bail amount.

Implications of Cosigning a Bail Bond

Cosigning a bail bond is a serious responsibility that should not be taken lightly. If the defendant skips bail or fails to appear in court, the cosigner can be held financially liable for the entire bail amount. This means the cosigner may be required to pay the bond premium and any additional costs associated with the bond.

The cosigner’s credit may also be impacted if they cannot cover the forfeited bond. They may also face legal action and collection attempts to recover the bond’s costs.

Important Considerations for Cosigning a Bail

Cosigning a bail in Lancaster, PA, is a significant responsibility that should be carefully considered. As a cosigner, you are financially responsible for the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear in court.

Before cosigning, ensure that you have a trusting relationship with the defendant and that they fully understand the implications of skipping bail or failing to appear in court. Contact a bail bond company for guidance and support if you are uncertain about the cosigner’s role or responsibilities.