Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

In most cases, a cosigner of a bond does not go to jail simply for signing the bond. But, cosigning a bond comes with serious financial and legal responsibilities. If the defendant fails to follow the conditions of the bond or skips court, the cosigner can face major consequences. Jail is not automatic but under some rare circumstances, it is possible if the cosigner breaks the law in the process.

What a Cosigner Is Responsible For

A cosigner (also called an indemnitor) is the person who agrees to be financially responsible for the bond. By signing the bond agreement, the cosigner promises that,

• The defendant will appear at all court dates
• All bond conditions will be followed
• They will cover the full bond amount if the defendant skips court

If the defendant violates any of these terms, the cosigner may be held liable for the full amount of the bond and any fees or losses incurred by the bail bondsman.

Situations Where a Cosigner Might Face Legal Trouble

• Helping the defendant flee – If the cosigner actively assists the defendant in avoiding arrest or leaving the area, they can be charged with aiding and abetting or obstruction of justice
• Hiding the defendant – If law enforcement or a bounty hunter is looking for the defendant and the cosigner lies or hides them, the cosigner may face criminal charges
• Providing false information – If the cosigner lies on the bond application about income, employment, or assets, it could lead to fraud charges

In these cases, jail time is a possibility because the cosigner broke the law—not simply because they signed the bond.

Financial Consequences Are More Common

While jail is rare, financial consequences are much more likely. A cosigner may be required to,

• Pay the full bond amount if the defendant cannot be found
• Lose any collateral they used, such as a house or vehicle
• Be sued by the bond company to recover losses

Can a Cosigner Withdraw?

In some cases, a cosigner can ask the bail bondsman to revoke the bond if they no longer want to be responsible. If granted, this usually means the defendant must return to jail unless a new bond is posted.

A cosigner does not go to jail just for signing a bond agreement, but they can face jail if they help the defendant break the law. More commonly, a cosigner risks financial loss if the defendant fails to comply with bond conditions. Always read and understand the full agreement before signing as a cosigner to avoid serious consequences.