Co-Sign Bail Bond And They Skip – What Happens?
When you co-sign for a bail bond, you are taking legal and financial responsibility for the defendant’s appearance in court. If that person skips bail meaning they fail to appear at a scheduled court hearing you may face serious consequences. The bond company holds you accountable because your signature guaranteed the defendant’s compliance with the terms of release.
Immediate Consequences of Skipping Bail
If the defendant does not show up to court, the bond is considered forfeited. This means the court will demand full payment of the total bail amount from the bail bond company. In turn, the company will come after you, the co-signer, for repayment.
- You may owe the full amount of the bond (not just the fee you paid)
- Collateral you used such as your car, house, or savings can be seized
- Your credit may be affected if the balance is not paid promptly
Some agreements allow the bail company to begin collection efforts immediately once the defendant fails to appear.
Hiring a Bounty Hunter
When someone skips bail, the bond company often hires a bounty hunter or recovery agent to locate and return the defendant. If successful, this may help avoid forfeiture, but you may still be responsible for the costs related to the search and recovery effort.
- The longer the person is missing, the higher the risk of full bond forfeiture
- Some bail agents add investigation fees to your balance as a co-signer
Can You Cancel the Bond?
In some cases, if you suspect the defendant may flee, you can contact the bail bond company and request to cancel the bond. This usually results in the defendant being taken back into custody, but it may relieve you from further responsibility. It is best to act quickly before a court date is missed.
Other Legal Risks
If you knowingly help the defendant avoid court such as by giving them money to flee, hiding them, or lying to authorities you could face criminal charges yourself. This can include aiding and abetting or obstruction of justice.
Co-signing for a bail bond creates a legal obligation to ensure the defendant appears in court. If they skip, you could be liable for the full bail amount, lose any collateral you pledged, and even face legal trouble if you assist in the escape. Always think carefully before co-signing and stay in contact with the defendant to avoid unexpected problems.
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Are Bond And Bail The Same Thing?