There’s more than one way to help your loved one make bail, ensuring that they are released from jail and allowed to be home with their family in the days leading up to a court appearance. One option is to be the co-signer on the bail bond. In this post, we’ll explain what that means, exactly, and also let you know how Orange County based Remedy Bail Bonds can help make the process smooth.
What Does It Mean to Co-Sign Orange County Bail Bonds?
Basically, co-signing means you’re signing a promissory note or indemnity agreement which stipulates that, if the accused person does not show up for their court appearance, you are legally bound to pay the entirety of their bail. When you co-sign, then, your friend or loved one is released from jail until the court date—but you have taken on a significant legal and financial commitment.
A couple of points are important to note here. The first is that, upon procuring a co-signer, the accused is guaranteed a swift release, assuming all other requirements are met. As such, this can definitely be an effective way to help your loved one during a time of need. The second point is that, as the co-signer, you have not only the right but the duty to make sure the accused makes it to their court date on time. You’re very much on the hook if they don’t!
Orange County Bail Bond Co-Signing
Understand that, when you agree to be a co-signer, you will likely need to offer up physical property as collateral. This assures the bail bond company that it will recover whatever money it has pledged to the court. Cars, cash, and other physical property may be required here. Then, if the accused doesn’t make it for court, the co-signer has to pay the total amount of the bail bond, or else simply forfeit that collateral.
On the flipside, the co-signer has certain rights. For example, you can ask for stipulations for co-signing, like requiring the accused to attend drug screenings or addiction rehab. Additionally, the co-signer can request the Orange County bail bondsman to simply undo or cancel the bond if the accused exhibits risky behavior of any sort.
Get Guidance for the Co-Signing Process
A final note: Not just anyone can become an Orange County bail bonds co-signer. You must be a U.S. citizen, for one thing, and it’s generally required that you live in the immediate geographic area.
With that said, acting as a co-signer may be the path you choose for assisting a loved one who has been arrested. If that’s the case, we want to provide all the guidance we can. Remedy Bail Bonds is a leading provider of bail bonds in Orange County, and we are passionate about helping people reconnect with their loved ones following a traumatic arrest. To learn more about the different ways in which our team can help, we encourage you to call Remedy Bail Bonds today.
