The relationship between a bail bond agent and a defendant is regulated by the law. The bail bond agent helps the defendant in troubling times, making sure they come out of jail as soon as possible.
At the same time, it’s binding upon the defendant to adhere to all the terms and conditions that were conveyed to them at the time of the bond signing. If they fail to do so, they might end up in more trouble than they were previously in. To make sure the bond agent doesn’t send bounty hunters to track the defendant down, you need to stick to your responsibilities as a cosigner.
Let’s take a look at some of them:
Attend every court hearing
This is the whole purpose of bail. The judge only sets a defendant free because they expect them to return and attend all their court hearings.
Even at the time of signing the bail bond, the bail bond agent agrees to post the bail because of a written promise that the defendant will not miss any hearings.
If they fail to do so, the bail bond agency has every right to make the necessary arrangements to hunt them down. As an indemnitor, the agency will hold you responsible if your defendant doesn’t appear. Always talk to the defendant through this in advance.
Be responsible for additional fees
This clause is for those who sign a bail bond on a loved one’s behalf. No matter who the defendant is, it’ll always be the cosigner who is responsible for additional charges.
If your defendant flees, you’ll be in charge of paying for the fugitive recovery agent hired by the bail bond agency. The more time and effort it takes to track the fugitive down, the higher the fees.
Also, if you feel like the defendant will not show up in court, you can’t just call off the bond and get your money back. There is no going back once the bond has been formally signed. Therefore, think through your decision through before signing. Only sign on behalf of someone if they’re trustworthy and reliable.
Pay the full cost of the bail
If the recovery agent can’t track the fugitive and the defendant doesn’t show up, the court will not return the bail amount. In this case, the agency will sell the collateral and keep the value. If you’ve paid on the defendant’s behalf, you will be responsible for this cost too.
Collateral is usually an immovable property or an expensive commodity such as gold, so you need to be very careful before choosing to cosign a bond.
DeLaughter Bail Bonds is home to extremely well-versed and experienced bail bond agents. They’re based across several counties in Indiana including Adam’s County. Contact us to learn more.