Should You Bail Out A Friend? What You Need To Know
If you have a good friend who needs to be bailed out of jail fast, you can post bail for them. You do not need to be a relative of a person to bail them out of jail. If you have never bailed anyone out of jail before, you need to know about the process. Once you sign the bail paperwork, you are on the hook for the actions of another person. You need to know what you are getting into before you bail anyone out of jail. Here is what you need to know:
How Do Bail Bonds Work?
A bail bond is a surety bond used as collateral to ensure the defendant comes back to court after they get out of jail. The bail form is a type of insurance that provides that the defendant will come back for their court date. If the defendant does not come to court when they are supposed to, the bail is forfeited.
When a person is arrested, they will go before a judge to learn where the bail will be set. They then have the option to call someone to bail them out of jail. Bail is likely going to be expensive, so many people will use a bail bond company to help get them out of jail for a percentage of the bond.
What Is Your Role When You Post Bond for a Friend?
When you agree to bail someone out of jail, you are known as an indemnitor. Once you sign the bond documents, you are assuming the financial responsibility for that person's bail. You then have many responsibilities, including being a part of a contract that ensures the defendant will come back to court when required to do so.
You also will be required to pay for the costs associated with the bond. If the defendant flees and becomes a fugitive, you will have to pay the expenses associated with locating that person.
What If the Defendant Does Not Come to Court?
If the defendant does not come to court on their court date, the judge will issue an arrest warrant. If the defendant cannot be found, you will have to pay the entire amount of the bail in addition to the percentage you already paid. If you used collateral to secure the bond, such as a car, jewelry, or other property, that property can be taken to help satisfy the bail bond.
To learn more, contact a bail bond supplier in your area such as Bail House Bail Bonds.
