Co-signing a Bail Bond in CT? What You Need To Know

No one wants to see a loved one going to jail. You can help your friend or loved one get out of jail by becoming their cosigner. In fact, it is mandatory to have a co-signer in order to guarantee a surety bail bond in Connecticut. However, before you ask someone to co-sign a bail bond for you or you co-sign a bond for someone, you must understand the process clearly. Remember, when you co-sign a bail bond, you enter into a binding contractual agreement.

A bail bond is a written promise signed by a defendant, a cosigner, and a surety bondsman to ensure that a defendant will appear in court at the scheduled time and date, as ordered by the court. When someone is arrested for a crime, they are usually held in jail until the date they are to appear in court or until they are released on bond.

To be released on bail, the bail company requires the bail fees and a co-signer signature. Having someone co-sign a bail bond means this individual is responsible with the defendant for the bail amount.

What does it really mean to co-sign a bail bond?

Bail contracts contain certain words or phrases that will define “indemnitor or cosigner” referring to the person paying the bond. “Company” is the bail bond company. “Surety” it refers to the insurance company that backs the bail bond agent or bondsman. In a bail bond contract, parties agree to pay a non-refundable amount that is stated by law, which is between 7 to 10% of the bail amount that the judge sets.

When someone co-signs a bail bond, they sign an indemnity agreement that creates a financial obligation for them to pay the entire bail amount in case the defendant does not appear for court hearings. Once you co-sign a bail bond, the individual is released from jail pending resolution of charges against them. Co-signing a bail bond occasionally may also require pledging of property to ensure the bail bond. 

In case the defendant does not appear in court within a specific time period, the co-signer must either pay the bail amount or surrender the property that was pledged to the court or agency as collateral.

While the co-signer has a lot of obligations, they also have certain rights. If the co-signer believes that the defendant will not appear in court, they can contact the bail bonds company and share their concerns. While it may require a judge order to revoke the bond, it’s highly advised to communicate with the bail bondsman. The bail bond company can return the defendant to jail when they violate bail conditions.

To co-sign or not to co-sign

Having considered your obligations and rights, you may wonder whether it is worth the risk or not. Is it a good idea to help someone out during their toughest times, or is it better to save yourself from all the legal and financial obligations that come with it?

When deciding whether you should co-sign a bail bond or not, the most important question to ask yourself is whether you can trust the defendant or not. If you are confident that the individual will comply with all the legal terms and conditions and appear for the hearings, you can consider co-signing the bond. Co-signing for bail with a reputable agency can help you in the long run, as the bondsman is on your side protecting your investment. Keeping close communication with the bondsman and the defendant you bailed out are as important as making sure this person returns to court. 

Also, see if there is anyone else who is in a better position to help the defendant and may be willing to co-sign the bond for them. If not, you will have a reason to help them out.

Also, you must keep in mind that the bond is binding and effective through all the stages of the court proceedings and not only till the defendant’s first appearance in court. So, you are literally on the hook till the court dismisses the case, or rules guilty or not guilty. This can take months or even years. So, please be aware that it’s a long-term commitment you are getting into.

Co-signing a bail bond for someone is a responsibility that should be taken seriously. Do you have a friend or loved one who needs bail? Our team at 3-D Bail Bonds is available 24/7 to arrange bails or to simply answer your questions. Learn more about bail cosigners here. We offer an easy process to co-sign a bail bond and bring your loved one home faster.