Check Out the Documents You Need To Post Bail
If you are co-signing for someone, you are an indemnitor or a co-signer. It’s the same. You will need to fill out and sign a Co-signer Application, a Plain Language Contract, and a Promissory Note. If A-1 BAIL BONDS is financing any portion of our fee you will need to sign a Payment Agreement as well.
The next form is a Credit Card Authorization. This is to be filled out and signed if you are paying by credit card. It must be done by the owner of the credit card being used.
The last three forms are to be filled out and signed by the defendant. The defendant is the person whose release you are securing. They are Defendant/Client Information Application, Defendant Client Agreement, and The Fastest Way To Have a Warrant Issued For My Arrest.
Indemnitor (Co-Signer) Responsibilities
All bondsmen require a co-signer or what is often referred to as an indemnitor. That is usually a parent, relative, or responsible friend.
When you agree to sign a bail bond contract with a bondsman, you will become the indemnitor. This means that you agree to be financially responsible for the contract. You must make certain that the defendant makes it to all scheduled court appearances.
If the defendant fails to appear, your bondsman can help you get them back on track. Simple mistakes, such as oversleeping or car trouble, can generally be addressed with a couple of simple phone calls.
If the defendant flees, or jumps bail, you will be responsible for helping the bondsman track down the defendant and get them back into the court system. If they cannot be found the co-signer could be responsible for the total bond amount plus court costs, attorney fees, etc.
It’s a stressful time when someone you care about is in jail. You want to make sure that they are released as quickly and safely as possible. Before you decide to take on the responsibility of bailing them out, you need to be certain that the defendant is going to do what needs to be done and face their charges in court.