Cosigning a bail bond means you are taking financial and legal responsibility for ensuring that the defendant appears in court as required.

Things you’re liable for…

• Financial Liability – As a cosigner, you agree to pay the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear in court. If the defendant skips court, the bail bond company can demand full payment from you.
• Collateral Requirements – Bail bond companies may require collateral (such as a car, house, or valuables) to secure the bond. If the defendant doesn’t appear in court, the collateral may be seized.
• Ensuring Court Appearance – You are responsible for ensuring the defendant attends all court dates. If they flee or fail to appear, you might need to help locate them or risk financial loss.
• Bond Fees Are Non-Refundable – Typically, the cosigner pays a percentage of the total bail amount (usually 10-15%), which is the bail bond company’s fee. This fee is non-refundable, even if the defendant appears in court.
• Can Request Bond Cancellation – If you feel the defendant is at risk of skipping court, you may ask the bail bond company to revoke the bond before they miss a court date, which could lead to the defendant being re-arrested.