Being arrested for a federal or state crime can be an extremely difficult time for you or your loved one. When trapped in this situation, the first course of action that usually comes to mind is to get out of jail fast. A quick and convenient way to be released from custody is to post the bail amount set by the judge.
When an arrested individual is unable to pay the full amount, there are bail bond services offered by bail bond companies in many parts of the country, such as bail bonds in Denver. Bail comes in the form of cash, property, or bond that the judge sets in exchange for the temporary freedom of an arrested individual.
There is a process involved in obtaining bail money through a bail bonds company. The bail bondsman requires information to process a defendant’s release from jail. A bail bond contract is then signed between the two parties.
Co-signing a Bail Bond Contract
It’s not uncommon for people to be concerned for someone’s situation, particularly when it involves them being arrested. If you have ever been asked to co-sign a bail bond contract to help someone get out of jail, you need to be aware of the legal consequences of making that decision. You are called an indemnitor.
Here are five legal obligations that you are expected to fulfill after signing a bail bond contract for someone you want to give help to:
Ensure that the person appears in court when ordered to do so.
The bail system’s primary purpose is to ensure public safety. It upholds bail bond upholds a defendant’s right to freedom before trial starts but more importantly, it serves as a guarantee that the individual will show up in trials when ordered by the court.
If the individual does not appear in court, the bail may be kept and a warrant will be issued for his or her arrest. If you had helped a family member or a friend, be sure they appear in court hearings.
Pay fees for missed trial dates.
Did you know that for every court date that is missed, you as the indemnitor may be asked to pay certain fees? The premium that was paid to release the defendant from jail will be forfeited.
Make sure you do not get trapped in this situation. When a defendant is unable to appear in court, he or she will need to call an attorney and find out the steps to take. The bail bonds company must also be notified so they can help reinstate the bail.
Pay the whole bail amount when the defendant goes “missing” and does not attend all court dates.
The indemnitor is also obliged to pay the entirety of the bail amount that was set by the court. Collaterals, including real estate, and other assets or property that were used instead of cash, will be taken away and never returned.
It is often difficult to convince the judge a defendant’s absence from scheduled court dates acceptable. Acceptable circumstances include grave illness and disability due to sickness or accidents. The court will require documentation or reports to support the reason for skipping the trial date.
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By signing the bail bond contract, you are declaring that you are taking full responsibility for ensuring that your loved one never skips a court date. You also agree to putting your money or property at risk, and paying additional fees should the defendant fail to appear in court or fulfill their duties.
Before deciding to agree to all these conditions, speak with your bail bonds in Denver. Make sure that you are clear on your responsibilities and can fulfill them. The defendant also needs to know what is at stake should they fail to appear in trials or follow court orders.
Get help from a bail bonds company with decades of quality and reliable service. Contact Denver Luceros Bail Bonds today!
