Unless you are deemed particularly dangerous or a flight risk, you can be released on bail after an arrest. This provides many benefits such as being able to keep your job. However, bail is expensive, so many people turn to bail bond agents for surety loans. To qualify, however, you'll need a co-signer. The co-signer has a lot of responsibilities, but they also have rights, so keep reading to learn more.

They Pay the Premium, Bail, and/or Post Collateral
Bail bond agents need to make money to stay in business. They do this by charging a premium for bail bonds. The premium is typically about 10 percent of the total bail amount, and unlike the actual bail, it is non-refundable. Most bail bond agents require full payment (or an agreement to a payment plan) before bail is posted on your behalf.

The agent recoups the bail bond amount after you've attended your hearing, regardless of the verdict. However, if you don't attend the hearing, your co-signer could be held responsible for the entire bail amount instead of just the premium.

If the agent is still struggling to get paid, they may sue you and/or your co-signer. Because of the risk, your co-signer may be required to post collateral, such as real estate. As with any loan, the bail bond agent can seize the collateral to recoup their loss.

They Can Add Stipulations
A co-signer's biggest responsibility is to ensure you attend your hearing. Of course, this doesn't mean they just ensure you go to your first hearing. They must make sure you attend every hearing or court proceedings, including plea hearings and sentencing.

However, to protect themselves, a co-signer can request additional stipulations. For example, if you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crime, and this is a reoccurring problem, your cosigner may ask that you are required to undergo drug testing and/or addiction counseling to reduce the risk of a second crime while you're out on bail.

Luckily, for the co-signer, they have no responsibility to ensure you follow through with these stipulations. However, that does not mean the bail bond agent and/or courts won't revoke your bail or bail bond. In fact, the courts may have included a set of stipulations themselves before releasing you on bail.

They Can Change Their Mind at Any Time
It's important to keep open communication with your co-signer because they have the right to change their mind at any point. Therefore, if you suddenly start ignoring their calls, they may get scared you aren't taking it seriously and change their mind.

Similarly, if you continue partaking in dangerous activities such as drinking, hanging out with bad influences, contacting a victim, etc., your co-signer may decide it's no longer worth the risk. All they have to do is contact the bail bond agent and cancel the bond. Naturally, if your co-signer fears you won't attend your hearing, they will most assuredly cancel the bond so they don't end up financially responsible for your mistake.

If your co-singer does cancel the bond, you have to go back to jail. If you broke the conditions of your bail or made it clear you aren't going to attend your hearing, the courts may even revoke your bail entirely. Even if they don't, however, it may be hard to find a co-signer and lender who trusts you.

You don't have to post bail, but there are many benefits, such as being able to be there for your children. If you choose a bail bond, however, you will need a co-signer. If you would like to learn more, contact us at A-Action Bail Bonds today.