Getting a call asking you to bail someone out of jail is stressful, and if you don’t know the system, minor missteps can unintentionally stretch out the timeline for your loved one’s release from detention.
While the case’s specifics ultimately determine the availability and cost of bail, knowing what a bondsman will expect when you show up looking for a bail bond, and being organized, can speed along posting a bond.
This blog post will help you get organized so that before you call a bondsman, and before you go in to co-sign, you will be ready. While a bondsman may ask for additional or slightly different information than what we’ll cover here, this should give you a general idea of what to expect, and bring with.
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Who Can Co-Sign a Bail Bond?
Co-signing on a bail bond requires that you:
- Are at least 18;
- Have valid government-issued ID (like a driver’s license, state ID, or passport);
- Are financially capable of being responsible for the bond;
- Will take on all the responsibilities found in the bond agreement.
A bail bondsman may ask about your relationship to the defendant, to confirm you are not an unrelated party being coerced into posting a bond or engaged in criminality surrounding the arrested party.
Handy Co-signer Checklist
If you qualify to co-sign, you can use the following sections as a checklist for what to prepare and bring with you to a bail bondsman’s office. You can reference this document online, or even print it out.
Essential Identification to Bring
You should bring one or more pieces of government-issued photo ID with you when visiting a bondsman. Valid ID includes:
- Your driver’s license
- Your passport
- Your state ID
Because co-signing on a bail bond requires entering into a binding financial agreement with a bail bondsman, you must be able to prove who you are; to confirm you can legally sign the contract and assure you can be reached if the contract is breached or requires enforcement (e.g., if the defendant misses court and you owe full bail).
Information About the Defendant to Bring
Prepare the following information about the person arrested:
- Arrested party’s full legal name
- Arrested party’s date of birth (if you have it)
- The name of the jail where they are being held
- Booking number (if you have it)
- Charges they’re being held on (if you know them)
If you don’t have all of this, that’s fine, but having it on hand can speed up the process.
Proof of Residence or Employment to Bring (When Requested)
You may be asked to provide additional financial information before co-signing on a bond, like:
- A utility bill (gas, electricity, etc.)
- Lease agreement for your apartment
- Mortgage statement
- Recent pay stub from your job
- Name of and contact information for your employer
The bondsman uses these documents to confirm your reliability, financial responsibility, and ability to pay and/or make on-time payments.
Payment Methods
Ask your bail bondsman how they accept payments (i.e., cash, credit/debit, or cashier’s check).
Many bondsmen offer financing and installment plans for larger bonds; inquire if you might need these services.
Be Prepared to Sign Legal Documents
Co-signing requires signing a couple legally-binding documents, such as a:
- Bail bond agreement: establishes the bail bond.
- Indemnity agreement: sets out responsibilities under different conditions.
- Payment agreement: establishes the cost the co-signer will pay.
- Receipt documentation: confirmation you received adequate explanation on everything.
As a bond co-signer, you accept financial responsibility if the defendant skips court or ignores bond conditions, which can mean you cover the full bail cost. Consider that before signing.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
Make sure you are clear on the answers to the following questions:
What is the total premium?
A reputable bondsman will explain what you owe, when, with no surprises.
Are payment plans available?
Payment plans can help cover big bonds premiums in installments.
What happens if the defendant misses court?
Know what financial risk you’re assuming; it can be significant.
Are there additional fees?
Reputable bondsmen will not conceal or tack on undisclosed fees.
What responsibilities do I have as the co-signer?
A bondsman should clearly lay out all your responsibilities under any potential scenarios.
Tips to Speed Up the Process
To potentially speed up the process of bailing someone out:
- Call a bail bondsman immediately on getting news of the arrest.
- Ask if electronic paperwork is available online, to finish before going into the bondsman’s office.
- Be organized: Gather the information on the above checklist. Write things down. Carry requested documents in a folder.
- Bring the correct payment method.
Co-Sign With Confidence
River City Bail Bonds will help you bail someone out fast, and explain all your responsibilities when you do with no surprises. Call River City Bail Bonds now!
Frequently Asked Questions about What to Bring When Posting a Bail Bond
What documents do I need to co-sign for a bail bond? Most bail bond agencies will ask for a valid government-issued photo ID. Depending on the circumstances, you may also need proof of residence, proof of employment, or financial documentation. Having information about the defendant, such as their full name, booking number, and the jail where they are being held, can also help speed up the process.
Can I co-sign a bail bond if I’m not a family member? Yes. A co-signer does not have to be a family member, but the bail bond company will usually ask about your relationship to the defendant. They want to ensure you understand your responsibilities and are voluntarily agreeing to the bond.
What happens if I don’t have all of the defendant’s information? Don’t worry. A bail bondsman can often locate missing information, such as the booking number or jail location. However, providing as much information as possible can help reduce delays and get the release process started more quickly.
Do I need good credit to co-sign a bail bond? Not necessarily. Credit requirements vary by bail bond company and the size of the bond. Some bonds may require additional financial documentation or collateral, while others may qualify for financing regardless of your credit history.
How long does it take to complete the co-signing process? If you have your identification, payment method, and required documents ready, completing the paperwork often takes less than an hour. The total release time depends on how quickly the jail processes the defendant after the bond is posted.
Can I complete bail bond paperwork online? Many bail bond companies offer electronic paperwork that allows you to complete forms before arriving at the office or, in some cases, remotely. Ask your bail bondsman whether online paperwork is available for your situation.
What payment methods do bail bond companies typically accept? Many bail bond companies accept cash, credit cards, debit cards, cashier’s checks, and money orders. Some also offer payment plans for qualifying customers. It’s always best to confirm accepted payment methods before visiting the office.
What are my responsibilities after I co-sign a bail bond? As a co-signer, you are financially responsible for the bond if the defendant fails to appear in court or violates the bond agreement. You should also help ensure the defendant understands and follows all court dates and bond conditions until the case is resolved.
Can someone else take over as the co-signer later? In some situations, a bail bond company may allow a different qualified person to assume co-signer responsibilities, but this is not automatic. Any changes must be approved by the bail bond agency and documented with new paperwork.
What should I do before calling a bail bondsman? Before calling, gather the defendant’s name, the jail where they are being held, any booking information you have, your government-issued ID, and your preferred payment method. Having this information ready can help the bail bond process begin as quickly as possible.
