Picture this, someone you love is arrested and charged with a crime. As usual, they can post bail to secure their release from jail as they await trial. Unfortunately, your friend or relative has insufficient money to post bail. So, they approach and request you to post bail for them. They promise to pay you back once they get back on their feet. However, you can only help them by accepting to be a cosigner on their bail bond. You agree to become a cosigner.
However, a few weeks or months down the line, your trusted friend or relative decides to jump bail, leaving you to face the consequences on your own. You are frustrated and confused at the same time. Don't worry; Golden Boy Bail Bonds is here to bail you out.
This guide will discuss what happens if a trusted friend or relative jumps bail and you are the cosigner. We will discuss the legal and financial implications of being a cosigner and how to protect yourself.
First Things: What Does it Mean to Be a Cosigner on a Bail Bond?
After you have been arrested and charged, you will be allowed to pay the bail amount to secure your release. But what happens if you can't pay the bail amount? Well, one of the options you have is to request one of your close friends or family member to cosign for you. Simply put, a cosigner is someone who agrees to pay the total amount of the bail for you. In exchange, you will be expected to attend all the court hearings so your friend or relative can get their money back. Your cosigner will sign a legal contract with the bail bond company you are working with. The agreement contains the terms and conditions of the bail bond amount.
Why Do People Jump Bail?
Now that you know who a cosigner is, the next question you might have in mind is why someone may choose to jump bail. Unfortunately, your trusted friend or relative may decide to jump bail despite your best efforts to make them honor the agreement.
Some of the most common reasons why many defendants jump bail include the following:
Defendants facing more serious charges may be afraid of spending time in jail.
Some run away because they are overwhelmed by the financial burden.
In some cases, defendants decide to run away if they believe the legal system is biased against them.
Defendants with negative experiences with the criminal justice system will also likely jump bail.
Others choose to flee after receiving threats.
Defendants dealing with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety might be overwhelmed by the trial.
Those with children or other family members who depend on them may feel that jumping bail is the only way to protect their loved ones from the legal implications.
Other reasons defendants choose to jump bail include substance abuse issues, lack of a strong support system, and false accusations. However, jumping bail is an illegal offense with significant implications for the defendant and their cosigner. So, none of these reasons excuse the decision to jump bail.
Why You Should Never Jump Bail: Consequences for the Defendant
When you post bail, you assure the court that you will appear for all your hearings and appearances. This gives you the opportunity to go back home to your loved ones and continue working as you prove your innocence. You will have more severe legal and financial implications when you choose to break this agreement. Whenever you miss a court appearance due to sickness or any other reason, contact your bail bond company as soon as possible. The bail bond agents will request the court to reschedule the appearance or hearing. However, the court can decide to turn down your request.
In some cases, it can also consider your bond forfeit. This means that your cosigner will not recover the total amount of the bail bond. As a result, they will be responsible for paying the premium.
In California, jumping bail, refusing to attend court appearances or hearings, or freeing a criminal trial are serious crimes. The court will charge you under California Penal Code 1320.5 if you miss a court appearance or hearing and fail to contact the court within 14 days.
If you jumped bail while on a misdemeanor charge, you run the risk of being charged with another misdemeanor charge of jumping bail. This can result in up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Similarly, you will face an additional felony charge if you choose to jump bail on a felony charge. You might also be sentenced to up to one year in jail. The court can also sentence you to 16 months, two, or three years in prison. You might also be fined up to $10,000 or sentenced to both a fine and imprisonment.
Consequences of Jumping Bail for the Cosigner
You will take on a significant financial and legal responsibility when you decide to cosign for a loved one's bail. If the defendant decides to jump bail and fails to honor the bail agreement, you will be responsible for the total amount of the bail bond. This means you will pay a large amount of money to the bail bond agent. Besides the financial consequences, you will also face legal implications as the cosigner.
For starters, the bail bond company you are working with will probably hire a bounty hunter to find the defendant if they cannot be located. In most cases, you will be expected to compensate the bounty hunter. Sometimes the bail bond company might sue you if you cannot pay the bounty hunter. This also means you will have to appear in court to defend yourself.
If the bounty hunter manages to locate the defendant and bring them back to the court, you might also have to appear to give more details about the situation. This is a stressful and time-consuming process that will negatively impact the quality of your life.
It's worth noting that the consequences for the cosigner vary from one situation to another based on the legal situation and the terms and conditions of the bail bond agreement. So, always take your time to check the terms of your contract before becoming a cosigner.
What Can You Do as a Cosigner if Someone Jumps Bail?
As mentioned, you will face several legal and financial consequences if the defendant decides to jump bail when you are the cosigner.
Fortunately, you can follow various steps to protect yourself from these consequences, including:
✅ Contact the defendant directly or through a lawyer or other family members to encourage them to return to court
✅ Contact the bail bond company immediately to inform them that the defendant has fled. The bail bond company will use its resources and strategies to find the defendant as soon as possible
✅ Work with a professional bounty hunter to find the defendant
✅ Suppose you suspect that the defendant has fled to another state or country. In that case, it is prudent to work with law enforcement in the relevant jurisdiction to locate and apprehend the defendant.
✅ Once the defendant has been located and taken back to court, make sure to appear at court hearings to give the court more details about the situation.
✅ Consult with a licensed lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and make sure your interests are protected
Work with an Experienced Bail Bond Agent Today
At Golden Boy Bail Bonds, we understand how difficult it is when someone jumps bail, and you are the cosigner. We know that it is a stressful and frustrating situation for you. That's why our experienced bail bond agents are ready to help you navigate this difficult situation. Contact Golden Boy Bail Bonds online or call our offices at 619-231-0200 to find our nearest location.