Posting a bail bond for someone comes with responsibilities and obligations. It doesn’t only involve the person in jail because you are putting your name and even your possessions on the line for someone else’s freedom.
This is why you have to make sure you’re prepared by asking critical questions to yourself about the jailed person, about the rules pertaining to bonds, and your own availability to attend to the process. Answer these questions before deciding whether to bail someone out or not.
Do You Really Know the Person?
Because you’re shouldering financial responsibility for the person you’re bailing out, you need to know that you can trust them. This is to ensure that the defendant will not miss a court appearance to prevent the bail from being revoked.
If the bail is revoked, you will be required to settle the bond’s full amount. This is why you need to decide based on how well you know and trust the person. You should also obtain the defendant’s personal information, such as home and family’s home addresses, employer’s office or school, and places the person usually goes.
Do You Understand the Bail Bond Policy?
Similar to an insurance policy, obtaining Los Angeles bail bonds comes with conditions and rules. As the legally responsible person for the defendant, you are obligated to fully understand all the regulations that you need to follow.
Keep in mind that purchasing a bail bond means that you are spending money on a non-refundable premium. If the bond is revoked or the defendant fails to meet the court’s conditions, it’s you who will have to settle all the financial obligations associated with the bond.
Can You Stay Involved?
Do you have time to spend on monitoring the defendant’s whereabouts and making sure they attend all court dates? Your involvement is essential in making sure that the bond remains intact and that you avoid all the financial risks incumbent to failing to comply with court orders.
Before signing any contracts, assess your personal situation first, and then determine whether you can commit to such a responsibility.
Bailing out a friend or a family member is a compassionate thing to do. However, you should also think about the risks before committing to anything. This way, you can make an informed decision that can help you avoid any problems that may arise.
Sources of Posting a Bail Bond:
How to decide if you should bail someone out of jail when arrested, expertbeacon.com
How to Bail Someone Out of Jail, thelawdictionary.org
