This process involves an undertaking guaranteed by a bail agent and the individual posting bail. The bail agent guarantees to the court to have the defendant appear in court whenever they are appointed to by the judge.
To be represented by the bail agent, the defendant is charged a percentage of the bail amount. Before being released the defendant,relative, or friend of the defendant typically contacts a bail agent to arrange for the posting of bail. Prior to the posting of a bail bond, the defendant or a co-signer must guarantee that they will pay the full amount of bail if the defendant does not appear in court.
Usually, a family member or a close friend of the defendant will post bail and cosign. Often a person can be bailed from jail on the signature of a friend or family member. Cosigners are generally required to be working and either own or rent a home in the same area for some time.
After an agreement is reached, the bail agent posts a bond for the amount of the bail and guarantees the defendant's return to court. The recently bailed person is required to report to the Bondsman on a weekly basis announcing his presence and signing in the weekly log.
If the defendant fails to do this, the cosigner is immediately responsible for the full amount of the bail. If the defendant is located and arrested by the bail agent the cosigner is responsible for all expenses the bail agent incurs while pursuing the defendant.
