Posting Bail for a Friend: What to Know

4 November 2022
Categories: Finance & Money, Blog

If a friend is in jail, you can help them get out by posting bail. Read below to find out what you need to know about posting a bail bond for a friend.

Bail Bonds

Bail allows those in jail an opportunity to be released. The judge has to offer bail and set the bail amount. Bail can be expensive, and using a bail bonding company is a lot more affordable. Bail bonding companies are often located near jails and courthouses to make things more convenient for loved ones and friends who want to post bail.

A bail bond is purchased using what is called a premium. The premium is what you pay instead of the full price of the bail charged by the court. Those bailing someone out pay a percentage of the full bail. The amount varies but you can phone a local bail bonding company and find out how much the premium costs are based on your friend's bail amount. Once you pay for the bail bond, your friend will be released when the jail processes them. Bail bonds can result in a release from jail, but your friend should be ready to follow the rules and attend all court hearings. If not, they could end up back in jail.

What to Know About Cosigner Requirements

Though some bail bonding companies set their own rules, many have the same general guidelines for the bail bond cosigner:

Must be at least 18 years of age
Must have photo identification
Must provide Social Security number
Must provide several references. That means the names and contact information of several friends and relatives.
If the bail bond is a high amount, the cosigner could be required to undergo a credit check and show proof of employment.

Cosigner Responsibilities

It's in your best interest to ensure that your friend follows all the bail conditions and appears in court as ordered. If not, your friend's bail could be revoked. That means they are now out on bail without the legal right to do so. In most cases, your friend will be arrested and charged with a failure to appear or other charges.

In some cases, you could be responsible for paying the full amount of the bail if your friend skips bail and cannot be located. That is why it's important to keep up with your friend while they are out on bail and offer to take them to court if they need a ride. To find out more about bail bonds and cosigners, speak to an all-hours bail bond agent.

About Me

People warned me about taking out short-term loans, especially payday loans. What I found is that if I manage them responsibly, they come in very handy. On more than one occasion, these simple loans have helped me out of difficult situations. They took care of emergency car repairs, and provided the cash I needed to pay bills and avoid incurring late fees. I always repaid them on time, and the lender rewarded me by increasing the limit on how much I can borrow. If you are thinking of securing a payday loan, let me tell you what to look for in a lender. I'll also help you understand the commitment that you are assuming. With responsible use, I know you will find these loans as helpful for you as they've been for me.