Can a Cosigner of a Bond Go to Jail?
No, a cosigner does not go to jail if the defendant skips court, but they face serious financial and legal consequences.
What Happens if the Defendant Skips Court?
- Financial Responsibility
- The cosigner agreed to pay the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear.
- If the court forfeits the bond, the cosigner may owe the entire bail amount.
- Loss of Collateral
- If the cosigner used property, a car, or other assets to secure the bond, the bail bondsman can seize and sell the collateral to recover losses.
- Legal Action
- The bail bondsman may sue the cosigner for the unpaid bond amount.
- Wage garnishment or asset liens may be used to recover the debt.
- Bounty Hunters May Be Sent
- The bondsman can hire a bounty hunter to track down the defendant, increasing costs for the cosigner.
When Can a Cosigner Face Criminal Charges?
- If the cosigner helps the defendant flee, they could be charged with aiding and abetting or obstruction of justice.
- Lying on a bail bond application (e.g., false financial information) may result in fraud charges.
Bottom Line
A cosigner will not go to jail for the defendant skipping court, but they risk losing money, assets, and legal trouble if the bond is forfeited.
