Useful Information and Forms for Co-Signer / Indemnitor

Indemnitor/Co-signer Responsibility

It is the responsibility of the indemnitor to see that the premium is paid and the defendant appears in court. A bail bond is an appearance bond and is good for one year. If the case continues longer than a year, an additional premium is due and is collected for each additional year. These premiums are not refundable.

Any expenses incurred in the transaction of a bail bond are to be paid by the indemnitor to the bail agent.

If the defendant or indemnitor changes addresses or employment, it is the responsibility of the Indemnitor to notify the agent within 48 hours.

If the Defendant Does Not Appear…

The defendant is obligated by the bail agreement to appear at each court appearance required by the court. The failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of the bond. As an indemnitor, you would be required to  immediately bring the defendant in to reinstate the bond or surrender him/her back into custody. In case of a forfeiture and summary judgment, it is the duty of the indemnitor to pay the full amount of the bail.

Failure to act immediately can add up court costs and expenses/fees if legal action is taken. The law provides that the associated expenses cannot exceed the face amount of the bond.

Getting Off the Bond Liability…

You are no longer liable for the defendant’s bond when he/she has completed all of their court appearances, and when all premiums and expenses have been paid. In the event of forfeiture, the indemnitor is liable until the full penal amount of the bail has been paid or the defendant properly appears in court. The bond will then be exonerated and you will no longer be liable.

If you have any further questions regarding the liability of the indemnitor, please ask and we will be happy to answer them.