What is my legal obligations regarding the payment of someone else’s bail?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

What is my legal obligations regarding the payment of someone else’s bail?

I signed for my niece’s bail but only put up 1% of the 10%. When she got out, she signed that she would pay the balance. She stopped paying and now they are contacting me. She’s already been to court so that’s not an issue, it’s just the remaining balance.

Asked on September 17, 2012 under Criminal Law, Maryland

Answers:

B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

A bail bond is a contract between the bondsman, the state, the defendant, and sometimes an indemnitor.  An indemnitor is like a co-signer.  Like any contract, your rights, duties, or protections are outlined in that agreement.  If you don't have a copy of everything that you signed, you need to request a copy before you do anything.  If you did not sign anything that made you a co-signer, then you have no obligation to pay any future bail amounts.  If you did sign part of the agreement and it says that you agreed to assume payments in her default, then you would be contractually liable to pay the balance. 

The bonding company may just be trying to squeeze a little money out of the person they think has money-- so request documentation before you make any more payments.  Also call your neice and nag her to take care of her payments.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption