When you co-sign a bond for defendant, you are the indemnitor and as such, become legally and financially responsible for making sure the defendant is present at all court appearances and fulfills all of their court mandated obligations.
The common thinking when families hear that a loved one was arrested is to wait for advisory or first appearance. After all, if they had a large bond it could be decreased and with good luck they might just be released on their own recognizance.
What can I do if the person responsible for my bond is using it as leverage to take advantage of me?
