If someone you care about is in jail, your first instinct may be to help. And for many people, that means stepping in as a cosigner on a bail bond.
But cosigning is a big legal and financial responsibility—not just a gesture of support. It can affect your credit, your assets, and even your peace of mind if things don’t go as planned.
Whether you're in Raleigh, Durham, or anywhere in North Carolina, here’s what it really means to cosign a bail bond and how to do it the smart way.
When you cosign a bail bond (also known as becoming an indemnitor), you’re legally agreeing to:
You’re essentially vouching for someone with your own financial security. That’s why it’s important to fully understand the process.
To see how the process works with a trusted, local provider, learn how the North Carolina bail process works with Big Mike.
You don’t need to be related to the person you’re helping, but you do need to meet a few basic requirements.
To be eligible, you must:
Bail agents will assess your ability to pay if something goes wrong—so stability and transparency are key. For more information on statewide bail policies, check out the North Carolina Department of Justice’s bail bond guidelines.
Once the paperwork is signed, your responsibilities begin.
You’re expected to:
If the defendant skips court, you could:
Need a more detailed legal explanation? Read our blog on what to know before cosigning in North Carolina.
Collateral is sometimes required to secure the bond, especially in high-risk or high-bond cases.
Common forms of collateral include:
Collateral acts as a safety net for the bail bond agency. If the bond is forfeited due to the defendant missing court, your collateral may be used to cover the loss.
Have questions about collateral or what’s at risk? We’re here to explain it all.
Yes, but there are limits.
If the bond hasn’t yet been posted, you can often withdraw your cosigner agreement by contacting the bond agent. However, if the defendant has already been released, revoking your support gets more complicated.
In some cases, you can request the bond to be withdrawn and the defendant to be returned to custody, especially if they’re violating terms or threatening to flee. This is handled on a case-by-case basis, and Big Mike Bail Bonds can walk you through your options.
When the defendant fails to appear in court, several things happen quickly:
Want to better understand the risks? Here’s what happens when someone misses a court date.
Yes. For larger bonds, multiple cosigners may be accepted to share the financial burden or risk.
If the defendant follows all court conditions and no collateral is used, you typically won’t owe anything additional. If collateral was involved, it is returned once the bond is discharged and the case is closed.
You’re responsible until the legal case is fully resolved. That could be weeks or several months, depending on the court schedule.
Helping someone get out of jail is a powerful act of support, but it’s also a serious financial commitment. Cosigning means you’re tying your future to someone else’s choices.
At Big Mike Bail Bonds, we believe in transparency. We explain every step of the process, answer your questions honestly, and give you the information you need to make a smart decision.
Thinking about cosigning? Contact Big Mike today. We’ll help you weigh the risks and understand exactly what’s involved—no pressure, no confusion, just straight talk.