Would a surety be in trouble?
By clorissa123
@clorissa123 (4926)
United States
May 4, 2009 2:49pm CST
It happened two weeks ago. A friend of mine was arrested for reckless driving, and she didn't bring her license with her. I went to bail her out from the jail with a payment of $700.00 from her mom. In the detention center, they wanted me to sign sort of surety form, and so I did. Now, the courthouse send a notification of the court date for her to appear on court next month, but the letter was sent to my house as noted for surety. On the letter, it mentioned that if that person won't show up, it might be charged for additional $65.00; or submitted for bench warrant arrest. If she didn't show up on that court date, would I be in trouble too as a surety? I just want to know. Because I am a little bit worry, and why the letter sent to my house. I just did a good faith to bail her out.
4 responses
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
4 May 09
Eeks, I am not sure. I would call the court house and ask. that way you know to get up extra early that morning to escort your friend to her court hearing.
How silly to not pack her license with her.
Sorry to say this but your friend seems very irresponsible.
I would be sure to contact the authorities and ask them about this surety. Ask them where that leaves you if perhaps she fails to show for her hearing.
I understand that you did this out of the goodness of your heart but sometimes it is best to not get involved.
Like why couldn't her Mom go and bail her out instead of you?
Bless your kind heart. I hope that all this is dealt with and over in no time so you have not to worry about it anymore.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
5 May 09
As far as I know a bench warrant won't be issued for you because you're not the person directed to appear but you may be held responsible for the additional fee. The document you signed more or less indicated that you would guarantee that she appear in court. If you have concerns about this you should not only talk to the court but also talk to your friend and to her mother. This is why one should always be careful who they bail out of jail.
@celticrogue (450)
• United States
4 May 09
I would do as noted above. Bail money is usually held in lieu of court costs and fines, in order to assure that the person arrested will show in court on the appointed date. I think that usually (here in Arizona) the surety form is signed by bailbondsmen, to guarrantee the presence of the arrested person in court. If she does not show, then that warrant for arrest is for her, and the bail is forfeit, with additional costs. But as noted above, I'd definitely call the courthouse to clarify your responsibilities, if any.
Good Luck.
And if I was in your place, I'd be at her place bright and early, grab her by the scruff of her neck, and drag her behind down to the courthouse!
@deedeehall (1144)
• United States
4 May 09
i wish i could help you out alittle more . i dont even know what surety means? i think the judge will know enough to see that you were only trying to help a friend. i do agree some one needs to talk to your friend about being a little more mature . she sure is lucky to have you for a friend.
