What might a bondsman require from a co-signer?

A bondsman typically requires collateral or a financial guarantee from a co-signer to ensure that the bail amount will be covered in case the defendant fails to appear in court. This collateral can take various forms, such as real estate, vehicles, or other valuable assets, and acts as a security for the bondsman. By obtaining collateral, the bondsman reduces the risk associated with issuing bail, since they have a means to recover their losses if necessary.

The requirement for collateral is a standard practice in the bail bond industry, as it provides added assurance that the co-signer is financially committed to the process. This security stipulation reflects the bondsman's need to mitigate the financial risks involved in guaranteeing a defendant’s release from custody. While other options may play a role in the larger context of the bonding process, the expectation of collateral or financial guarantees directly addresses the security concerns inherent in the bail bonding system.