- Read through all the qualifications and Q & A listed below
- Fill out the co-signer/3rd party custodian application clearly, completely, and accurately
- Submit the application along with your state driver’s license or state identification card
- Wait to be contacted by a U.S. Pretrial Services Officer for approval/denial and further information
- Must be able to verify the defendant’s personal information provided to U.S. Pretrial Services
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident of the United States
- Must be a direct relative or close acquaintance of the defendant
- Must be employed OR own personal assets
- Must have no pending criminal charges or extensive criminal history. A criminal history check will be completed on each applicant. Any criminal history will be evaluated on case-to-case basis
*FINAL APPROVAL IS DEPENDANT ON PRESIDING MAGISTRAGE JUDGE*
*IF YOU DO NOT MEET ALL THE QUALIFICATIONS LISTED ABOVE, YOU ARE STILL ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION (APPROVAL IS NOT GUARANTEED)
*SUBMITTING FALSE INFORMAION ON THIS APPLICATION CAN RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION*
Q & A
Q: What does it mean to be a cosigner/3rd party custodian?
A: As a cosigner/3rd party custodian you will agree to supervise the defendant in accordance with all conditions of release, to use every effort to assure the appearance of the defendant at all scheduled court proceedings, and to notify the court immediately in the event the defendant violates any conditions of release or nonappearance.
Q: Do I need to be employed? Do I qualify if I receive disability?
A: To qualify as a cosigner/3rd party custodian, you must be employed and be able to show proof of employment. If you are not employed but receive disability or own personal assets such as a house, property or land valued at $20,000 or more you may qualify to sign a bond.
Q: Does the defendant have to reside at my residence? Can the defendant reside on his own?
A: The defendant must reside with the approved cosigner/3rd party custodian unless the presiding Judge allows the defendant to reside separately. If allowed to reside separately, the cosigner/3rd party custodian and the defendant must reside in the same city and in close proximately to one another.
Q: Can I co-sign if I am currently on probation, have any pending charges or past felony convictions?
A: No, if you are currently on probation, have any pending charges or extensive criminal history (including felony convictions) you will not qualify as a cosigner/3rd party custodian, unless authorized by the presiding Judge.
Q: Do I need to travel to where the defendant is located to cosign on a bond?
A: If approved as cosigner/3rd party custodian by Pretrial Services, you will need to make arrangements to travel to the designated courthouse for a bond release hearing. The bond release hearing will be held before a Magistrate Judge and the defendant will be released to your custody that same day.
Q: Do I need a bondsman? Do I need to pay any money to the Court?
A: A bondsman is not required in Federal Court. All bond matters are handled directly through the Court and U.S. Pretrial Services. In most cases, there is no need to pay any money upfront to the Court unless ordered by the Judge. In special instances, the Judge may order a security deposit be paid to release the defendant.
Q: Can I show up unannounced and without prior approval to bond out a defendant?
A: No, please avoid showing up unannounced and without prior approval by Pretrial Services. A Bond Release hearing must be scheduled in advance so the defendant can be brought into court to be released. If you should show up unannounced, there is no guarantee the defendant will be released that day.
If you have any further questions, please contact the U.S. Pretrial Services Office
at 830-703-2096 or the defendant’s attorney.