I Cosigned and He Jumped Bail

[civicex]

I am in Texas. I posted and cosigned on a bond for my cousin. He then jumped bail and fled the day before court. I have been helpful to the bondsman and their insurance company, but I am sure he is out of the country. Ok, I know I am responsible for the bond money (29k). The bondsman is threatening me that he will have a warrant issued for theft of services. I understand this is a 3rd degree felony. I tried to work out a payment plan with them, but they want 10k down, which is impossible for me to do. So my question is, what is going to happen? If they get the warrant issued, I am sure I can bond out. Would this be something I can get probation on and pay restitution? I support my wife and two small kids, and cant afford jail time.

(a hard lesson learned)

----not too sure if this is the right subforum, if a mod needs to move it, plz do

[M'sta Mikey]

No one here will be able to tell you what the courts/judge will do, if it ever gets to that point.

Honestly, you need an attorney, like last week.

[LawResearcherMissy]

What Mikey said. Get a lawyer as fast as you're able, and if you've got access to anything that will help you reach into the past and get one then, do it.

I hope your cousin eventually slinks back so you can take him out back and beat him with a stout stick.

[BOR]

The bondsman is threatening me that he will have a warrant issued for theft of services. I understand this is a 3rd degree felony.

This is TX's statute for such. In order to secure an arrest warrant, the Bondsman, in thier affidavit in support of, will have to show at least a prima facie case you violated one of the subsections. Then there will be a determination by the court to issue a warrant based upon probable cause.

If you have not defacto violated any provision here, and are arrested, plead innocent and stand your ground.



PENAL CODE
TITLE 7. OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY
CHAPTER 31. THEFT

Sec. 31.04. THEFT OF SERVICE



http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.u...ate=10/29/2008

[civicex]

Thank you.

[kist]

/agrees with bor