If the defendant does not sign the undertaking bond, is the bondsman still responsible?

• A. Not at all
• B. Only if court approves
• C. Yes
• D. No

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that a bail bond creates a contract in which the bondsman agrees to guarantee the defendant’s appearance and to pay the bond amount if the defendant fails to appear. That obligation is with the bondsman to the court, not dependent on whether the defendant signs the undertaking. Once the bondsman signs and posts the bond, the bondsman is responsible for the full amount if the defendant doesn’t show or violates conditions, even if the defendant does not sign. The court can seek forfeiture from the bondsman, and the bondsman may pursue reimbursement or collateral from the defendant or others. So, the bondsman remains responsible regardless of the defendant’s signature.