All state bail release systems are judged by an obscure provision in the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits “excessive bail.” Over the years, these two words have given birth to a complex pretrial release system that varies in different states. The lack of agreement has generated changes to bail systems across the nation. As outlined below, Connecticut’s jail release system favorably compares nationally to other states in three key categories.

Finance-based jail release, a system that’s worked well for thousands of years, is complex because the issues are so divisive. Accused criminals cannot be locked up and forgotten about, yet they cannot pose a threat to public safety. Most states never find the middle ground. Connecticut’s bail system is one of the rare exceptions.

The Constitution State has an excellent jail release system through surety in place, but only the best Hartford bail bondsman can explain the accountability benefits of a surety bond. Several alternatives are available. Some don’t require the direct intervention of a bail bondsman. But they all require the services of a jail release professional, and that’s what we’re here for.

Connecticut’s Bail System Compares Favorably with Other States

Jail Release Access

Connecticut has three primary jail release alternatives. The three-tiered system hits the no-excessive-bail requirement right down the middle. So, on this point, Connecticut’s jail release system compares favorably with other states.

The system goes into motion when officers bring arrested persons to jail. Typically, the arresting agency almost immediately sets a presumptive bail amount. This presumptive amount is usually based on the nature of the charges and the defendant’s criminal record, if any. Next, the wheels start turning, as follows:

• Pretrial Services: If the defendant cannot make bail, the arresting law enforcement officer must notify CSSD (Court Services Support Division) Pretrial Services. Based on the results of an interview, Pretrial Services Staff can increase or decrease the bail amount. Note that the decision must be based on the interview alone, which must focus on certain factors.
• Percent Cash Bail Option: If the revised bail amount is under $50,000, a refundable percent cash option is automatically available. A judge, who can add or remove the cash percent option, has the final say at a bail reduction hearing. This is a risky option as the person paying this cash only percentage is fully liable for the entire bond amount to be paid to the state if the defendant fails to appear.
• Bail Bond: This is the surety bail available for all. Regardless of the bail amount, bondsmen can post bail bonds in Connecticut. A licensed bail bondsman may, for a nonrefundable fee, post a person’s bail. In return, if the defendant skips bail, the bonding company has resources to bring fugitives back to justice.
• Cash Bail: This jail release option for the wealthy is also the most expensive one. Once the full amount is posted at a police department where a person is detained, at a courthouse, or at the Department of Corrections facility where the client is being held, the defendant is released. Most of this amount could be refundable once the case is resolved. However, the bond appearance states deposit will be returned less fees/fines that may have incurred.

Bail-ending resolutions are pretrial diversion, acquittal at trial, dismissal of the complaint or information, and judicial sentencing.

At a bail reduction hearing, and also during the aforementioned CSSD-Pretrial Services interview, the factors to consider are the nature and circumstances of the offense, as well as the defendant’s criminal record, including past record of appearance in court. After being admitted to bail, local family ties, financial resources, character and mental condition, employment record, and community ties.

Number of Unsentenced Inmates

As mentioned, innocent people (and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty) shouldn’t be locked up, and potentially dangerous people shouldn’t be set free. So, the percentage of unsentenced inmates in local jails may be one of the most important comparative tools.

Connecticut has one of the lowest unsentenced inmate percentages in the United States. In terms of nationwide comparison, that status could be favorable or unfavorable, depending on your perspective.

A low figure probably means the system quickly processes inmates who are entitled to release under the Eighth Amendment. However, a low figure also means that the state’s release process is perilously close to revolving door justice.

Amount of Money Spent

Most people would agree that jails should be uncomfortable, but they shouldn’t be torture chambers. Per capita inmate spending reveals a state’s location on this scale. The current Connecticut bail system saves thousands of dollars per inmate daily when they are released on surety bond.

At $102,942 per inmate, Connecticut is on the high end. For comparison purposes, Mississippi is the lowest ($23,825) and Massachusetts is the highest ($307,468). This comparison is a bit deceiving because Massachusetts’ per capita inmate spending is more than twice as high as the budget in any other state.

As a rule of thumb, low-spending states provide facilities, pay guards, and that’s about it. States with higher spending levels, like Connecticut, often offer additional services to inmates, such as additional rehabilitation programs, drug treatment centers, and juvenile justice initiatives.

Connecticut’s bail system may not be perfect, but offers a personalized trait benefitting the accused directly. By using the CCSD system, each arrestee is evaluated to have impartial treatment. Unlike other states, the accused in Connecticut goes through a detailed interview to consider bail.