CT Bail Bonds vs. Self-Pay: Which Should You Choose?

If you or a loved one has been arrested, posting bail is the number one priority. CT Bail Bonds vs. self-pay as options, which makes the most sense? The state offers an automatic cash bail option for bonds up to $50,000, allowing you to secure release by paying a set percentage of the bond. You can also avoid paying the full bond amount by using a Connecticut bail bond agency, so which is the right choice for you or your loved one? Compare the upfront costs, payment methods, and other critical factors to determine if self-pay or a CT bail bond agent is the right choice.

Upfront Costs: Connecticut Bail Bonds vs. Cash Percent Option

With a median household income of $90,214, outsiders assume Connecticut residents can easily pay the state cash percentage if arrested. In reality, Connecticut has concentrated pockets of poverty and wealth and is second only to New York regarding income inequality.

There are also high levels of inequality regarding arrest rates. Those living in low-income areas are more likely to get arrested in Connecticut and the rest of the country. The following cities make up 17% of Connecticut’s population but represent over half of the state’s prison population:

• Hartford
  • Incarceration rate of 1,065 per 100,000 people
  • 9% poverty rate
• Waterbury
  • Incarceration rate of 931 per 100,000 people
  • 9% poverty rate
• Bridgeport
  • Incarceration rate of 903 per 100,000 people
  • 9% poverty rate
• New Haven
  • Incarceration rate of 801 per 100,000 people
  • 3% poverty rate
• New London
  • Incarceration rate of 797 per 100,000 people
  • 5% poverty rate
• New Britain
  • Incarceration rate of 683 per 100,000 people
  • 7% poverty rate

CT Bail Bonds vs. self-pay are quite different when it comes to affordability. Paying the state cash percentage is impossible for many low-income detainees. For example, people must pay over $3000 to get released when detained on a $50,000 bond. It can take months or longer for low-income individuals and their families to save enough money for the release.   

According to the Rules Committee of the Superior Court, the cash percentage option was implemented to help those with lower incomes. Unfortunately, this option disproportionately benefits wealthy people.

If you don’t have the financial resources to pay the state cash percentage, you can save money upfront with a CT bondsman service. Bail bond agents also charge a percentage based on the bond amount, but it’s not due at once. You can pay as little as 3% of the bond and set up an interest-free payment plan for the remaining balance.

Payment Options for Self-Pay and Bail Bonds

Connecticut courthouses, police departments, and correctional facilities only accept cash payments for bail. Even people with the money to pay the state cash percentage usually don’t have the funds on hand. If the cash bail percentage exceeds ATM withdrawal limits, they must visit the bank during operating hours. This can lead to delays in release if the arrest occurs outside of regular banking hours.

CT bail bond agencies provide flexibility by accepting numerous payment methods, such as cash, money orders, cash app, Venmo, credit cards, checks, and debit cards. You can pay in person or online, further accelerating the release process.

Accountability: CT Bail Bonds vs. Self-Pay

Connecticut doesn’t have mechanisms or safeguards in place to ensure defendants attend court dates after using the automatic cash bail option. Unfortunately, this can lead to high failure to appear rates. According to the Connecticut Sentencing Commission, around 4,000 people failed to appear in the first three years of using the new automatic cash bail system. Other reports state there were around 13,000 active arrest warrants due to missed court dates during that period. 

The self-pay cash percentage option makes the person paying the bail responsible for the full bond amount when the defendant misses court. See the language attached to appearance bonds for cash option bonds “I, the Depositor named above, understand that if the Defendant named above fails to appear in court as promised above, I will be liable for (have to pay) the full amount of bond, including the forfeiture (giving up) any amount that I already deposited.”

The mechanisms missing from the self-pay system are in place when using a Connecticut bail bond agency. Connecticut bail bondsmen forfeit the bond if the defendant doesn’t appear in court, incentivizing them to hold their clients accountable. They maintain contact with their clients and take the necessary actions to ensure they make all court appearances. This may include using bail enforcement agents to find and bring clients to court.

These mechanisms are essential for public safety and protect the accused. Defendants can avoid being re-arrested and assigned higher bonds by attending their court appearances.

Additional Support After Release

Connecticut’s criminal justice system is complicated and confusing, making it hard to navigate without experience or guidance. Unfortunately, those who self-pay with cash are left with lots of questions and few resources.

Fortunately, you can receive additional support by working with a CT bail bond agency. Bail bond agents are familiar with the judicial system and can answer your questions. They can also provide guidance and connect you with legal support if needed.

Contact the CT Bail Bond Agency that Specializes in Quick Release

 After comparing CT bail bonds vs. self-pay, the choice is yours to post bail so choose wisely. 3-D Bail Bonds is located directly across from the Hartford jail and provides bail bond services throughout Connecticut. We pride ourselves in providing the fastest service in Connecticut, and our bail bond agents are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact 3-D Bail Bonds at (860) 247-2245 or (800) 570-5544.