ct bail bonds faqs

CT Bail Bonds FAQs, Frequently Asked Bail Bonds Questions

Since 1997, 3-D Bail Bonds, Inc has been answering CT bail bonds FAQs by thousands of people relating to the Connecticut bail bond process. Bail questions range from types of bail, fees, bail bonds meaning, financing, and cosigners’ responsibilities. Our team of bail experts has compiled the most common bail questions to guide you during this difficult situation.

For all bail bond questions, please contact us at 860-247-2245 or statewide call toll-free at 800-570-5544, we have 24-7 live agents answering our phones. Here is our contact form.

See Connecticut’s daily report regarding COVID-19 coronavirus confirmed cases town by town, here.

CT Bail Bonds FAQs, Your Bail Questions in Connecticut

Q & A Updated 2023

Q. What is 3-D Bail Bonds, Inc. doing to protect customers during the COVID-19 pandemic?

A: To protect customers, bail agents, staff, and the law enforcement community 3-D Bail Bonds created a “COVID SAFE” pretrial release process. This contactless process involves online paperwork, no-contact payment, and a fully remote bail process. For more about CT bail bonds questions related to COVID-19 in prisons visit our bail blog.

Q. Are bail bonds open during the coronavirus outbreak in Connecticut?

A: Yes. Bail bonds services are open. 3-D Bail Bonds is open and working taking precautions and offering many online services to promote safe jail release. Our bail bondsmen are on the front lines along with police officers, clerk personnel, and correctional officers. BAIL BONDS services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. See CT courts and police changes in this article.

Q: How can I find a bondsman’s number?

A: The bondsman’s number is 860-247-2245. To find a bondsman’s number from jail, the best way would be to call family and ask them to research a trusted agency. If you don’t have access to a cell phone ask for a phonebook or the list of bondsmen in the lockup cell. If you are incarcerated at a local prison, you have the right to make a phone call. There is usually a list of local bondsmen at police stations or a phonebook.

If you have your cell phone, you can find the bondsman’s number by searching online. Choose wisely and make sure you learn enough prior to hiring them.

As a statewide Connecticut bail bonds service, we have agents near you 24 hours, seven days a week. If you are looking to bond out someone, here is the bondsman’s number 860-247-2245 which is 860-24/7-BAIL.

Q: How long does it usually take to process bail at the Hartford police station on High St.?

A: Bail bonds at the Hartford police are fairly quick. We often process bail there in half an hour as long as the defendant has been fully processed and is ready to be bailed out. There is a whole process by the police prior to processing the bond by the bondsman. Learn about the Hartford police bail bonds process.

Q: Will my child get the same treatment from the court if he is in custody or if he or she is released on bond?

A: The simple answer is no, your child will not get the same treatment while in custody as he or she would if released on bond. The court and judge will see an accused prisoner in prison uniform attending a court hearing. Most likely this defendant will get the case continued over and over for another 30 days and so on. If an accused individual shows up to court dressed like a taxpaying citizen, he or she can fight the case simply by having access to more resources. The judge may have a different impression of the defendant and therefore the case may have a better outcome.

Q: What’s the lowest you can take on a $50,000 bond out of Hartford?

A: The fee for a $50,000 bail bond is $3,650. The fees required for posting all Hartford bail bonds are mandated by the Connecticut Insurance Department. We are known to have the cheapest bail bonds by offering the lowest minimum fee deposit of $1,277.50 with a very affordable interest-free payment plan for the remaining balance.

Q: Can I put my car up to post a bond?

A: The simplest answer is often no, you may not put your car up to post a bail bond with the court or with a bail bondsman. You could, however, find a third party to pawn the car to for the funds or you would have to sell the car first and then use that money to pay for the bond. Legally, bail agents cannot take a car instead of the required fee.

Q: Is it faster to bail someone out of the police department, court, or correctional center?

A: It is almost always faster to bail someone out while arrested at the police station or state police barracks in Connecticut. We could say that Superior Courts have a longer process and it may depend on when the defendant is seen by the judge in order to process their release. Bail bonds at the correctional or local detention centers may take quite some time depending on the time of day. Here, Bail Agents depend on the staff at Records and their availability as they’re essential to jail release at correctional facilities.

Q: How long does this bail bonding process take?

A: The process of bailing someone out of jail can take from 20 minutes to an hour or even longer again depending on the circumstances. Special factors to be considered could involve warrants out of state or another local police department in the state. Waiting for another agency to come and pick up the defendant to be processed on the found warrant can make the process lengthy. Often 3-D Bail Bonds’ clients get released within 30 minutes of the initial call.

Q: What are your bail service hours?

A: Our bail bond service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 3-D Bail Bonds Agents are always on call for immediate dispatch and response to any jail, police department, and courthouse in the state of Connecticut.

Q: What usually happens for charges like these ones: assault, robbery, burglary, breach of peace charges?

A: It is difficult to say what will happen with “charges like these.” A lot depends on previous convictions and the strength of the case against the defendant. The most important step is to secure jail release and avoid speaking to authorities without the presence of a lawyer. If you have a good lawyer, never miss court, and don’t earn yourself more accusations during your pending trial, many times the outcome is favorable.

Q: How much do I need to post the bail bond?

A: That would depend on the amount of the bail bond. The State of Connecticut mandates the fee for bail bonds to be 10% of the first $5,000 and 7% of anything in excess. This means a $5,000 bond would be $500 while a $5,100 bond would be $507. An easy equation would be any bond over $5,000 is 7% plus $150. We take 35% of that down and can offer payment plans for the balance. See our updated 2023 fees for CT bail bonds.

Q: What happens if the defendant doesn’t appear in court?

A: If you heard that the defendant missed court. You could contact them and find out the reason why they missed court in the first place. If you cannot get a hold of him, contact the bail company or bail agent who posted the bond and notify them of the situation.
 
Most bail companies have enough information to contact the defendant’s cosigners and friends to find out whether they are avoiding the person or they are on the run. We have answered this question in-depth on our blog titled “What happens if the defendant does not appear in court?

Q: I just found out I have a warrant. What should I do?

A: If you suspect you have a warrant or if you received a call stating “you have an active warrant“, don’t hesitate to call 3-D Bail Bonds to find out what you need to do. Our professional Bail Agents will contact the court or police department and get the important details you need to know. It is important for you to act quickly. If you get pulled over driving, you could end up arrested and your vehicle could be towed. You may end up locked up over a holiday, the weekend, or worse, what if you have your child with you?

We can help you secure a quick jail release prior to turning yourself in. Going in on your terms or schedule is always better. Don’t be fooled by anyone advising you to come right down or to turn yourself in early in the morning so you may go to court.

They are not working for you.

They are on the side of the prosecution.

Their job is to arrest, prosecute and incarcerate offenders.

Always secure your release with a reputable 3-D Bail Bondsman so you can sleep comfortably in your own bed rather than in a small cold jail cell.

Q: Do I need collateral?

A: In most cases, your signature is our collateral. There are however occasions when we are required to hold some other form of collateral. Call and ask one of our agents for more information about collateral. There are many forms of collateral for different scenarios such as defendants’ residents of another country or state. We’re known for making bail easy so collateral is often not required.

Q: Do you do out-of-state or immigration bonds?

A: We are teamed up with bail bond agents in just about every state to be able to get your loved one out of neighboring state jails. We have a relationship with an immigration specialist who can handle all immigration bonds. Contact us to discuss your options and process.

Q: How do I find the cheapest bondsman?

A: To find truly the cheapest bondsman, you should check these factors to know this agent is the best choice and the most affordable.

  • A bondsman should be licensed
  • A bondsman should be trusted and reputable
  • The fees should be transparent (paperwork should back up the cost of bail).

You can find the cheapest bondsman by evaluating the quality of service and reputation of the bail company. The State of Connecticut requires all bail bondsmen to charge the same amount (CT Bail Bond Regulation). So there is no cheapest bondsman but there is a wide range of payment options for 3-D Bail Bonds clients. The premium charged cannot change from bondsman to bondsman. A benefit of hiring a 3-D Bail Agent is we offer weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly payment plans to meet almost any budget.

Call us today at 860-247-2245 and talk to one of our professional associates, they will help you get your loved one out at the lowest price possible.

Q: “Can I use my “AAA Membership” card for bail bonds to get out?”

A: The answer is, sorry, not in Connecticut. The AAA bail bonds service provided by AAA is good for motor vehicle charges and you may use your AAA membership card for any motor vehicle violation except those involving driving while under the influence (DUI). These include driving under the influence of drugs or narcotics; failure to appear for violations; and driving on a suspended/revoked driver’s license; including hit and run.

Other charges may include failure to present evidence of insurance; illegal use or falsification of license or registration; engaging in a felony; attempting to elude/eluding police, or driving a vehicle used for commercial purposes.

In Connecticut, you will not receive bail for any other motor vehicle charge besides those listed by AAA as excluded above.

Q: How do I find a bondsman near me?

A: We recommend caution with this question, the nearest bondsman may not be the best. It is important to research both the bail bondsman and the company he or she represents. You will need to give a lot of personal information and may need to work with them through the term of your pending case.

A better question may be “How do I find a bondsman near me that I can trust?” In fact, we put together an article about things to consider when hiring a bondsman that may be very helpful when looking to hire a local bail agent.

Since its establishment in 1997, 3-D Bail Bonds has provided tens of thousands of bail bonds for people in every community in Connecticut. Our bail service is highly recommended and recognized for being friendly, fast, and most importantly very affordable.

We care about our clients and their privacy, we treat all sensitive information as such with secure encryption and utilization of the professional services of “the Shredding Source.

Q: How is the bail bond posted?

A: The bail bond is posted by a licensed Bail Agent who usually underwrites bail for a local company. First, you should find a bail bonds company. A licensed agent can post the bond at the police department or jail where the person is locked up. They can also post bail at all correctional facilities and courthouses in Connecticut.

Once a cosigner fills out paperwork, pays for the bond, and authorizes a bondsman to post the bond for their loved one, the defendant will be released. Often the release of the defendant will depend on how busy the police department could be at that moment. There are times when defendants are released in as fast as 20 minutes.

ct bail bonds questions Q: Who can sign for a bail or bails bond?

A: Anyone who is at least 18 years old and is working can sign for someone’s bail. The most important aspect of this contract is that the person who signs a bail bond is willing to take responsibility for the person arrested. This signer will make sure the defendant returns to court and appears on all court dates until the case is over.

Q: How old do I have to be to post a bond?

A: You must be at least eighteen years old to co-sign on bail bonds. Occasionally we are asked to execute bonds for defendants who are not yet eighteen. In this case, the presence of a parent or legal guardian is usually required to approve the release of this juvenile from detention. Please contact our office to discuss the details of a juvenile’s jail release and bond process.

Q: Do I have to go to court once I am bonded out?

A: Yes, you are required to go to court – if the bond is posted at the police department and you are bonded out for a family violence case – the court date will usually be the next day the court is open.

If your arrest was not for a family violence matter the first court date will typically be within the next 14 days. We always recommend getting bonded out prior to arraignment to avoid spending long hours in a courthouse and risking a bond modification. See your next court date – pending cases in CT.

Q: Do I get money back after posting bail?

A: The short answer is, it depends. If you paid the full amount of the bond in cash at the courthouse or police department in Connecticut then you can get the money back once the case is terminated. However, the court can charge court fees and fine payments out of the amount you originally paid. Now if you used a Connecticut bail bondsman you do not get the bail money back. Learn more here: the truth about getting money back after posting bail

Q: What are other types of bail bonds?

A: There are a few other types of bail bonds: Professional or Surety Bail, Cash Only, 10% Cash Only Option, Property, and Non-Surety Bail same as Promise to Appear. Although some believe bonds other than Surety are a good alternative, we caution in their use. A Surety Bail Bond Agent is often much less expensive, especially with a bond that has a 10% option. That means you have to pay 10% of the bond amount at the front, with no payment plans.

By choosing the 10% option you are fully responsible for the full amount of the bond. In case your loved one does not appear on all court dates, this option can be very costly. 3-D Bail Agents in some cases can take as little as 2.5% upfront and place the remaining balance on a low weekly or monthly payment plan.

Surety Bail Bondsmen typically employ professional Bail Enforcement Agents who assist families in making sure their loved one appears as required. For more details about the newest 10 percent option bail bond questions check our article. Learn more about other ways to get out of jail in Connecticut.

Q: What is a Surety Bail Bond?

A: Top CT bail bonds FAQs. A Surety Bail Bond is an insurance policy written by a Bail Agent, licensed by “the Connecticut Department of Insurance,” to secure the appearance of a defendant in court.

Q: What is an arraignment?

A: An arraignment is a court proceeding where a criminal defendant is formally advised of the charges against him or her and is asked to enter a plea to the charges. In Connecticut, the court also decides whether the defendant will be released pending trial and sets the terms of such release. The arraignment is held on the first court date after a person is arrested. If not bonded out, the person is brought to court by a police officer.

Defendants are then held in a cell, usually with everyone else of the same sex who was arrested and not released within the court’s jurisdiction. After being interviewed by a representative from the Bail Commissioner’s Office and a Defense Attorney (either a Public Defender or Private Attorney) they are brought before the Judge handcuffed and in shackles.

The Judge reads the police report and makes a determination if there was sufficient probable cause for the arrest. If the Judge makes a finding of probable cause, he or she will ask the Bail Commissioner to make a recommendation for a bond amount and ask for any comment from the Prosecutor and the Defense Attorney. After taking all of this into consideration, the Judge makes a determination and sets “reasonable” bail for the matter. An arrested person is only in front of the judge for a minute or two and arraignments are often not until very late in the day.

Q: “I’m trying to teach him or her a lesson – I think I will leave them in jail.” Does it make sense?

A: No. It doesn’t make sense. There is no lesson to learn in jail. We have heard a lot of frustrated clients say this and on the surface, it sort of makes sense. You must, however, consider when arrested, people are often not in a good place mentally or emotionally, and quite frankly, the police are trained interviewers and interrogators. You must get your loved one out quickly so they don’t admit to something they may, or may not have done.

Also, if they are not bonded out, they are brought to big jails like the many correctional centers across the state. After being processed in, they are incarcerated with everyone else who didn’t bond out. Some of the dorms have as many as 70 other inmates in the same room and they are definitely not teaching the lessons you want your loved one to learn. See our blog article “top ten reasons to post bail” and learn about the importance of getting released on bail.

CT Bail Bonds FAQs experts can help 24/7. We always welcome new bail bond questions, please submit your question here, and 3-D Bail Bonds will be happy to answer it.