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Gun Related Crimes Are Soaring Throughout the Country; Hartford CT Is Not an Exception

Gun Related Crimes Are Soaring Throughout the Country; Hartford CT Is Not an Exception

gun violence crimes in hartford ct

In 2020, shootings and gun-related crimes in Hartford Connecticut have increased greatly with the highest number of shootings taking place in the Northeast neighborhoods. Some hotspots reportedly frequent to gun violence in 2020 were the intersection of Mahl Avenue and Main Street, Albany Avenue, and Westland Street, throughout the North End and other areas of the city. Over the last decade shootings in Hartford, CT were on the decline, however, 2020 saw a large increase in these events. By November 2020, the State’s capital city saw almost 200 shootings, more than any of the last six years.

A Surge in Hartford’s Gun Violence

Let’s take a look at Hartford’s gun violence available data. In the first six months of 2020, there was an increase in shootings by 37%. This was reflected by the number of gun-violence victims seen in the first half of the year. By June 2020, there were 82 victims which was a significant increase over 2019 which saw 60 victims in the entire year.  2019 saw 12 murders in Hartford eight of which were deadly shootings. Of the 22 homicides committed in 2020, 16 were by firearm.

The trend seems to be carrying over into 2021. Hartford has already reported many gun-related crimes and we are only 5 weeks into it.  Since the new year, there have been deadly shootings that are making headlines. One recent example took place on January 29th when two fatal shootings occurred just 20 minutes apart from each other. The first was on Main Street while the other was on Webster Street.

Causes for Hartford’s High Number of Shootings

According to Dan Toner, of 3-D Bail Bonds, Inc of Hartford CT the rise in gun violence may be related to the COVID-19 Pandemic.  He states “incarcerated individuals have been released back into the streets from custody to help reduce the spread of the virus in Correctional facilities. This has reduced incarceration but may have helped create the public safety issue we are now feeling in the streets.”

Additionally, he adds “the Courthouses have been reducing the number of people entering their buildings so criminal court cases have been continued without the defendant’s attendance. He believes “the lack of consequences for criminal behavior is a major factor in these increases, not only in Hartford but throughout the country. 

There isn’t a single reason why gun violence is on the rise, there are many. As we look a bit closer to the issue, Hartford City Officials also believe a contributing factor is the pandemic of 2020. COVID-19 has caused the adjudication process to take a huge hit. One individual said, “due to pandemic-related concerns, in some cases, offenders associated with violent crimes were being released earlier than usual, when they normally would’ve been held in custody”. Additionally, “In-person” probation and parole meetings have slowed down due to COVID concerns. This along with lower and/or no bond being required in pretrial matters.  

Typical Bail Amounts Related to Gun Violence and Criminal Charges

Every state and case differs in what is required for pretrial release. In Connecticut, release conditions are set, reviewed, and reset by several different agencies to assure the reasonableness in providing the least restrictive release conditions for the accused while providing the highest level of public safety and assuring the accused appears in court. If a bond is required, factors that may affect the amounts are usually related to the severity of the alleged charges, the accused’s criminal history as well as their risk to themselves or their risk to others. 

If the accused is a repeat offender, the bail amount is usually higher. Connecticut has a comprehensive pretrial release process that is considered one of the most thorough in the country. “With so many factors it is virtually impossible to determine a “typical” bail amount” added Toner. “It is safe to say that because gun-related offenses are some of the worst crimes, bonds are usually required and the amounts can be higher, in the $50,000 – $100,000 range. Of course, depending on circumstances, we have seen some people released on their own recognizance and some on very large bonds in the $250,000 to $500,000 range” he added.

It is important to disclose that while we can estimate bail amounts based on the above, at the end of it all, it is the judge who makes the final determination.

Due to the uptick in gun violence in Hartford, additional prevention efforts have been made by State and City officials. After multiple deadly shootings in early 2021, the presence of the Safe Streets Task Force will be felt more in the city. As FBI agents and specially trained police officers work to track violence that occurs across the city, let’s all try to keep Hartford and the entire state safe from gun violence.

3-D Bail Bonds, Inc.

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