Who Has the Power to Release Defendants From Jail in Connecticut?
The bondsman has the legal power to return freedom to someone accused of a crime in exchange for a fee, but so is the judge. Judges have the authority to change someone’s bail into a promise to appear, which means monetary bail is no longer needed.
Defendants accused of a misdemeanor crime could pay their own bail in cash to the court, as most of the time this type of bail qualifies for the 10 percent option. When bail is set high involving a large monetary amount, most defendants rely on surety bail agents to make it possible.
After an arrest, the police officer sets the bail amount and then proceeds to the booking and fingerprints. Defendants’ bail amounts are also reviewed by the Bail Commissioner before the arraignment. While defense attorneys can ask for a motion to lower the bail amount, they cannot post the bond nor guarantee the accused’s return to court. Only a licensed bondsman can secure jail release through surety bail services.
The judge and the bondsman are the two individuals holding the keys to freedom. In Connecticut, licensed bail agents have the power to release defendants from prison securing their return to court.
The Judge’s Role
The judge is the first court authority to reset bail at the arraignment hearing. At their discretion, judges can offer a promise to appear and return the accused’s freedom. Judges also have the authority to keep or modify the accused’s monetary bail.
The Bondsman’s Role
The bondsman carries tremendous power to release someone from jail. Unlike the judge, who follows weighted release criteria to release someone or not, the bondsman can simply sign the release through surety bail.
A licensed bail bondsman can post someone’s bail in a matter of minutes, returning the accused’s freedom almost instantly.
Often, clients reach out to 3-D Bail Bonds, stating that lawyers or court clerks may release their loved ones from jail. Since the system is complex, it’s easy to get tangled with the terminology used in court. You should keep in mind that only the judge and the bondsman have the power to release someone from jail once they have been booked as inmates at a prison.
Possible Jail Release Prior to Being Sent to the Correctional Prison
Soon after the arrest, the bail commissioner interviews the defendant to secure the bail is reasonable. The next day, the police bring the defendant to the arraignment hearing. Defendants unable to post bail are sent to the correctional prison. Although the defense attorney will continue to fight the charges while the client remains incarcerated, the lawyer has no authority to post anyone’s bail. When a lawyer chooses to become responsible for someone’s bail as part of their defense, they usually hire a bondsman.
The Bail Commissioner and defense attorney play an important role after the arrest. However, once the accused is sent to a correctional prison, only the judge or the bondsman can get them out of jail.
Licensed bail bondsmen take full responsibility for the bail amount and secure the accused’s appearance in court. If the accused absconds from justice, the bond is forfeited. The same day, the judge issues the rearrest warrant, so Bail Enforcement Agents can find the fugitive and bring them back to court.
In conclusion, the criminal system can be extraordinarily complex for those with no experience. Avoid being a victim of scams and illegal activities by learning about your rights. Only a few authorities can legally get your loved one out of jail. Turn to a reliable and distinguished bail bonds agency that puts your bail needs as their top priority.
