Especially for first-time offenders, the criminal law process, and specifically the jail release process, is intimidating and often overwhelming. Furthermore, jail release activities usually fall to friends and family members. These individuals may not know where the jail is located, let alone how it works. Working with a bail bondsman can change the entire stressful experience.
There’s a method to the madness. Prosecutors use the “shock and awe” effect to knock defendants on their heels. As a result, these defendants, and their lawyers, are less likely to challenge questionable arrests and otherwise challenge the state to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Instead, defendants on their heels are more likely to accept unfavorable plea bargain offers.
As outlined below, a Hartford bail bondsman addresses both issues. Our experienced team knows how the system works. So, we quickly arrange for jail release under the best possible terms. Early jail release sets the stage for a successful criminal defense. When defendants are free on bond, their lawyers can meet in person with clients to develop their defenses. Having the time and privacy to discuss the strategy usually means a more favorable outcome.
Multiple Options to Get Released from Jail:
The most common form of pretrial release is through bail bond services specifically working with a bail bondsman for fast jail release. However, a bail bond is just one of three major jail release options:
- Pretrial Release: Defendants with no criminal records who face nonviolent misdemeanor charges are often eligible for own recognizance (OR) release. A pretrial services officer reviews the matter and a judge signs a pretrial release order. OR release often costs nothing or almost nothing. However, sometimes defendants may miss court knowing there is no financial responsibility.
- Cash Bail: In contrast, cash bail is a fast jail release option. It’s also the most expensive one. Cash bail is basically a security deposit. If a defendant posts the entire amount, the arresting agency refunds most of that money when the case ends. Even for misdemeanor charges, bail can reach a couple thousands of dollars which makes it difficult to pay in full.
- Bail Bond: A bail bond is the best of both worlds. The process is very fast and it costs much less than cash bail (usually about 7 or 10 percent of the bail amount). By working with a bail bondsman, families are no longer alone. The bondsman can guide clients through the process even after the bond is posted like court dates and bail conditions. Like OR release and cash bail release, defendants free on bail bonds must abide by certain conditions. More on that below.
In some cases, mostly murder or other serious felonies, the judge may set a presumptive bail amount. So, a lawyer may request a motion for a bond reduction hearing. At this hearing, the judge considers many factors when reviewing the bail amount.
Common jail release conditions include appearing at all required hearings, remaining in the county, and avoiding further legal trouble. A judge may impose additional conditions, such as alcohol treatment in a DUI case or a keep-away order in an assault case.
Freedom When Working With a Bail Bondsman
Bond conditions are boilerplate conditions that prosecutors and judges routinely apply to all cases.
In Connecticut, once the bail bondsman posts the bond, defendants have their freedom back with minimal supervision. As long as defendants appear for court dates and follow their conditions of release, the courts allow them to go on with their lives. In some domestic cases involving violent offenders, the judge may require GPS monitoring or ankle monitoring which is set before they’re released.
By working with a bail bondsman, they ensure the defendants’ appearance in court, the bondsman also avoids bond forfeiture, which is a very complex process.
Ongoing Support 24/7
Many companies arrange for jail release and then forget their clients. A reliable bail bondsman provides continuous support.
This ongoing service includes preventing bond forfeiture, a complex process. If a defendant violates bail conditions, the judge may revoke bail and issue a bench warrant, which combines a court order and an arrest warrant.
Usually, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Other times, we facilitate defendants’ voluntary surrender. Judges usually view self-surrenderers as a gesture of good faith.
While we are not lawyers, we have valuable connections within the legal community and decades of experience in Connecticut bail bonds. We often assist defendants by connecting them with attorneys who specialize in specific offenses. Working with a bail bondsman in Connecticut offers one of the fastest ways to get out of jail. 3-D Bail Bonds’ resources for clients include free warrant checks, court date reminders, inmate information, court information, and more. We are a 24/7 bail bond agency ready to help day and night.