If your loved one is arrested, you probably want to secure their release promptly. That means gathering up money to post bail. Nevertheless, the set bail amount could be thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, most people cannot access vast sums of money in the shortest amount of time. 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds, a seasoned Glastonbury bail bonds company, can put your mind at ease by offering a bail bond plan that suits your budget. We believe in integrity and honesty, and you can rely on us during this challenging time. Our team is ready to answer your questions 24/7 and guide you throughout the process.
Defining Bail
Bail is the money a suspect must pay to secure their release from jail pending trial. In Connecticut, judges, police, or pretrial services officials set the bail amount to ensure that an individual shows up for their court dates upon release from custody.
After your arrest, law enforcement officials will set your bail. Per the law, police officers must inform bail officials when a suspect cannot post the bail they have set. Next, the pretrial services officials will interview you to obtain your personal information and evaluate the set bail amount. Pretrial staff can choose to increase or lower your bail amount.
Pretrial services officials utilize certain factors to determine what kind and exact amount of bail you should post. These legal factors are known as weighted release requirements, which include the following:
- Your prior criminal convictions.
- The nature of your crime, including the case facts.
- Your community ties.
- Any previous record of skipping bail.
- Your familial ties.
- Your financial status.
- Your employment record.
- Your overall behavior and mental state.
To pay bail, you should post the entire cash amount or employ the services of a licensed Glastonbury bail bonds company in exchange for a non-refundable ten percent charge.
You can post bail with the police, at a court, or at a Connecticut Corrections facility.
10 Percent Bail Options on Glastonbury Bail Bonds of $20,000 or Less
The judicial system has reviewed the bail bond regulations. From January 1, 2020, a 10 percent cash bail option automatically applies to bail set at twenty thousand dollars or less. The new legal regulation is applicable to bail set at the police department and the court.
However, there are certain exceptions to the new bail bond regulation, including the following:
- A judge could instruct that the ten percent option is not applicable in specific cases.
- The judge might rule that the ten percent cash option does not apply.
- If the pretrial services officials increase your bond's total amount to above $20,000, the ten percent cash option is not applicable.
- If the pretrial services officials increase or reduce your prior posted bail and the new bail total amount does not exceed $20,000, the 10 percent cash option is applicable.
How Glastonbury Bail Bonds Work
After the police arrest you, they will take you to jail, where you will undergo a booking process that involves completing relevant paperwork, taking mugshots, and taking fingerprints. Next, the judge will set the bail amount for your release.
Most people prefer using Glastonbury bail bonds because:
- They only have to pay a fraction of the bail amount to secure their release. Please note that the premium is non-refundable, irrespective of the outcome of your case.
- Most bondsmen offer flexible payment plans to lower your financial burden of paying the bail bond amount.
- Your bondman is well-versed in the law and bail process; hence, they can ensure you follow the procedures correctly.
Your bondsman is obligated to ensure you make all court appearances when required. If you skip bail, they can use bounty hunters to locate, arrest, and return you to jail.
Sometimes, your bail bond company might require the use of collateral. Collateral exists in different forms, including:
- Vehicle, boat, or motorcycle collateral — To use them, you should present proof of ownership.
- Property mortgage — If the bail bond is set high, you could use your home’s appraisal as collateral.
- Jewelry — Not all courts will allow jewelry as collateral. However, in some cases, jewelry like earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings could be accepted as collateral upon producing a certificate of authenticity, showing that the piece is genuine and that you are the legal owner.
- Electronic devices — Sometimes, the judge will allow defendants to pledge electronics like mobile devices, tablets, cameras, and computers as collateral.
There is no set duration for your release. After completing the necessary paperwork and your bondsman paying your bail, it can take approximately 30 minutes to eight hours, depending on the jail circumstances.
After your release, the pretrial staff and a judge might impose certain release conditions, which can include:
- Halting all communication with the victim and with any witnesses to the crime.
- Adhering to court-imposed restrictions, including travel and interactions.
- Staying under the supervision of an appointed individual or organization.
- Refraining from any prohibited activities, like the usage and possession of deadly weapons, controlled substances, or an intoxicant.
- Fulfilling other set conditions as a guarantee that you will attend court.
Understanding the Responsibilities of a Bail Bond Co-signer
Understandably, you do not want to see your loved one spend time detained in jail. However, you should understand the process before co-signing a bond for someone. When you cosign bail bonds, you enter into a legally binding contract.
The legal implications for a co-signer and obligations include:
- Financial commitments — Upon becoming a co-signer, you accept the financial obligation for the bond. If the accused skips court, you could be accountable for paying the bondsman the full bond amount. It is an obligation with financial implications that you should take seriously.
- Collateral — Sometimes, bail bond companies ask for collateral as security for the bond. The collateral could be valuable assets or real estate. If the suspect misses court appearances, you might lose the collateral you had put up.
- Ensure the accused appears in court—As a co-signer, you must ensure the suspect attends court until the case is resolved to prevent attracting additional financial and legal consequences.
- Paying premiums and costs—A co-signer must chip in if the accused cannot afford the bond charges. The payment cannot be refunded, even if the suspect’s charges are dropped.
- Keep in touch with the Glastonbury bail bonds company — You should maintain consistent communication with your Glastonbury bail bonds firm. You are also obligated to notify the company of any modifications in the accused’s status, like a change in address or employment.
- Understand the conditions of release — Being a co-signer means you familiarize yourself with any court-imposed conditions before the suspect’s release. It will help you ensure that the accused abides by these release conditions.
- Assume any additional fees — Should the accused skip court, there might be costs related to locating them, among other legal procedures. As a co-signer, the added costs are your responsibility.
While a co-signer has many responsibilities, they also have rights. If you think the suspect will not appear, contact your Glastonbury bail bonds and share your concerns. The judge will revoke the bail, resulting in the police returning the accused to jail.
To Co-Sign or Not to Co-Sign
Considering the rights and responsibilities of a co-signer, you might wonder whether it is wise to help a person during this challenging time.
When deciding, the most crucial question is whether you can trust the accused. You can cosign for a defendant if you are confident they will abide by their release conditions. Working with a reliable bondsman can assist you in the long run by safeguarding your investment. Maintaining constant communication with the suspect and the bondsman will ensure the accused individual shows up in court.
What to Do If You Have an Active Arrest Warrant
Suppose the police call to inform you that you have an active warrant, or you suspect you have an arrest warrant. In that case, do not say anything to the police. Instead, contact your bondsman. It is crucial to understand that the law enforcers are not on your side and are responsible for arresting suspects. They can use your statements against you in court.
You need to act fast. Imagine the police pulling you over and arresting you on the weekend, or worse when you have your minor child with you.
The bondsman will contact the police department or court to collect your information. These experts can also assist you in securing a prompt release before turning yourself in.
You should also retain a defense lawyer who can advise you, be present during police interrogations, and represent you during trial. They will also collect evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to build a robust case defense so you obtain the most favorable case outcome.
Police Department, Jail, and Courthouse Contact Information
2108 Main Street
Glastonbury, CT 06033
Hartford Correctional
Center177 Weston St
Hartford, CT 06120
Superior Court Clerk’s Office
95 Washington St
Hartford, CT 06106
Contact a Reputable Bondsman Near Me
Whether you need to assist a loved one or are facing an arrest, 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds can help you. Schedule your no-obligation, confidential consultation with us by calling 800-930-8999. We acknowledge that Glastonbury bail bonds can be confusing and overwhelming, so we are dedicated to offering you the guidance and support you need to secure your release promptly. Our experienced bondsmen are available 24/7 to assist you in navigating this challenging time.