If your loved one was arrested but is eligible for release, there are a few possible arrangements you can make to bail them out. Using a surety bail bonds service which requires turning to a bail agent, is perhaps the most widely known way to get someone out of jail because it’s what usually happens in the movies. However, it’s not the only way. Here are the four kinds of bail in Connecticut, explained. 

Understanding the 4 Kinds of Bail in Connecticut

1. Cash Bonds

For cash bonds, you must pay the bail bond or bails in cash and you must pay the full bond amount at once. This is usually paid at the police station or courthouse in order to start the bail bonding process. You can get the money back once the case is terminated, minus any court fees and fines you may have incurred. If the defendant fails to comply with the criminal proceedings, you essentially forfeit the cash bond amount. 

If you are given a cash bond you cannot use a bail bondsman. The only way out of jail is by paying the cash bail amount.

2. Surety Bonds or Surety Bail Bonds

A surety bond is the traditional bail bond or bail bonds. In this case, you can post the surety bond using a licensed bondsman by paying only a fee instead of the full bail amount. In this arrangement, the bail agency is the one that secures the bond, and you pay a small fee. In the state of Connecticut, the fee is non-negotiable at 10% of the first $5,000 and 7% thereafter—to use bail services. 

3. Property Bonds

To secure a property bond, you must put up valuable possessions as collateral. Real estate is the only form allowed to secure a property bond, vehicles cannot be used. The court will place a lien on the property, which allows them to obtain ownership if the defendant fails to show up for all hearings. Using this type of bond is typically only a last resort because when you do so, you risk losing the property. 

4. Promise To Appear or Non-Surety Bond

There are scenarios when a judge or a police officer gives the person arrested a Promise To Appear (PTA) which is the nearest you can be to getting out of jail for free. In this situation, you must simply sign an agreement indicating that you promise to appear in court in the future to hear the charges against you, basically, you are being released on your own recognizance. In this situation, Connecticut places the signed agreement as a guarantee that you will show up in court at a later date and time. No Bail Bondsmen is needed.

A Non-Surety Bond is similar as you need no money down but the defendant agrees in writing to pay the amount of bond if he or she does not show up in court when required. 

If you need to bail a loved one out of jail, turn to the reliable bail bonds agency at 3-D Bail Bonds in Hartford CT. Our primary office is located directly across from the Hartford Correctional Center for total convenience, but we have professional agents all over Connecticut ready to take your call. Available 24/7, our reliable team will never leave you waiting. To reach the Hartford office, call (860) 247-2245, or reach out on our Hartford bail bonds website. Our location in New Britain, which is conveniently located by the police station and courthouse, can be reached at (860) 229-2525.