Bail Bonds Hartford - Capitol Bail Bonds - Hartford - 860-558-2916
Important Things to Know About Bail Bonds in Hartford, CT.
Getting arrested is without a shadow of a doubt one of the scariest and frustrating situations in life. It gets even more unnerving if you are not responsible for the crime you’ve been charged for. Sometimes, people are charged for crimes they did not commit and others make the wrong decisions. Running from the law won’t help and will only make things worse. Most people stay in jail until the hearing day, but in some cases, you can get a bond, allowing you to go back outside until a verdict is made.
A bond is simply the amount of money agreed by the court to release a suspect in custody until the date of hearing. When the accused appears in court, the amount is paid back to the party that paid it. In this read, we are going to look at a few things you may not know about bonds in Hartford, Connecticut.
Bonds are Essentially Loans
When you get arrested, you’re immediately put in jail until a bail hearing, whereby the judge will determine the bail amount. This sum must be paid to the court for you to be released from jail. If not, then you will have to remain in jail until your court hearing. As mentioned above, the bail amount is returned as long as you appear on all court dates.
When you contact a bail bondsman, you are essentially seeking a short-term loan that the party agrees to pay the court on your behalf so that you can be released. As with all other types of loans, a bail from a bondsman comes with a fee.
The fee differs from state to state, but in Connecticut, it can’t go beyond 10% of the total bond amount.
All Bail Bond Fees are Regulated by the State
This brings home the last section of the above-mentioned point. To be frank, you don't want to worry about bargaining a fee for the amount to free you from jail in such a stressful situation. Luckily, all bail bond offices have to be licensed and are regulated by the State of Connecticut. This means that the fee for bail bonds is set by the state’s statutes and regulations and not individuals.
When picking a bail bondsman, the only thing to consider is if they are experienced, licensed, and easy to work with. It is already a hassle to try and get bail and so, you’ll want to work with a professional who is experienced and understanding.
You Might Not Need a Bail Bond
What most people don’t know is that there are alternatives to bail bonds. You can cover the bail with your own money, avoid the fee and save some money if you show up to all hearing dates. Just keep in mind that you’re taking on that risk and may be responsible for the whole bond amount.
You can also use physical assets like real estate, bonds, stocks, and bank accounts as collateral. Ensure you ask the bail bonds agent or your lawyer what bond the judge will accept.
Ultimately, You’re Responsible for the Defendant Appearing in Court
It is also imperative to understand that if you decide to sign a bail bond for your loved one or friend, you’re also agreeing to take on the financial responsibility if they don’t appear in court.
For example, let us assume the judge sets the bail at $5K. If the defendant appears for hearing on all dates, you will only have to cover the 10% fee for the bond, which is $500 in this case. However, if they don’t show up, then you’re liable for the full $5k. As such, ensure you make an informed decision before agreeing to bail someone out.
Final Words
It is advisable to consult a bail bondsman, even if you don’t intend to use their services. They can be an excellent resource for getting to know the bonding processes. A reputable bails bond agent will be willing to explain the process without asking for anything in return.
The above information should put you in a better position regarding your or a loved one’s case. For assistance in everything bail bonds, feel free to contact Capitol Bail Bonds by calling 860-558-2916 today!
