BAIL – CONNECTICUT

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The following is based on information from State of Connecticut Judicial Branch: Common Legal Terms.

WHAT IS BAIL?

Bail, also known as bond, is the money, property, or signature given to assure that a person charged with a crime (defendant) will appear in court for trial. Under the Connecticut constitution, bond must be set in all cases except when the defendant is charged with a capital felony (death penalty cases). There are two kinds of bonds:

• Two types of Non-surety/Non-financial bonds: 1.) Defendant’s signature alone guarantees the amount of bond. The defendant is not required to post any property or retain the services of a professional bail bondsperson as collateral. 2.) Promise to Appear
• Surety bond: The court requires cash, real estate, or a professional bondsperson's signature as collateral before releasing the defendant back into the community. The court may allow the defendant to post ten percent of the bond in cash to secure his or her release.

• Professional Bail Bondspersons issue bonds underwritten by their personal assets. Professional Bail Bondspersons are licensed by the Connecticut State Police.
• Insurance or Surety Bond Agents are licensed by the Connecticut Insurance Department, and issue bonds underwritten by an insurance company.

BAIL COMMISSIONER: A state-appointed person who may set the amount of bond for persons detained at a police station prior to arraignment in court, and who recommends to the court the amount of bond that should be set for the defendant in a criminal case.

BOND FORFEITURE:

If the defendant fails to appear in court as scheduled, the judge may order the bond forfeited (paid to the State), and the defendant rearrested.

HOW TO FIND A BAIL BOND AGENCY:
Bail bond services can be found in the telephone directory yellow pages, under the category "Bail Bonds".

SOURCES:

• State of Connecticut Judicial Branch: Common Legal Terms
• Connecticut State Police
• State of Connecticut Insurance Department

PREPARED BY: 211/kq
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: April2013