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    How Does Bail Work in CT?

    Everything You Need To Know About the Bail Process in Connecticut

    If you’ve never bailed someone out of jail before, you are probably full of questions as to how bail works. It can be overwhelming to hear terms you may not understand and find yourself in an unfamiliar situation. At Mike’s Bail Bonds, we have the answers you’re looking for, and are available 24/7 to assist you with the bail bonds process. 

    How Do Bail Bonds Work?

    Most of the time, the cost of bail is higher than the average person is able to pay in full. When this happens, the accused faces the possibility of waiting in jail until their court date arrives and their trial can be held, which could potentially take months. Through the bail bonds process, a professional bail bond company pays the bail fees to court on the defendant’s behalf. For providing this service, the bail bond agent charges the defendant a fee, which is usually around 10% of the total bail cost.


    The professional bail bondsman will file official paperwork with the court that confirms the court will keep the full amount of bail if the accused does not follow the terms of their pretrial release. The agreement to appear is what is called a bail bond, and it is a contract between the bail bondsman and the court. Under this contract, the suspect MUST appear for all scheduled hearings and court dates. Both the defendant and the bail bond cosigner must sign a legal contract between themselves and the bail bondsman which states that they agree to follow the terms of their pretrial release. The contract will also state that if they fail to follow these terms, they will pay the bail bond company the full amount of bail. If the defendant does not follow through, they will forfeit the bail bond and be brought back to jail to await trial. 

    What is the Bail Bonds Process?

    Although every case is unique, the process for most bail bonds is largely the same. When you contact a professional bail bondsman, they will need some basic information from you, such as the name of your loved one, where they are being held, the charges against them, and the amount of bail. You may not have been able to get all of this information in a quick call with the defendant, so you may need the assistance of professionals, like those at Mike’s Bail Bonds. You may find our Connecticut Police Department List and Connecticut Jails List to be helpful resources in this scenario. 


    Once the bail bondsman has all of the necessary information and can complete the paperwork, they will work with you to ensure you understand the responsibilities of the cosigner and the payment agreement information. When everything is complete, the paperwork will be filed with the court and once processed, your loved one will be released to await their court date. It’s crucial that the defendant understands the conditions of their release, any restrictions they must follow, and the importance (to both them and to you as the cosigner) of them appearing in court as scheduled. 

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    We Can Help, Day or Night

    The legal system can be intimidating, especially when it’s your first time experiencing it - you don’t need to go through the bail bonds process alone. The professional team at Mike’s Bail Bonds understands what you’re going through, and will ensure that you’re taken care of every step of the way. Call our friendly and knowledgeable staff, get your questions answered, and be reunited with your loved one today.

    For more information on how bail works or to schedule service, call us at (860) 855-6453 or visit our contact page.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What is bail, and why is it required in the legal system?

      Bail is a financial arrangement that allows a defendant to be released from custody while awaiting trial. It ensures their appearance in court. It's required to strike a balance between preserving the defendant's freedom and the court's assurance that they'll appear for proceedings.

    • How is the bail amount determined for different types of charges?

      Bail amounts vary based on factors like the severity of the charges, the defendant's criminal history, flight risk, and community safety concerns. Judges consider these factors to set a fair and reasonable bail amount.

    • What's the purpose of using a bail bondsman instead of paying the full bail amount?

      Using a bail bondsman allows you to pay a fraction of the total bail amount as a fee. The bail bondsman covers the rest, often through a surety bond. This option is more affordable and accessible for many people who can't pay the full bail upfront.

    • Can I get the money I paid to a bail bondsman refunded after the case is resolved?

      The fee paid to a bail bondsman is typically non-refundable, as it's compensation for their services. However, in certain situations, the bondsman might refund a portion if the case is resolved quickly and the defendant complies with all court requirements.

    Why Mike's Bail Bonds?

    Get reliable, friendly bail bonds service any time of the day or night. At Mike's Bail Bonds, you can count on:

    We're Available to You 24/7 When You Need Our Services

    Licensed, Professional Business That Will Treat You With Respect

    Experienced and Helpful Staff Can Answer Your Questions

    We're Local and Know All of the Right People in the Area

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