Connecticut Bail and Arraignment Attorney

What happens after you are arrested? Yes, the booking process, but also a person’s first experience with the bail process. Bail refers to the form of assurance required to be paid to secure a person’s pretrial release. People may be cloaked in the presumption of innocence prior to trial, but bail is not a “punishment” inasmuch as it is a tool used by courts to ensure that a defendant will continue to show up for court and face the crimes that they are charged with. An arraignment is a defendant’s first court date, which can become more complex depending on whether they have been able to post bail.

Bail and arraignments are set relatively quickly. Both our federal and state constitutions protect people accused of crimes at the outset of the criminal process by making certain guarantees regarding bail. However, hiring the right attorney to protect you or a loved one’s rights early in the criminal justice process matters. Call the team at Black’s Law Group today about your case. Until then, here is some general information regarding bail and arraignments in Connecticut.

When someone is arrested in Connecticut, the bail system can feel confusing and fast-moving. Understanding how Connecticut bail works and what happens at your arraignment can help you and your loved one make better decisions early on. Having a criminal defense attorney involved from the start can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Common Types of Bail in Connecticut

Typically speaking, a person’s bail will either be issued in the form of a “promise to appear,” which is when an arrested person is given their court date without a monetary bond that they must pay to secure their pretrial release. On the other hand, in the majority of cases, some form of a monetary bond will be attached. In those circumstances, “bail” will be set in the form of some type of “bond” that is either determined by a judge or a police department at or near the time of arrest. If you are arrested via a warrant, a judge will have reviewed and set a monetary bond of their own on the warrant. If you were arrested on-site, then the police department will set its own bond.

A surety bond is one of the most common forms of bail bonds in Connecticut. With a surety bond, a bail bondsman pays the total bail on your behalf in exchange for a fee, typically a percentage of the bond amount. A non-surety bond, on the other hand, means the defendant or their family pays the cash directly to the court without using a bail bondsman.

Under Connecticut law, a written promise to appear is another option. This is also called a promise to appear and involves no cash payment. Instead, the accused signs a written promise to show up for every court date. If they fail to appear, a warrant can be issued for their arrest.

Non-Financial Conditions of Release

The court can consider attaching other conditions to a defendant’s pretrial release other than a monetary bond. For example, a court can make different types of mental health or substance abuse treatment conditions of a defendant’s release. These are tools that defense attorneys can use, depending on the facts of a case, to make a case for a less restrictive monetary bail figure.

In some situations, a judge may also look at whether the defendant is a flight risk before deciding on conditions. Strong community ties, steady employment, and family roots in the area can all support a lower bail amount. A skilled criminal defense attorney can argue these points to the judge and work to protect your right to a fair bail amount.

What is An Arraignment?

An arraignment is the fancy term that describes a defendant’s first court appearance, where more often than not, they will enter pro forma “not guilty, jury election” pleas. However, on top of this, if a defendant is incarcerated based on their inability to post a pretrial bond, the court can and will review the bond and hear arguments as to its appropriateness from all of the parties involved. The court will consider a variety of factors when making a decision about the appropriateness of a bond, including information about the alleged facts of the case and charges, but also a defendant’s age, employment, prior criminal history, and community ties.

At the arraignment, prosecutors may present evidence or information about the criminal charges to support a higher bond amount. Your lawyer can argue the other side, presenting facts about your background, community ties, and criminal history to push for a lower or more manageable bail. In felony cases, this hearing takes on even more weight.

Your defense attorneys can also file motions at or after the arraignment to challenge the bail set. Our criminal defense lawyers understand how Connecticut courts handle these hearings and how to position your case for the best result at this early stage.

Whether you or a loved one is facing felony or misdemeanor charges, hiring an experienced attorney to guide you through the process early can save you time, stress, and money. You want to hire the experienced and creative attorneys who understand that the facts are not always black and white. Call the team at Black’s Law Group today for your free consultation and to see how we might be able to help through the bail and arraignment process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bail and Arraignment

How does a bail bondsman work in Connecticut?

A bail bondsman is a licensed professional who posts a surety bond on behalf of someone who has been arrested. The bail bondsman charges a non-refundable fee, typically around 10% of the bond amount. In exchange, they guarantee the court that the defendant will show up for every court date. If the defendant fails to appear, the bail bondsman may be responsible for paying the full bail amount.

What happens if I cannot pay bail in Connecticut?

If you cannot pay bail, you will remain in custody until your court date unless the bond amount is reduced. At your arraignment, your lawyer can ask the judge to lower the bail or consider a promise to appear instead. The court may also consider a non-surety bond or other release conditions rather than keeping you in jail.

What is an arrest warrant, and how does it affect bail?

An arrest warrant is a document signed by a judge that authorizes police to take someone into custody. When a judge signs an arrest warrant, they often set a bail amount directly on the warrant. This means that when you are arrested on a warrant, the bail may already be set before you ever reach the police station. Your lawyer can still argue for a lower amount at your hearing.

Can bail be reduced after it is set?

Yes. Your criminal defense attorney can request a bail reduction hearing. The judge will look at the same factors considered at arraignment, including the nature of the criminal matter, your community ties, and whether you are a flight risk. Changes in your circumstances or new information can support a lower Connecticut bail amount. Many clients have seen their bail reduced through this process.

What is the difference between bail and a bail bond?

Bail is the total amount of money set by a judge or police department to secure someone’s release from jail. A bail bond is the method used to post bail when someone cannot pay the full amount in cash. A bail bondsman provides the bail bond as a guarantee to the court that the defendant will appear for all future court dates. Under Connecticut law, both options are available depending on the bail process in your specific case.

Speak With a Connecticut Bail and Arraignment Attorney Today

Being arrested is scary. The bail process moves fast, and every decision made in the first hours and days can affect your entire case. Our clients count on us to be there from the moment they or their loved one is arrested through every step that follows. We protect your rights and argue on your behalf so you can get back to your life.

As a Connecticut bail and arraignment attorney, our team understands the Connecticut bail system and how to present the strongest case for your release. Whether your case involves misdemeanor charges or more serious criminal charges, we are ready to help. Call us today at 203-504-9517 for a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney who will protect your rights.