Connecticut Bail and Bond Lawyer

If someone you love has just been arrested, panic sets in fast. The first question most families ask is simple: “When can they come home?”

In Connecticut, release from custody depends on bail and bond. These terms are often misunderstood, and the process itself feels overwhelming — especially when you’re at the police station in the middle of the night, facing urgent decisions.

Bail is not about punishing someone before trial. The purpose of bail is to make sure defendants return to court. But in practice, high bail amounts and confusing rules often keep people in jail who don’t belong there.

This page explains how bail really works in Connecticut, who sets it, the different types of bonds available, common mistakes to avoid, and how a lawyer can help you secure release quickly and at the lowest possible cost.

The words “bail” and “bond” get used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same.

• Bail is the amount of money set as a condition of release. Think of it as collateral to make sure you return to court.
• Bond is the way bail is satisfied — whether by posting cash with the court, using a bail bondsman, or being released on a written promise without paying anything.

Example: Suppose bail is set at $25,000. You could:

• Pay the full $25,000 in cash directly to the court.
• Post 7% directly with the court if the judge allows it — $1,750, refundable at the end of the case (minus a small fee).
• Hire a bail bondsman, who charges a statutory non-refundable fee of 7% ($1,750).
• Be released on a Promise to Appear with no money down if the court agrees.

The difference is simple: bail is the amount required, and bond is how you post it.

Bail can be set at different stages of a case:

• Judge at the Arrest Warrant Stage
  • When police apply for an arrest warrant, the judge often sets the initial bond right on the warrant.
• Police at the Station
  • For arrests without a warrant (such as DUI, domestic violence, or on-scene arrests), the police set the initial bond at the station.
• The Bail Commissioner
  • Before arraignment, the bail commissioner interviews the defendant and makes a recommendation to the court.
• Judge at Arraignment
  • Within 24 hours of arrest, the judge has the final authority to keep, reduce, or increase the bond.

This first court appearance is the best chance for a lawyer to argue for reduced bail or release without money.

• Seriousness of the charges
• Criminal history and prior failures to appear
• Flight risk and likelihood of returning to court
• Community ties (job, family, residence)
• Public safety concerns

Judges can add conditions to a release, such as:

• GPS or electronic ankle monitoring
• Drug or alcohol testing
• Surrendering a passport
• Curfews
• Strict no-contact or protective orders

Violating these can result in bail being revoked or new charges.

• Promise to Appear (PTA): No money required, just a written promise.
• Non-Surety Bond: No deposit up front, but you’re liable if you miss court.
• Cash Bond: You deposit the full amount with the court.
• 7% Cash Option: For bail up to $50,000, judges may allow posting 7% with the court (refundable).
• Surety Bond (Bondsman): Pay a bondsman 7% (non-refundable). Often faster, but more costly.
• Cash-Only Bond: Rare, requires the full amount in cash.

A defense lawyer can:

• Argue for a PTA or non-surety bond.
• File a motion to reduce bail.
• Present mitigation (job, family, ties to community).
• Push for the 7% court option instead of a non-refundable bondsman fee.

Having a lawyer at this stage can mean freedom instead of sitting in jail.

• You remain in custody until the case is resolved.
• Your lawyer can later request a bail modification.
• Some qualify for supervised release or electronic monitoring.
• Staying in jail makes it harder to fight your case effectively.

• Rushing to a bondsman without checking if the 7% court option is available.
• Violating release conditions (like contacting a protected party).
• Ignoring bail commissioner notices.
• Waiting too long to hire a lawyer.

Yes. For on-scene arrests, police set bond at the station. A judge reviews it the next business day.

You risk a re-arrest warrant. Sometimes the bail commissioner first sends a reminder, but ignoring it leads to forfeiture and more charges.

Judges can raise or revoke your bond, and you may face new criminal charges.

Yes, in very serious cases such as murder. For most cases, some form of bail is available.

Yes. Cash or the 7% option is refunded at the end of the case (minus a small fee), provided all court dates are met.

If allowed, the 7% cash option is almost always cheaper since a bondsman’s fee is non-refundable.

If funds are available, release can happen within hours. Bondsmen often move paperwork quickly.

Yes. These cases usually start with higher bond amounts and stricter release conditions.

Yes. A lawyer can file a motion to reduce bail later if circumstances change.

Your lawyer may request supervised release, lower bail, or conditions like GPS monitoring.

Bail decisions happen fast, and the costs are serious. With the right lawyer, you can push for reduced bail, argue for the 7% court option, and fight for realistic conditions of release.

I’ve spent over 30 years helping clients in Stamford, Norwalk, Greenwich, and across Fairfield County secure release from custody. I know how judges, police, and bail commissioners make their decisions — and how to fight for the lowest possible bond.

📞 Call me today at (203) 357-5555 for fill out our online contact form or a free consultation