Frequently asked questions
Bail Bonds FAQ: Clear Answers for Connecticut Families
Our bail bonds FAQ answers 48 of the questions families ask us most, from cost and co-signers to court dates and Connecticut jails. Still unsure? A licensed agent is one call away, day or night.
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The short answer
In Connecticut, a licensed bail bondsman posts the full bail for a state-regulated premium of up to 10% of the first $5,000 and 7% of the rest. The defendant is released and must attend every court date. Easy Bail Bonds LLC handles this 24/7 from Tolland and Bozrah, CT.
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Our bail bonds FAQ is organized into 8 topics. Tap a topic to jump straight to the answers you need.
Topic 1 of 8
Bail Bonds FAQ: Bail Basics
Start here if bail is new to you. This part of our bail bonds FAQ explains what bail is and how release works in Connecticut.
What is a bail bond?
A bail bond is a guarantee to the court, backed by a licensed surety, that an arrested person will attend every court date. It lets the person be released without paying the full bail amount in cash.
How does bail work in Connecticut?
Police set an initial bond after booking. If it is not posted, a Judicial Branch bail commissioner may review it, and a judge reviews bail at arraignment, usually the next court day. A bail bondsman can post the bond at any of these stages.
What is the difference between bail and a bail bond?
Bail is the amount of money the court requires as security. A bail bond is the agreement a licensed bondsman posts on the defendant’s behalf, so the family pays a premium instead of the full bail.
What types of release are available in Connecticut?
A judge or bail commissioner can order release on a written promise to appear, a non-surety bond, cash bail, a surety bond posted by a bondsman, or a real estate bond. The Connecticut Judicial Branch oversees bail decisions in state court.
Who sets the bail amount?
Police set the initial amount at the station, and a judge can raise, lower or change it at arraignment. Bail bondsmen cannot change the amount set by police or the court.
Can a judge refuse to set bail?
Most people arrested in Connecticut are given a way to be released. For the most serious charges, a judge may set a very high amount or strict conditions. A defense attorney can argue for different terms.
Topic 2 of 8
Bail Bonds FAQ: Cost and Payment
Questions about price come up first for most families. This section of our bail bonds FAQ explains how premiums are calculated in Connecticut.
How much does a bail bond cost in Connecticut?
The premium follows state-approved rates: up to 10% of the first $5,000 of the bond and up to 7% of the amount above $5,000.
How much is the premium on a $10,000 bond?
On a $10,000 bond the premium is $850: $500 on the first $5,000 plus $350 on the remaining $5,000.
How much is the premium on a $50,000 bond?
On a $50,000 bond the premium is $3,650: $500 on the first $5,000 plus $3,150 on the remaining $45,000.
Is the bail bond premium refundable?
No. The premium is the fee for posting the bond and taking on the risk. It is earned once the defendant is released, even if the case is later dismissed.
Can a bail bondsman give me a discount?
No. Connecticut requires surety bail bond agents to charge the premium rate approved by the Connecticut Insurance Department. Be cautious of anyone offering to write a bond for less.
Are there hidden fees?
There should not be. We explain the premium and any other costs in writing before you sign, and you can ask us about payment options when you call.
Topic 3 of 8
Bail Bonds FAQ: The Bail Process and Release Times
How fast can your loved one come home? This part of our bail bonds FAQ walks through the process from first call to release.
How long does it take to get out of jail after bail is posted?
Release from a police station often happens within a few hours of the bond being posted. Release from a Department of Correction facility usually takes longer because the jail completes its own paperwork.
What information do I need when I call?
The person’s full legal name, date of birth and where they are being held. If you know the charges, booking number or bail amount, that helps too.
Do I have to come to your office?
No. Most families never visit our office. Paperwork can be completed by phone or email, and a licensed agent goes to the facility to post the bond.
Can you post bail at night or on weekends?
Yes. We answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays, and post bonds whenever bail can be accepted.
Where is a bail bond posted?
At the police station or State Police barracks, at the courthouse, or at the Department of Correction facility where the person is being held.
What happens right after release?
The person receives release paperwork listing the next court date and any conditions, such as a protective order or travel limits. We review those with the family.
Topic 4 of 8
Bail Bonds FAQ: Co-Signers and Collateral
Most bonds involve a family member or friend. This section of our bail bonds FAQ covers who can co-sign and when collateral is needed.
What is a co-signer on a bail bond?
The co-signer, also called the indemnitor, signs the bail agreement and promises the defendant will attend court. Most co-signers are parents, spouses, relatives or close friends.
Who can co-sign a bail bond in Connecticut?
Any adult with a valid photo ID who agrees to take responsibility for the defendant’s court appearances, usually someone with steady income or assets.
What are the co-signer’s responsibilities?
The co-signer helps make sure the defendant goes to every court date. If the defendant disappears and the bond is forfeited, the co-signer may be responsible for the losses under the agreement.
Do I need collateral for a bail bond?
Not always. Many smaller bonds need only the premium and a signed agreement. Larger or higher-risk bonds may need collateral or an additional co-signer.
What can be used as collateral?
It depends on the bond. Common examples include real estate equity or other valuable property. We explain exactly what is needed before anything is signed.
When is collateral returned?
After the case ends and the bond is discharged, as long as the defendant attended every required court date and the agreement was followed.
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No bail bonds FAQ can cover every situation. Our agents answer the phone around the clock and can explain your exact case in plain language, with no obligation.
Topic 5 of 8
Bail Bonds FAQ: After Release and Court Dates
Release is only the start. This part of our bail bonds FAQ explains what the defendant must do until the case closes.
What happens if the defendant misses court?
The judge can order the bond forfeited and issue a re-arrest warrant, and a separate failure to appear charge may be filed. Call your bondsman right away.
What is failure to appear in Connecticut?
It is a separate crime. Missing court on a felony charge can lead to failure to appear in the first degree, and missing court on a misdemeanor can lead to failure to appear in the second degree. Read more about failure to appear bail bonds.
Can the defendant leave Connecticut while on bail?
It depends on the release conditions. Some bonds restrict travel. Check with the defense attorney and let your bondsman know before any trip.
When does a bail bond end?
When the case is closed, whether by dismissal, verdict or sentencing, the court discharges the bond and any collateral can be returned.
Can a bail bondsman cancel a bond?
In some situations, such as repeated missed check-ins or a co-signer withdrawing, a bondsman may ask the court to be released from the bond, which can return the defendant to custody.
What happens if the charges are dropped?
The court discharges the bond. The premium is not refunded because it was earned when the bond was posted, but any collateral is returned.
Topic 6 of 8
Bail Bonds FAQ: Charges and Special Situations
Every case is different. This section of our bail bonds FAQ covers common charges and unusual situations families ask about.
Can you post bail for a DUI arrest?
Yes. In Connecticut, drivers 21 and older are considered impaired at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. A first DUI is usually a misdemeanor, and bail is often modest. Learn more about our DUI bail bonds.
How does bail work for domestic violence charges?
Family violence arrests often come with a protective order, and the defendant usually sees a judge on the next court day. Every condition must be followed exactly after release. See our domestic violence bail bonds page for details.
Can you help if there is a warrant for my arrest?
Yes. We can explain how bail is usually set when someone turns themselves in and arrange to post the bond quickly so they are not held longer than necessary.
Can you bail out a minor?
Most cases involving people under 18 go to the Superior Court for Juvenile Matters, where a judge decides on detention. If a case is transferred to adult court and bail is set, we can help. See our juvenile bail bonds page.
Can someone outside Connecticut co-sign?
Often, yes. A co-signer who lives in another state can usually complete the agreement by phone and email, as long as they meet the bond requirements.
Do you handle federal bail?
Federal cases follow different rules and are handled in federal court. Our bail bonds FAQ answers focus on Connecticut state cases, so call us and we will point you in the right direction.
Topic 7 of 8
Bail Bonds FAQ: Connecticut Courts, Jails and Police
Local answers for local families. This part of our bail bonds FAQ covers Connecticut courts, jails and police agencies.
Where are your offices?
Easy Bail Bonds LLC has offices at 12 Goose Ln, Tolland, CT 06084, phone (860) 607-3116, and 46 Norwich-Lebanon Rd, Bozrah, CT 06334, phone (860) 865-0840. Visit our Tolland bail bonds and Bozrah bail bonds pages.
Do you serve all of Connecticut?
Yes. We post bonds in all 8 counties: Hartford, Tolland, New London, New Haven, Fairfield, Middlesex, Litchfield and Windham. See every town on our Connecticut locations page.
Does Connecticut have county jails?
No. All Connecticut jails and prisons are run by the state Department of Correction. Pretrial detainees are usually held at correctional centers in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport or Uncasville, or at York CI for women.
Which court handles arrests in Tolland County?
Most Tolland County criminal cases are heard at Rockville Superior Court in Vernon, including the Geographical Area 19 court. Learn more about Tolland County bail bonds.
How do I find someone in a Connecticut jail?
Use the inmate search on the Connecticut Department of Correction website, call the court that handled the arraignment, or call us with the person’s name and date of birth.
Which State Police troop covers Tolland?
Connecticut State Police Troop C is based in Tolland and covers Tolland County and much of north-central Connecticut.
Topic 8 of 8
Bail Bonds FAQ: About Easy Bail Bonds
Want to know who you are working with? This final section of our bail bonds FAQ answers questions about our team and services.
Is Easy Bail Bonds licensed?
Yes. Easy Bail Bonds LLC works with licensed Connecticut bail agents and follows state rules, including charging only the approved premium rate.
Are you really open 24/7?
Yes. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes. We share details only with the court and the people you approve. Your situation stays private.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes. You can call either office or send the form below to ask questions before deciding anything, at no cost.
What makes Easy Bail Bonds different?
Two local offices, round-the-clock availability, plain-language explanations and complete privacy. You always know what you are signing and what happens next. See all of our bail bond services.
How do I contact you?
Call (860) 607-3116 for Tolland or (860) 865-0840 for Bozrah, email info@easybailbondsct.com, or use the form at the bottom of this page.
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Didn’t Find Your Answer? Ask Us
If your question is not in our bail bonds FAQ, send it below and a licensed bail agent will reply quickly. For an arrest happening right now, please call.
- Tolland: 12 Goose Ln, Tolland, CT 06084
- (860) 607-3116
- Bozrah: 46 Norwich-Lebanon Rd, Bozrah, CT 06334
- (860) 865-0840
- info@easybailbondsct.com
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