Tips, News & Information
Getting the call that someone you care about has been arrested is stressful. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do.
Read ArticleConnecticut's bail system has undergone changes in recent years. Here's what you need to know.
Read ArticleCo-signing a bail bond is a serious financial responsibility. Make sure you understand what you're agreeing to.
Read ArticleA DUI arrest can be frightening and confusing. Here's what typically happens after a DUI arrest in CT.
Read ArticleMany people use "bail" and "bond" interchangeably, but they're actually different things.
Read ArticleNot all bail bondsmen are the same. Here are the key things to look for when choosing one.
Read ArticleGetting the call that someone you care about has been arrested is one of the most stressful experiences you can go through. Your mind races, your heart pounds, and you might not know where to even start. But don't worry — we've helped thousands of families through this exact situation, and we're here to walk you through it step by step.
We know it's easier said than done, but panicking won't help the situation. Take a deep breath. The person in custody is safe, and there is a clear process to get them released. You being calm and focused is the most important thing right now.
You need to find out a few key pieces of information: Where are they being held? (which police station or correctional facility), What are the charges?, and What is the bail amount? If the person who was arrested is able to call you, they may have some of this information. You can also call the facility directly.
Contact Joey Bond at 203-627-7262. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — including nights, weekends, and holidays. We'll explain your options, answer all your questions, and start the process immediately.
The bond premium depends on the bail amount set by the court. We accept all major credit cards, cash, and money orders. We also offer flexible payment plans if you need them. Don't let money be the reason your loved one stays in jail — we'll work with you.
Once the bond is posted, release times vary depending on the facility. Local police stations can take as little as 30 minutes. Larger correctional facilities may take several hours. We'll keep you informed throughout the process so you know exactly what to expect.
After release, the defendant must appear at all scheduled court dates. This is critical. Failure to appear will result in a warrant for their arrest and the full bail amount becoming due. As long as they show up to court, everything will be fine.
If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to call us at 203-627-7262. We're here to help.
Connecticut's bail system has undergone significant changes in recent years as part of broader criminal justice reform efforts. Whether you're dealing with bail for the first time or want to understand your rights, here's a comprehensive overview of how bail works in the state.
When someone is arrested in Connecticut, a judge determines the bail amount based on several factors: the severity of the charges, the defendant's criminal history, their ties to the community, employment status, and whether they are considered a flight risk. The goal of bail is to ensure the defendant returns for their court dates — it is not meant to be a punishment.
Connecticut uses several types of release options:
Promise to Appear (PTA): For minor offenses, a defendant may be released on their own recognizance — essentially a promise to show up to court. No money is required.
Cash Bail: The defendant or their family pays the full bail amount directly to the court. This money is returned (minus fees) when the case concludes, regardless of the outcome.
Surety Bond: This is where a bail bondsman comes in. You pay a percentage of the total bail to a licensed bondsman, and the bondsman guarantees the full amount to the court. This is the most common option for larger bail amounts.
Non-financial Conditions: In some cases, the court may impose conditions like electronic monitoring, travel restrictions, or regular check-ins instead of or in addition to monetary bail.
Every defendant has the right to a bail hearing. If you believe the bail amount is excessive, you can request a bail review hearing where a judge will reconsider the amount. Having an attorney present at this hearing is strongly recommended.
For questions about bail in Connecticut, call Joey Bond at 203-627-7262. We've been navigating the Connecticut court system for over years.
Co-signing a bail bond is a serious financial and legal commitment. Before you put your name on the dotted line, make sure you fully understand what you're agreeing to. Here are five critical things every co-signer should know.
As a co-signer (also called an indemnitor), you are guaranteeing that the defendant will appear at all scheduled court dates. If they don't show up, you become responsible for the full bail amount. This isn't a small commitment — bail amounts can be tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The fee you pay to the bail bondsman is earned the moment the bond is posted. This is true regardless of the outcome of the case — whether the charges are dropped, the defendant is found not guilty, or they are convicted. The premium is the cost of the bondsman's service and guarantee.
For larger bail amounts, the bondsman may require collateral such as real estate, vehicles, jewelry, or other valuable assets. This collateral is returned once the case is concluded and all financial obligations are met.
If you believe the defendant is going to flee or violate the conditions of their release, you have the right to contact the bail bondsman and request that the defendant be surrendered back to custody. This protects you from financial liability.
Once the defendant's case is fully resolved — whether through trial, plea deal, or dismissal — and all financial obligations have been met, your responsibility as co-signer ends. Any collateral is returned at this point.
Have questions about co-signing? Call us at 203-627-7262. We'll explain everything before you commit to anything.
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) arrest in Connecticut can be a frightening and confusing experience. Whether it happened to you or someone you love, understanding the process can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for what comes next.
If a police officer suspects you of driving under the influence, they will typically conduct field sobriety tests and may request a breathalyzer test. Refusing the breathalyzer in Connecticut results in an automatic license suspension. If arrested, you'll be transported to a police station for booking.
For first-time DUI offenses, bail is typically set at a relatively low amount, and many defendants are released on a Promise to Appear (PTA). However, if there are aggravating factors — such as a very high BAC, an accident involving injuries, or prior DUI convictions — bail can be significantly higher.
First-time DUI offenders in Connecticut may face:
• Up to 6 months in jail (2-day mandatory minimum)
• Fines of $500 to $1,000
• 45-day license suspension
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
• Required participation in an alcohol education program
• Probation
Penalties increase significantly for second and third offenses.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for DUI, call us at 203-627-7262. We can post bail quickly and get you released so you can focus on your case. We also recommend consulting with a DUI attorney as soon as possible.
Many people use the words "bail" and "bond" interchangeably, but they actually refer to different things. Understanding the distinction can help you navigate the legal system more effectively.
Bail is the total dollar amount set by the court that must be paid in order for a defendant to be released from custody before their trial. Think of it as the price tag. The purpose of bail is to provide a financial incentive for the defendant to return for their court dates.
A bond is the financial arrangement you make through a bail bondsman to cover the bail amount. Instead of paying the full bail to the court (which could be tens of thousands of dollars), you pay a percentage to a bail bondsman, and the bondsman guarantees the full amount to the court.
Bail = the price. Bond = the financing.
It's similar to buying a house. The purchase price is the bail. The mortgage (where a bank covers the cost and you make payments) is the bond. The bail bondsman is essentially the bank in this analogy.
If you pay the full bail amount in cash directly to the court, that's called cash bail. The money is returned to you (minus administrative fees) when the case concludes. If you use a bail bondsman, that's a surety bond. The premium you pay the bondsman is not returned — it's the fee for the service.
Questions? Call 203-627-7262 anytime.
When you or a loved one needs a bail bondsman, you want to make the right choice. Not all bondsmen are created equal, and the person you choose can make a significant difference in how smoothly the process goes. Here's what to look for.
Look for a bondsman with years of experience in the industry. An experienced bondsman knows the court system inside and out, has relationships with court clerks and officers, and can navigate the process quickly. Joey Bond has been doing this for over years.
Arrests happen at all hours. Your bondsman should be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you can't reach them at 3 AM on a Sunday, find someone else.
A reputable bondsman will clearly explain all fees upfront with no hidden charges. If someone is vague about pricing or pressures you to sign before explaining the costs, that's a red flag.
Look for a bondsman who offers flexible payment plans and accepts multiple forms of payment (credit cards, cash, money orders). Coming up with bail money on short notice is stressful enough — your bondsman should make the payment process as easy as possible.
A bondsman who knows the local courts, facilities, and procedures can get things done faster. They know who to call, where to go, and how to expedite the process.
Check Google reviews, Yelp, and Facebook. What do past clients say? Look for consistent themes: fast response, fair pricing, professional service, and genuine care for clients.
Joey Bond checks all of these boxes. Call us at 203-627-7262 and see for yourself.