During the last couple of years, there has been the enactment of laws across the country that are similar thematically when it comes to the rights of victims in a pre-trial release. The common belief is that victims have a legal right to have “protection” through the imposing of bail. This is also actualized by setting conditions for the release of the defendant which can be done by the bail commissioner, the courts, or the police. There are specific laws in Connecticut that address the rights of the victims. A good bail bondsman in Connecticut should be aware of such laws in order to help with securing the release of the defendant.
What Happens During Arrest?
Once arrested, the defendant will be required to be processed by the police which is a process known as booking. It is during this time where the arresting officer gets to determine if the defendant will be released or held on bond. If the defendant has no criminal history or a moderate one, it is possible for him or her to be released on a PTA (Promise to Appear). The severity of the offense will play a contributory role in determining if the defendant is to be released on a surety or cash bond. If that is the case, the defendant will have to post the cash amount or work with a bail bonds agent in order to secure their release. The reason why the bond amount is set is to provide an assurance the defendant will appear in court during the set date.
Post Arrest
Arraignment is when the defendant first appears in court after they’ve been arrested. It is usually the start of a series of judicial requirements in a criminal case. There is a chance that the case could be taken to trial. In very rare circumstances will the court not be tried because of mental illness or disability. There will be a risk assessment conducted by the bail commissioner during arraignment in order to determine the amount to be set. The judge will then look at the facts before coming up with the requirements that are least restrictive but still ensure that the defendant appears in court. The defendant will only be released once the conditions have been set.
Plea Negotiations
Such negotiations have become part and parcel of the pretrial hearing and are about to go away any time soon. A plea bargain could save both the defendant and the prosecution the agony of having to appear before a judge. With a plea bargain, there is a guarantee of some form of consequence for the crime committed by the defendant. It should be noted that the judge will be the one that settles a plea agreement even if the victim has a right to be heard in such an arrangement. The defendant will have to adhere to the pretrial conditions during the entire time. For more information on the right of the victims and the defendants, you can check out https://www.connecticut-bailbonds.com/
Connecticut Bail Bonds Group
Address: 11 Asylum St, Suite 512 Hartford CT 06103
Phone: (860) 420-2245
