Secured vs. Unsecured Bonds in Connecticut
Difference Between Secured & Unsecured Bonds
There are several different options available to you if you have been arrested and need to pay a bond. While there are many different types of bonds, there are two major categories for bonds – secured and unsecured. It is important to understand the difference between these types of bonds so that you can determine which is the best option for you to use. Secured bonds are bonds that are backed up by something, whether that be money or collateral.
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What Are Secured Bonds?
Examples of secured bonds are:
- Cash Bonds
- Surety Bonds
- Property Bonds
What Are Unsecured Bonds?
Unsecured bonds differ in that they are not backed by anything tangible. If a judge grants a defendant release on citation or release on own personal recognizance, this means that the judge believes that the defendant will return to court without the incentive of putting up collateral, whether that be in the form of cash, real estate, equipment, or revenue. The defendant simply promises to return to court at the appointed time, and the judge believes that it is likely that the defendant will follow through with this promise. If the defendant does not return to court at the appointed time, he or she will not lose property or money, but failure to appear in court is still a crime.
Therefore, if you are released from jail on personal recognizance or on a citation, it is still in your best interest to return to court for your hearing.
Which Type of Bond Has a Higher Risk?
There is a higher risk factor involved with unsecured bonds, so they are granted sparingly. Usually, unsecured bonds are only awarded to a defendant if the charge is a minor crime, such as a traffic violation or some similar misdemeanor. In addition, a judge will consider your criminal history when determining the kind of bail to set. If you have a criminal history, it might reduce a judge’s belief that you deserve to be released on citation or released on your own personal recognizance. If a judge thinks that you are a threat to the community, you might not receive bail at all.
Which Type of Bond Should I Choose?
There are many factors that go into a judge granting you bail, and if he or she does, what kind of bail is granted. You cannot pick the type of bail that you want to use. However, if you are a first time offender with a minor infraction, the odds of a judge granting you bail without requiring collateral or a cash bond is high. If you find that you cannot pay the bail set for you, don’t panic. There are ways that you can still be released from jail.
CT Bail Bonds Group Can Assist You With Secured and Unsecured Bonds.
One good option that you have is to hire a bail bondsman in Hartford who can pay your bail for you. At CT Bail Bonds Group, we believe that everyone deserves access to affordable bail bonding options. Whether you’re in Hartford, New Haven, or anywhere else in Connecticut, give us a call today to find out how we can secure your bail bond funds. Make sure that if you are going to hire a bail bondsman, you work out the terms of this agreement before signing any papers. Give us a call today at 860-420-2245.
