The term “cashless bail” is frequently used when discussing the criminal justice system, but its meaning is often misunderstood. Cashless bail generally refers to releasing someone before trial without requiring that person to pay money or purchase a bail bond.
Instead, the court may release the person on a written promise to appear or establish nonfinancial conditions that must be followed while the case is pending.
What Is Cashless Bail?
Cashless bail allows an eligible person to be released from custody without paying a financial bond. However, being released without paying money does not mean the charges have been dismissed or that the person can disregard the court process.
Someone released under cashless bail must still:
- Attend every required court appearance
- Follow all conditions established by the court
- Avoid committing another crime while released
- Comply with restrictions involving travel, contact or certain activities
- Notify the appropriate parties if their address or contact information changes
The phrase “cashless bail” is a commonly used general term. Connecticut courts may instead describe these arrangements as a written promise to appear or release with nonfinancial conditions..
How Does Cashless Bail Work in Connecticut?
Connecticut does not use cashless bail for every person or every criminal charge. The conditions of release are determined individually based on the charges, the person’s background and the likelihood that they will return to court.
Depending on the circumstances, a person may be released through:
- A written promise to appear
- A written promise to appear with nonfinancial conditions
- A bond without surety
- A bond with surety
Connecticut courts generally use the least restrictive conditions considered sufficient to reasonably ensure that the person returns to court. When appropriate, the court may also consider whether additional conditions are necessary to protect another person.
Nonfinancial conditions can include supervision, travel restrictions, avoiding contact with certain individuals, maintaining employment, participating in an educational program or electronic monitoring. The exact conditions depend on the circumstances of the case.
Additional information about Connecticut’s pretrial-release procedures is available in Chapter 960 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Cashless Bail vs. a Traditional Bail Bond
The main difference between cashless release and a traditional bail bond is whether a financial condition must be satisfied before the person can be released.
Neither option determines whether someone is guilty or innocent. Bail and other release conditions are used before the criminal case has been resolved.
When Might Financial Bail Still Be Required?
Cashless release is not available in every situation. A court may establish financial bail after considering factors related to the person and the pending case.
These factors may include:
- The nature and seriousness of the charges
- Previous convictions
- Past court attendance
- Previous failures to appear
- Family and community ties
- Employment and financial circumstances
- The number of pending charges
- Safety concerns
- The likelihood that the person will follow release conditions
No single factor automatically determines whether financial bail will be required. Release conditions are established case by case.
If a bond with surety is set, the person may need to post the full amount using an accepted method or work with a licensed Connecticut bail bondsman.
What Happens If You Violate Cashless-Bail Conditions?
Cashless bail does not mean that release comes without consequences or responsibilities. A person who misses court or violates another release condition may face:
- A rearrest warrant
- Stricter release conditions
- Financial bail being imposed
- Return to custody
- A possible failure-to-appear charge
Missing a court appearance should be addressed as quickly as possible. The person should contact their attorney and the clerk’s office for the court handling the case. If a new financial bond is established, a bail bond company may be able to assist with the release process.
Do You Need a Bail Bondsman for Cashless Bail?
A bail bondsman is not needed when someone is released on a written promise to appear or entirely under nonfinancial conditions. There is no financial bond for the bondsman to post in those situations.
However, if the court requires a bond with surety, Afford-a-Bail can explain the bonding process and help families understand their available options. With more than 25 years of experience, over 5,000 bail bonds posted and 300+ combined five-star reviews, our team has helped Connecticut families navigate the bail process during difficult and time-sensitive situations.
Need Help With a Connecticut Bail Bond?
If a financial bond has been set for you or someone you care about, Afford-a-Bail is available 24 hours a day. Our experienced team can explain the process, discuss flexible payment options and help you take the next step.
Call 860-SET-FREE to get help now.
This article provides general information about Connecticut bail procedures and is not legal advice. Court procedures and the consequences of a missed appearance depend on the facts of each case. Contact a qualified Connecticut attorney for advice about a specific legal matter.
