The COVID-19 pandemic has upended courtrooms and delayed proceedings throughout Connecticut. If you’ve been accused of a criminal offense, your court date might be several months away, which can make it easy to forget. For many defendants out on a bail bond, forgetting a court date can cause serious complications. Below are answers to some common questions you might have about COVID-19 and the court system in Connecticut.

Answers to Common Questions About Connecticut Courts During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Are courts in Connecticut open?

Courts in Connecticut are now handling nearly all types of cases, except for jury trials. To reduce the risk of spreading the virus, some court procedures are being held remotely, including arraignments and plea hearings. The majority of local courthouses are open.

How are safety measures affecting court calendars?

Dealing with complex legal matters through videoconferencing is much slower than holding in-person hearings. Courts throughout the state are experiencing significant delays, so you may not be expected in court for months. If you’re scheduled for a jury trial, you may not even have a court date yet.

When are courts scheduled to reopen for in-person hearings?

The state hasn’t announced when courts will likely resume business as they used to, but as more and more people get the vaccine, they will begin holding more in-person hearings. If you have a pending case, keep checking the Judicial Branch website for updates.

What should I do if I’m out on a bail bond?

If you’re out on bail, be sure to mark your calendar as soon as you’re given a court date. The bond agent will likely give you a reminder phone call. Missing the date could cause the bail bond to be revoked, which means you might be returned to custody while being charged with a failure to appear in court.

If you're charged with a crime in Connecticut, trust 3-D Bail Bonds to help secure your release as quickly as possible. We’ve been helping defendants throughout the state post bail for over 23 years, with a reputation built on friendly customer service and 24-hour availability. Visit our website to look up your nearest location. Follow our Hartford Facebook page for helpful tips, or call (860) 247-2245 to reach our main office in Hartford. To speak with a bail agent in New Britain, call (860) 229-2525 and like our Facebook page for more details. Call (203) 562-6666 for help posting bail in the New Haven and Hamden areas, and like our New Haven Facebook page for up-to-date details.