Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney

Bonds And Bond Schedules – Pretrial Release

If you are arrested for a minor charge, the police may issue you what is called a Notice To Appear, which informs you of a court date. If you fail to appear at court, a warrant is usually issued for your arrest.

If you arrested and taken into custody, for a minor charge, you may be release ROR: Released on your Own Recognizance. You promise to appear in court, and again, if you fail to appear the court will issue a warrant for your arrest.

All defendants are entitled to a reasonable bond: a bond that will take into account several factors, such as the seriousness of the charges, ties to the community, whether the Defendant is a flight risk, whether the Defendant lives out of state or owns property in Florida, and sometimes your criminal record. The bond is meant to ensure your attendance at future court dates. If you miss a court date, your bond may be revoked (kept by the State) and a warrant issued for your arrest. If you arrested for a different crime while out on bond, your bond may be revoked on the first charge.

Some courts use what they refer to as a Bond Schedule, a list of what that particular court deems to be proper bonds based on the charges. The Judge, at his or her discretion, can find that there are aggravating circumstances (based on the factors listed above) and set bond outside of the bond schedule.

After arrest, you are entitled to a First Appearance within 24 hours. This is normally done over closed circuit television, so you may not actually see a Judge in person. If bond has not already been set, normally it will be set at the First Appearance. If you cannot pay the bond outright, then you can obtain the services of a Bondsman, which is a company or business that will post the bond for you. Typically, the Bondsman’s fee is 10 percent of the bond. If you miss a court date, not only will a warrant be issued, but the Bondsman will come looking for you as well.

If your bond is set too high, or you are being held on NO BOND, all hope is not lost. An experienced attorney can assist you in getting a bond hearing, so that he or she can make the court aware of the totality of your circumstances. For Bond Hearings, Motions to Set Bond, Motions to Reduce Bond, and the like, contact the Law Offices of The Orlando Criminal Attorney today!