BOND AMOUNTS / ADVISORY / FIRST APPEARANCE HEARINGS
When someone is arrested, bond amounts are determined by a schedule set by the courts. Domestic related charges are not entitled to a bond until seen by a judge. If the arrest resulted from an outstanding warrant, the bond amount is set by the judge who signed the warrant. If the person arrested remains in custody long enough, the arrested will attend their first appearance (Advisory Hearing). During this hearing, the judge may set a new bond amount or leave it the same.
Q. Is the bond amount negotiable?
A. No. The arresting officer will record the bond amount based upon an established bond schedule as determined by the appropriate judicial authority.
Q. The defendant was arrested on a domestic related charge and not able to bond out until after they see a judge. How long will it take to see the judge?
A. The arrestee will go before the judge for a first appearance hearing within 24 hours of their arrest. At this time the judge will review the charges and the bond amount. The judge has the option to change the bond amount or leave it the same.
RELEASE PROCEDURES
Each day, the Release Desk will experience various types of releases. For example, some will bond out with cash while others may use the services of a bonding agent. Some may be released because they have served their sentence, been sentenced to probation or released to other counties.
Q. I don't know any bonding agents, can you recommend one for me?
A. No, the Sheriff's Office is prohibited, by Florida Statute, from recommending a bonding agent. You can find a bonding agent listed in the telephone directory or they are posted next to the telephones within the detention facility and inside the public lobby.
Q. I paid for a bond through a bonding agent a long time ago. Why hasn't the arrested been released ?
A. If you have a question regarding a bond, please contact your bonding agent. Many times, we do not receive the bond for several hours. If the bonding agent makes an error on the bond, they must make the correction prior to a release taking effect. These are circumstances beyond our control and the Sheriff's Office is prohibited by Florida statute to change, alter, or correct the documents.
Q. A bond was paid before the arrestee surrendered, how long will it take for them to be released?
A. The same as above applies. In addition, if the arrestee turns themselves in on a warrant, they will be processed in and released the same as those arrested under other circumstances.
Q. The arrestee went to court and the judge released them, how long will it take for them to be released?
A. When a judge releases someone from custody they will be released as soon as the Sheriff's Office has been properly notified. The Clerk of the Court must provide the proper documentation before release of an inmate can be initiated. The documentation must then be delivered to the Intake / Release unit. The releases are then completed as they are received in Booking.