When you are arrested for most crimes in the Orlando area, you are given a bond amount upon being booked into the jail. Bail or bond is governed by Chapter 903 of the Florida Statutes. If you can not afford to post the bond, call the attorneys at Finebloom & Haenel at 407-218-6277. We will explain the booking and bond process as it applies to your case. Our knowledgeable attorneys and staff will also explain what we can do prior to first appearance to try to assist you, and if necessary set a bond hearing.
What is bond?
“Bail” and “bond” (hereafter referred to only as “bond”)are words used to describe any type of release from jail. The purpose of posting a bond as defined by Florida Statute 903.046, is to make sure that you show up for all of your court dates while your case is pending and to protect the community from unreasonable danger.
Bond is usually thought of in terms of cash or money. But in addition to money, the judge may also include other non-monetary conditions when you post a bond. These can include things such as not having contact with your co-defendants or not returning to the site where the crime supposedly took place.
How do I post a bond?
If you can afford the bond right away you can post it and be released. You can either post the entire
bond amount or use a bail bondsman.
If you have the entire amount of the bond, a friend or family member can bring the
money to the jail and you will be released. The jail gives the money to the clerk. The
clerk keeps the money for the entire time your case is pending. If your case is dismissed,
the bond is returned. If you plea or are found guilty, the clerk will apply the bond to your
court costs and fees.
If you do not have the entire bond amount you may be able to use a bail bondsman.
You pay a bondsman 10% of your bond amount along with some kind of collateral.
The collateral is usually some type of personal property such as jewelry or title. After
receiving the money and the necessary collateral, the bondsman posts the bond for you so
that you can be released.
The bondsman keeps the 10% as a fee. You never get that money back. The collateral is
returned at the conclusion of your case regardless of the outcome.
What if I can’t afford to bond out?
If you cannot afford the bond then you will be brought to first appearances. A first
appearance is a hearing held in the jail within 24 hours of your arrest. A judge will
inform you of your charges and your rights. The judge will review your bond and decide
if it should be higher, lower, or if it should stay the same. In some cases the judge may
release you “ROR.” This means you are released without posting any money. It is not
often a person is released ROR.
If you are not released ROR, and you can not afford your bond or the money for a
bondsman, Florida Statute 903.02 allows for a bond modification. This is more commonly referred to as a “bond hearing”. When you hire the defense team of Finebloom & Haenel, your attorney will request a bond hearing with the judge. At the bond hearing, your attorney can ask that the bond be lowered to an amount that you or a family member can afford.
If you or someone you care about have been arrested in the Orlando area, and you need help with bond, call Finebloom & Haenel at 407-218-6277 now. We are available 24/7 to discuss your release with you. Don’t try to fight your charge from a jail cell. Call us now and let us help you!
