You’ve Been Arrested – Now What?

Getting arrested can be a frightening and intimidating experience, whether it is your first arrest or whether you’ve been a suspect before. But although it is an emotionally charged experience, it is important to conduct yourself appropriately with police. Our attorneys at The Law Office of Colleen M. Glenn, P.A., can help you understand the process and work to minimize the consequences.

What To Expect

After your arrest, you will be booked at a jail facility. In some cases, you will be released with bond, but if you are unable to pay or the offense is unbondable, such as a probation violation, a domestic violence charge or the result of a bench warrant issued by a judge, you will be held pending a hearing within 24 hours. The hearing is the first appearance before a judge.

Bond Hearing

First hearings and bond hearings are designed to give suspects a better idea of the charges against them. The judge will advise the defendant and determine whether the police had probable cause for arrest. The Florida pretrial lawyer will ask for a pretrial release, and the judge will set up conditions of that release. Character witnesses, such as friends, family and an employer can help the defendant make a better case.

The defendant might be released on their own recognizance or forced to place bail. They may become part of a supervised release program, where someone else takes responsibility for the defendant, who may have to wear an electronic monitoring device to reduce the risk of missing a future court date. In some cases, a drug court will order that a suspect participates in a treatment program. This may also be part of a pretrial intervention.

Filing Charges

In the state of Florida, prosecutors have 30 days to file formal charges with the courts, and in some cases, this time frame could be extended to 40 days. During this time, there is room for a defense attorney to build a case for the client and help them prepare for any pretrial court dates. If formal charges can’t be filed by prosecutors, motions for the release of uncharged defendants need to be heard by the court.

Respecting The Process While Insisting On Your Rights

There are a lot of different ways an actual arrest can go. Police might claim to have a warrant or some may try to get you agitated in order to provoke an inappropriate response. It is important to do everything in your power to prevent that from happening. If police claim to have a warrant, ask to see it and demand that they tell you why you are being arrested.

Talk As Little As Possible With The Police

While it’s important to be polite, it’s also important not to say anything that could be construed as incriminating, which could be almost anything. Don’t become angry or excited. Police will use that against you. Stay calm and instead contact The Law Office of Colleen M. Glenn, P.A., and get the appropriate advice on how to move forward.

Hiring The Right Attorney

At your arraignment hearing, the judge should inform you that a public defender can be assigned if you can’t afford an attorney, but it is in your best interest to hire your own lawyer if at all possible.

The Law Office of Colleen M. Glenn, P.A., works exclusively with criminal defense cases and the firm has earned a good deal of respect for serving Manatee, Sarasota and Pinellas counties since it opened its doors in 2006. Various forms of payment are accepted, and payment plans can be negotiated in order to meet your needs.

Call Us Today!

If you have questions about any of the pretrial procedures in Florida, feel free to call us at 941-746-8800. You can also fill out our online contact form, and we will reach out to you.