Your bond hearing (also known as first appearance) is a critical stage in the criminal court process. If physically arrested, you will be brought before a judge within 24 hours where your custody status will be addressed.
If you are charged with a bondable offense, the judge will assess the facts of the case, your criminal history, and your ties to the community (among a great deal of other factors) in determining how much your bond should be. Bond is not a punishment but is a dollar amount intended to secure your appearance in court.
If you have no priors, are charged with a non-violent offense, and have a local address, you may qualify for an ROR (release on recognizance) or Pretrial Services (a non-monetary bond).
If you are charged with a non-bondable offense (a felony punishable by life), are out on a felony bond while arrested for a new charge, or are on probation and you pick up a new arrest, the first appearance judge will send you to your division judge who may then address your bond status.
Below is a link to the Miami-Dade Circuit and County Court's bond schedule:
Attorney Eric Matheny is a criminal defense attorney serving Miami-Dade and Broward. Call Attorney Eric Matheny to represent your loved one at their bond hearing.