Until recently, second-degree felonies (such as burglary of a dwelling or grand theft in the second-degree) came with a "convenience bond." That is, a predetermined bond amount that an accused person could post immediately upon arrest. That person did not have to appear in bond court (also known as first appearance) so long as they posted the bond right after they had been arrested and booked.
But with the new bond statute in Florida, all second-degree felonies require a first appearance. So that means if you are accused of even non-violent crimes, such as possession of cocaine with intent to sell, grand theft in the second-degree, or burglary of a dwelling, you will have to spend the night in jail and see a first appearance judge.
Eric Matheny is a criminal defense attorney serving Miami-Dade County; Broward County; and Palm Beach County.