Citation Bonds: Citation bonds, also known as “OR” (own recognizance) bonds, are issued when a defendant is released from custody based on their promise to appear in court without needing to post bail. This type of bond is often granted for minor offenses or first-time offenders with no prior criminal record.
The uniform bond schedule The new law mandates the Florida Supreme Court to establish a uniform schedule for specific offenses not included in the “dangerous crime” category. This schedule became effective on January 1, 2024, outlining set bond amounts for various felonies and misdemeanors.
Certain Violent Felonies and Crimes In addition to capital, life, and first-degree felonies, certain other felonies and dangerous crimes could disqualify someone from being granted bail. These include violent crimes in Florida such as: Arson. Aggravated armed burglary.
Most bond agreements include travel restrictions, confining you to a specific geographic area such as your county or state. These limitations are designed to ensure your availability for court dates. If travel is necessary, you must seek prior approval from the court or your bail bondsman.
Understanding Bail and Bond in Florida: Key Takeaways While the terms “bail” and “bond” are often used interchangeably, understanding the distinction is important. Bail refers to the full amount set by the court, while a bond is a financial arrangement, typically with a bail bondsman, to meet that bail requirement.
If you can't afford bail, you will remain in jail until your court date, which can range from weeks for minor offenses to months or even years for serious charges. The timeline largely depends on the complexity of the case, the court's schedule, and whether there are any delays in the legal process.