No - if you signed the bond it doesn't matter whether you have a job or not - or whether the bondsman asked you if you did. You are liable as surety on the bond - having a job or not has nothing to do with your liability. Sorry.
Florida law gives judges considerable discretion when setting bail amounts, and they often consider several factors, including: Nature of the Charges: Violent or serious charges often result in higher bail amounts or, in some cases, no bail at all.
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.
Jail Processing (2-12 hours) Once the bail is posted, the jail begins its release process. This involves verifying the bail with the court, completing internal paperwork, and conducting any necessary checks, such as warrant checks in other jurisdictions.
Under these protocols, bail is set at $0 for most misdemeanors and specific non-violent felonies, enabling individuals accused of these crimes to be released from custody without posting bail pending their trial.
It is rather a way of securing a defendant's agreement to abide by certain conditions and return to court. In that sense, bail is like collateral left with the court to ensure that, after the defendant's release from jail, he or she will return for the remaining parts of the criminal case.
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.
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.
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.