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.
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.
Bail bond fees are set by the state When bond is set for someone who was arrested in Florida, the amount is not made up. The bond is set based on pre-determined criteria depending on the crime. The criteria can include previous convictions, the likelihood of appearance, and the severity of the crime.
And while some will tell you that you can't remain anonymous, the short answer is actually yes, you can. (But with one major consideration.) The Court is going to need a name and person to return the bond to once the court date has been successfully completed.
The court considers the seriousness of the crime, potential penalty, and criminal history in determining the bond length. If the individual has a history of violating the law, the bond length could extend beyond the usual 90 days.
Understanding Bail and Detention Periods Even so, California law prohibits judges from denying bail because you can't afford it. Therefore, judges may release you on your “own recognizance,” which means you take responsibility for attending your trial dates without paying bail.
If a defendant cannot afford bail, then at the arraignment or any hearing while still incarcerated the defendant can request a bail reduction or release without bail. That must be supported with evidence that the defendant is unlikely to reoffend or to flee.
California Penal Code Section 825 says that a person arrested in California must be brought before a judge within 48 hours to be charged or released. These rules prevent law enforcement from holding suspects indefinitely while providing sufficient time to collect evidence and decide whether to take the case forward.