St. Augustine Bond Hearing Attorneys

Don’t Take A Bond Hearing Lightly — Get an Experienced Lawyer ASAP

After an individual has been arrested, they will have a first appearance hearing. This is their first time in court, during which they will receive official charges and a bond will be set. It is also the time when you must hire an attorney to defend your case. An attorney can possibly affect your release from jail or what type of bond is set. For those who cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for them. However, without a seasoned lawyer who has handled many similar cases, even the smallest of charges can lead to significant consequences if they are not adequately managed.

Bail and Bond for Misdemeanors in Florida

Under Florida law, a misdemeanor is defined as an offense punishable by less than one year in jail. If you recently received a charge of a misdemeanor crime, criminal lawyers in St. Augustine, Florida can help you determine your options and the likelihood that you will serve time for your crime. If you are unsure whether your crime falls within the category of misdemeanor offenses, some of the most common misdemeanors include a simple battery, simple assault, DUI, petit theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, or possession of fewer than 20 grams of cannabis.

Released on Own Recognizance

If your crime is minor, the court may allow you to sign a document stating that you will return for your trial-also known as a release on your own recognizance. There are several factors that may give rise to this type of release, as your criminal lawyers in St. Augustine, Florida can explain. Some of the most common reasons to receive an O.R. bond include:

• Strong ties the community, including immediate family members
• A long-term member of the community and no evidence showing a propensity to abscond
• Employment
• Clean criminal history report
• History of showing up for criminal trials in the past

Your criminal lawyers in St. Augustine, Florida will argue each of these points to the judge in order to help you secure an O.R. bond. In general, the court is looking for evidence of whether or not you present a flight risk and whether you are likely to appear to face your charges.

Posting Bail

A magistrate may order the posting of bail in situations involving more serious misdemeanor crimes. These include any of the following:

• Second or subsequent DUI
• Possession of drugs or paraphernalia
• Drag racing
• Battery
• Prostitution
• Stalking
• Carrying a concealed weapon

Extensive Expertise Handling a Wide Range of Offenses

At Canan Law, our attorneys have decades of experience and criminal defense expertise to help get the right results.

We represent clients who are facing bond hearings for a variety of different criminal charges, including: