When law enforcement officials arrest people, they typically set a bond based on the potential criminal charges resulting from the arrests. Those who were arrested are typically entitled to have an initial hearing before a Judge within 24 hours of their arrests. At this hearing, the Judge could adjust the amount of the bond, leave it as is, or set no bond at all. If the bond amount is not reasonable or no amount of bond is set by the judge, you may need to ask for a Ft. Lauderdale bond reduction hearing.
One of the knowledgeable defense lawyers at Leifert & Leifert could advocate for your bond reduction and help you get back to your family while you are awaiting trial. Schedule a meeting to start learning about potential legal options that may be effective for your case.
Bond Facts
The purpose of requiring people to pay a bond following their arrests generally is to secure their appearances at future Court dates and to prevent attempts of leaving the state. If you fail to appear in court as ordered, you typically forfeit the bond.
You may be able to pay a cash bond for a relatively low-level criminal charge that would result in low bond. However, for more serious crimes, the bond amounts could be much higher and simply out of reach for most individuals and their families.
In this case, you may need to contract with a bail bond company, which could guarantee the bulk of the bond amount to the Court and your appearance at future Court hearings in Ft Lauderdale. In exchange, you may pay the bail bond company 10 percent of the bond amount, which is more affordable than 100 percent of the bond.
The catch is that if you fail to make it to a Court appearance, your bond could be forfeited. As a result, the bail bond company may attempt to apprehend you so that they do not lose the money they guaranteed to the Court, which could be a substantial amount in the case of serious crimes.
Factors That May Be Relevant to Reduction Hearings
Judges have different rationales and approaches to setting bond in criminal cases, even those who are within the same county or court system. Nonetheless, Fla. Stat. § 903.046 (2018) sets forth a number of factors that may impact the Judge’s decisions at bond reduction hearings in Ft Lauderdale.
Some of these factors include:
- The type of criminal offenses involved
- The street value of any drugs or controlled substances involved in the crime
- Evidence of guilt
- Your ties to the community
- The source of any funds you would use to pay a bond
- Past criminal history and other currently pending charges or probation status
There also are a few cases where you are not permitted to be released on a cash or surety bond until your first appearance in court. This is generally to involve the prosecution and protect the public. Gang-related offenses and potential enhanced penalties due to gang affiliation or involvement also could cause you to be unable to post bond until after you first appear in court.
Consider the Services of an Attorney for Ft Lauderdale Bond Reduction Hearings
Ft. Lauderdale bond reduction hearings could determine your ability to be released on bond until your case is resolved. An inability to post or afford a set bond amount could result in the loss of your job and further separation from loved ones while you are pending trial. Being released from incarceration could help you continue to support yourself and your family and maintain your current employment, even if you have criminal charges pending.
Consider contacting an experienced Ft. Lauderdale defense lawyer. The skilled attorneys at Leifert & Leifert could help you get the evidence you need to have your bond reduced to a reasonable level. Call now to discuss your case.
