What You Need To Know About Getting Bail Reduced In Florida After It Has Already Been Set
Bail is a sum of money or other form of security that is given to a court to secure the release of a person who has been arrested and is being held in custody. The central idea that rests behind the concept of bail is to allow the person who has been arrested to continue their daily life while they are awaiting trial, rather than being held behind bars.
Of course, if the bail is too high to meet, a defendant may not reasonably be able to secure their release. This raises an important question: Can you get bail reduced in Florida? The answer is yes—but certain circumstances must be met. In this article, our Orlando criminal defense attorneys explain the most important things that you understand about getting a reduction in bail in Florida.
Know the Law: You Have a Right to File for a Reduction of Bail/Bond
In Florida, bail/bond is governed by Florida Statute § 903.011. One of the key things that you need to know about the state’s regulations is that every defendant has a right to petition for a reduction of their bail once the terms have been set. Here are three things to know about the process for getting a bail reduction in Florida:
- Most People are Entitled to Bond: As a starting point, it is important to know that most defendants in Florida are entitled to bail/bond.
- Bond is Typically Set at an Initial Appearance: In Florida, most defendants who have been arrested and charged with a crime will have their bail/bond terms set at an initial appearance.
- Florida Uses a “Schedule” for Most Offenses: For the most part, judges in Florida will follow a set schedule to determine the bail amount for most offenses.
- You Can Seek a Reduction—But You Must File: A defendant in Florida has a right to seek a reduction in their bail—but they must be proactive. You should be prepared to file a motion to reduce the bond that was set during a first appearance.
Once bail has been set, it is important to ensure that your motion for a reduction is drafted by a skilled criminal defense attorney. Your lawyer must prepare and present a strong, comprehensive, and persuasive argument that the existing bail amount is unreasonably high in your case.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation With an Orlando, FL Criminal Defense Lawyer
At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando criminal defense attorney is driven by a true passion for client services. Were you or your family member arrested? Are you seeking a reduction in bail, we are here to provide the comprehensive criminal defense representation that you deserve. Contact our law firm now for a confidential review of your legal case. From our Orlando legal office, we represent clients in the full range of criminal cases in Orange County and throughout all of Central Florida.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0900-0999/0903/0903.html
