TL;DR
After an arrest in Florida: stay quiet, get to first appearance within 24 hours, get bond set, contact an attorney before saying anything substantive on a recorded jail call. The first 72 hours are when bad decisions cost the most.
What happens at the scene
The officer takes you into custody — handcuffs, search incident to arrest, transport to jail. You may be asked basic identifying questions. Decline to discuss the alleged offense. Politely invoke silence and counsel. Do not consent to searches of your phone or vehicle.
Booking and intake
At the Pinellas County jail you will be fingerprinted, photographed, and inventoried. Personal property is logged and stored. You may be offered a phone call — use it to alert family, not to discuss the case. All jail calls and visits are recorded.
First appearance within 24 hours
Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.130, a judge must review probable cause and bond within 24 hours of arrest. At this hearing the court considers nature of the charge, criminal history, ties to the community, employment, and any victim-safety concerns. Family attendance can help — having a job to return to and stable housing matters.
How bond works
Florida bond options include cash bond (full amount paid directly), surety bond (paid via a licensed bondsman, typically 10% non-refundable premium), release on your own recognizance (ROR), and supervised pretrial release with conditions. See our bail and bond guide for the full breakdown.
What to do — and not do — after release
- Do write a private, dated, one-paragraph summary of what happened — in your own words, before memory fades — to share only with your attorney.
- Do gather any documents: citations, paperwork, photos, witness names.
- Do retain a defense attorney quickly. Early counsel often shapes everything that follows.
- Do not post on social media. Anything you write may be discoverable.
- Do not contact alleged victims or witnesses. This can lead to additional charges and bond revocation.
- Do not discuss the case on jail calls, with friends, or with coworkers.
Arraignment comes next
Within a few weeks the formal charging document (Information or indictment) will be filed and you will be arraigned. Your attorney typically enters a written plea of Not Guilty so discovery can proceed. From here the case enters its longest phase — discovery and pretrial.
Common questions
Should I tell my employer? Depends on employment contract and security clearance status. Discuss with counsel before disclosing.
Can I travel out of state? Bond conditions typically require pre-approval for travel. Violating conditions is its own offense.
What if I cannot afford an attorney? Request a public defender at first appearance. Florida public defenders handle the bulk of felony work and are experienced trial lawyers.
When to consult an attorney
Within the first 72 hours after arrest, retain or consult with a licensed Florida criminal-defense attorney. Decisions made in this window — what to say at first appearance, whether to give a statement, whether to accept a quick plea — shape the entire rest of the case.
Related guides
Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.
This website is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance about your specific situation.
Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.
This website is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance about your specific situation.