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Pinellas Criminal Law Florida criminal law, explained
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Arrest & Court Process

What generally happens from arrest and first appearance through trial or resolution.

Stone courthouse building with flags flying out front
Photo: Joshua J. Cotten / Unsplash

A Florida criminal case generally moves from arrest and booking to a first appearance within 24 hours, then to a charging decision by the State Attorney, arraignment, discovery, pretrial hearings, and a resolution by plea, trial, dismissal, or diversion. The Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure govern each stage. These guides explain what each hearing is for, what the State must prove, and the terms you are likely to hear along the way.

Guides

Arrest & Court Process

Bail, Bond, and Release in Pinellas County

How pretrial release works in Pinellas County: the bond schedule, first appearance, the types of bond, release conditions, and what happens if…

6 min read

Arrest & Court Process

How to Prepare for an Attorney Consultation

What to bring, what to write down, and what to ask when you meet a Florida criminal defense attorney for the first…

4 min read

Arrest & Court Process

What Happens at First Appearance in Florida?

What a first appearance hearing is, who has one, and what the judge decides about a lawyer, probable cause, and release, with…

7 min read

Florida statutes on this topic

Plain-language summaries, each linked to the official text.

Key terms

Arraignment
A defendant's first court appearance after formal charges are filed, at which the charges are read and a plea is entered (usually Not Guilty so discovery can proceed).
Bond
The security, in money or a surety’s guarantee, given to obtain release from jail while a case is pending, on the condition that the defendant returns to court…
Brady Material
Exculpatory evidence the State must disclose to the defense under Brady v. Maryland (1963).
Continuance
A formal rescheduling of a court hearing.
Deposition
Out-of-court sworn testimony, recorded under oath, used during discovery to preserve testimony and assess witnesses.
Diversion
A program that lets an eligible defendant complete conditions, such as classes or community service, in exchange for the charge being dismissed. Pretrial intervention is one type.
First Appearance
The hearing, required within 24 hours of arrest for a person still in custody, at which a judge reviews probable cause, addresses legal representation, and sets the conditions…
Nolle Prosequi
A formal decision by the prosecutor to drop a charge.
Pretrial Intervention (PTI)
A Florida diversion program for eligible defendants, set out in section 948.08, Florida Statutes. It requires the prosecutor’s consent, and the charge is dismissed if the program is…
Probation
A sentence served in the community under supervision and conditions set by the court. If a condition is violated, the court can revoke probation and impose any sentence…
Release on Own Recognizance (ROR)
Release from custody without bond money, based solely on a written promise to appear at future court dates.
Voir Dire
The jury-selection process in which attorneys and the court question potential jurors.

Official resources

Government and bar sources for checking the current law and procedures.

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