An arrest moves fast, and the first few days matter. Here is what usually happens after an arrest in Pinellas County, and what you can do to protect yourself.
1. Booking at the county jail
After an arrest in Pinellas County, people are taken to the Pinellas County Jail in Clearwater for booking. Officers take fingerprints and photos and record personal information. Some charges have a set bond amount, so a person may be able to post bond and leave without waiting to see a judge.
2. First appearance, usually within 24 hours
If you aren't released after booking, you'll see a judge at first appearance, usually within 24 hours of the arrest. The judge checks whether there was probable cause for the arrest and decides the conditions of release, such as the bond amount or no-contact orders. This is not the time to tell your side of the story. Anything you say in court can be used later.
3. Bond and release conditions
Bond is money or a promise that makes sure you come back to court. Release can come with conditions, such as staying away from a person or place, not drinking alcohol or wearing a monitor. Breaking a condition can put you back in jail, so follow every condition exactly and keep a copy of the order.
4. Arraignment
At arraignment, the court formally tells you the charges, and you enter a plea, usually "not guilty" at this stage. In many cases a lawyer can file a written plea so you don't have to appear in person. After arraignment, the defense gets the State's evidence (called discovery) and the case moves toward a resolution or trial.
What to say, and what not to say
- Stay calm and polite. Don't resist, even if you think the arrest is wrong.
- Ask for a lawyer, then stop talking. Say, "I want to remain silent, and I want a lawyer." Then don't answer questions about the case.
- Don't consent to searches. You can say, "I don't consent to a search." Don't physically resist if officers search anyway.
- Jail calls are recorded. Don't discuss the facts of your case on jail phones, in texts or on social media, not even with family.
- Write down what you remember as soon as you can, and share it only with your lawyer.
Why call a lawyer early
A lawyer can help at first appearance and with bond, and can start gathering evidence while it's still available, such as video footage and witness information. Early contact gives you more options at every step that follows.
This article is general information about Florida criminal procedure, not legal advice about your case. Every case is different. Reading it doesn't create an attorney-client relationship.