If you are arrested in Flagler County you will go in front of a judge within 24 hours. This is called a first appearance. The purpose of first appearance is to make a probable cause determination and set conditions of release. This is also commonly referred to as setting a bond. On serious criminal cases the bond amount can be substantial. A Flagler county bond hearing attorney can go to the first appearance and fight for your friend or family member to reduce the bond amount. Everyone is entitled to an attorney at first appearance but the nature of first appearance makes it difficult for an appointed attorney to advocate for your loved one. Hiring a bond hearing attorney helps because the private attorney can take the time to learn about the accused and use that information at the hearing. Contact Flagler County criminal defense attorney Kevin J. Pitts if someone you know has been arrested in Flagler County. Factors to be considered include:
- Family history:
- Ties to the community
- Prior convictions (or lack of prior history);
- Prior failures to appear in court (or lack of);
- Risk of fleeing to avoid prosecution;
- Financial resources;
- Character;
- Mental condition;
- Any other facts that may assist the court in setting or reducing the bond.
To find out more about the bail bonds process go to bail bonds. The accused has two options to get out of jail if they are given a bond. The first is a cash bond that requires someone to pay the entire bond amount. The second is to use a bail bondsman that requires someone to pay the greater of $100 per charge or 10%. The bondsman will tie up less money on the front end of the case. This can be a good thing when prepairing to hire a criminal defense attorney.