If you are arrested in Lake 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 called setting a bond. On serious criminal cases the bond amount can be substantial. A Lake 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 Lake County Criminal Defense Attorney Kelly Johnson if someone you know has been arrested in Lake County. Ms. Johnson was born and raised in Lake County and after working for the State Attorney's office she opened an office in Mount Dora. She frequently represents individuels from Clermont, Tavares, Mount Dora, Leesburg, Lady Lake and the surrounding areas in Lake County. Call Lake County Bond Hearing Attorney Kelly Johnson today for a free consultation at 352-735-4342.
Factors to be considered when setting a bond 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.