Arraignment in Pinellas County: What Happens After an Arrest in Clearwater or St. Pete
An arrest in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, or anywhere else in Pinellas County usually leads to the same question a few days later: what is this arraignment date, and do I really have to go? The short answer is that an arraignment in Pinellas County is a routine early hearing, and you are generally required to attend, but an attorney may be able to file paperwork that excuses you from appearing.
This post walks through how arraignment generally works in Pinellas County at the time of this writing. Local procedures change and every case is different, so for answers about a specific case, call or text Attorney Ron Frey for a free and confidential consultation at (813) 775-2276 or toll-free at (844) 766-3739.
The Laws Involved
In Florida, the arraignment process is generally governed by Rule 3.160, Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure (Arraignment), which addresses how a defendant is formally told of the charges and asked to enter a plea, including the option for a represented defendant’s attorney to file a written plea of not guilty. Rule 3.180 (Presence of Defendant) addresses when a defendant must be present, and Rule 3.134 (Time for Filing Formal Charges) addresses how long the State generally has to formally charge someone after an arrest. Pinellas County is part of Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit, which also covers Pasco County. As always, laws are subject to change and revision, so contact Attorney Ron Frey to discuss the details of your case and the current status of the law.
How a Pinellas Case Reaches Arraignment
After an arrest, a person who stays in custody generally sees a judge within 24 hours at first appearance, where probable cause, bond, and release conditions are addressed. Many people are released at that stage or after posting bond.
Next, the Sixth Circuit State Attorney’s Office reviews the case and decides what charges, if any, to formally file. This can take some time, and the formal charges are not always the same as the ones listed at arrest. Once charges are filed, the clerk generally sends notice of the arraignment date.
Most criminal cases in Pinellas County are heard at the Pinellas County Justice Center in Clearwater, the county’s main criminal court complex, even when the arrest happened in St. Petersburg or another city.
You Are Generally Required to Attend
In general, a person charged with a crime in Pinellas County is expected, and ordered, to appear at the arraignment. Missing it can result in the court issuing a warrant for the person’s arrest. No one should read this page and assume they don’t have to go.
The One Exception: A Written Plea and Waiver Your Attorney Confirms
Florida’s rules allow a defendant’s attorney to file a written plea of not guilty and a waiver of arraignment. In Attorney Ron Frey’s general practice, when he is retained, he typically files a written waiver of arraignment along with a written plea of not guilty so the client can be excused from appearing. He takes the steps to confirm that everything was properly filed, submitted to the court, and accepted in time before he confirms that a client does not need to appear.
Unless your attorney has confirmed this for your case, plan to attend your arraignment. Contact Attorney Ron Frey to discuss whether a written plea of not guilty and waiver of appearance can be filed in your case.
What Arraignment Looks Like Without a Lawyer
A person without an attorney is expected to attend. The judge generally reads or summarizes the charges, addresses the right to counsel, and asks for a plea. Some people plead guilty or no contest just to put the case behind them, but that can leave a permanent record. Speaking with an attorney before entering any plea other than not guilty is generally the wiser course.
What Happens After a Not Guilty Plea in Pinellas
After arraignment, the case moves into the pretrial stage. The defense can request discovery, review the evidence, and look at motions and options for resolving the case. In Pinellas County, the next court dates are generally called pretrial dates. Diversion programs exist in Pinellas County, and some people may qualify. Our post on Pinellas pretrial intervention explains more.
Attorney Ron Frey generally advises anyone who has been arrested or contacted by law enforcement to use the right to remain silent and speak with an attorney before making any statement. Until then, keep your paperwork, keep your address current with the clerk, and keep the case off social media and recorded jail calls.
Pinellas County Arraignment FAQ
My arrest was in St. Petersburg. Will my arraignment be there too?
Not necessarily. Most criminal cases in Pinellas County are heard at the Justice Center in Clearwater. Your notice will list the location, and an attorney can confirm it.
The charges on my notice are different from my arrest. Is that normal?
It can be. Prosecutors decide what to formally file after reviewing the case, so charges may be added, reduced, or dropped.
How do I find out my arraignment date?
The clerk generally mails notice once charges are filed, and court dates can also be looked up through the Pinellas County Clerk. An attorney can check the record for you.
What if I miss my arraignment?
Missing an arraignment can result in the judge issuing a warrant for your arrest. Call an attorney right away if that’s a concern.
Should I bring witnesses or evidence to arraignment?
Generally no. Arraignment is not a hearing on the facts. Evidence and witnesses come into play later, if and when the case calls for it.
Arrested in Pinellas County? Call Attorney Ron Frey.
Attorney Ron Frey has over 20 years of experience defending people in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and throughout Pinellas County. Whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, call or text for a free and confidential consultation at (813) 775-2276 or toll-free at (844) 766-3739. You can also read about arraignment in Florida in general, learn more about our Pinellas County criminal defense work, or see what to do when a family member is arrested.
This post is general information at the time of this writing and is not legal advice. Laws and local procedures change, so contact an attorney about your specific situation.