Bond in Pinellas County: Getting a Friend or Family Member Released After an Arrest
After an arrest in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, or elsewhere in Pinellas County, families usually want to know two things: when can the person come home, and what will it take? Bond in Pinellas County follows its own local schedule and procedures, and understanding them can help your family make calm, informed decisions.
This post explains how bond and pretrial release generally work in Pinellas County at the time of this writing. Local procedures change and every case is different, so for answers about a specific situation, 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, bond and pretrial release are generally governed by Article I, Section 14 of the Florida Constitution (Pretrial release and detention), Chapter 903, Florida Statutes (Bail), and Rule 3.131 (Pretrial Release), Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure. Pinellas County is part of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, which also issues local administrative orders on bond. 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.
One Jail for the Whole County
Whether the arrest was made by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office or by a city department such as St. Petersburg or Clearwater police, people arrested in Pinellas County are generally booked into the Pinellas County Jail in Clearwater. The Sheriff’s Office online inmate search generally shows the charges and any bond that has been set.
The Pinellas Bond Schedule and “First Appearance Required”
Before a person sees a judge, the jail uses the bond schedule set by the Sixth Circuit, which builds on the statewide schedule adopted by the Florida Supreme Court. Many charges, though, are listed as “first appearance required,” meaning no bond can be posted until a judge decides. In general, that includes many felonies and domestic violence charges, as well as a person arrested while already on pretrial release.
First Appearance
A person who isn’t released on the schedule generally sees a judge at first appearance within 24 hours of arrest, usually by video from the jail. The judge reviews probable cause and decides bond and conditions, considering the charge, the evidence, the person’s record and history of coming to court, community ties, and any danger to others. The schedule is not binding on the judge, so the result can be higher, lower, or release with no money at all.
If Attorney Ron Frey is retained, he can appear at first appearance and speak on the person’s behalf about release and conditions, such as steady work, family responsibilities, and long ties to the Tampa Bay area.
Cash, Bondsman, and Getting Money Back
When a monetary bond is set, it can generally be posted in full as cash or through a licensed bail bond agent, who charges a nonrefundable premium. A cash bond is generally returned at the end of the case, but the clerk generally deducts unpaid fines, court costs, and fees first. Our overview of bond and bail in Florida covers these choices in more detail.
No-Contact Conditions in Domestic Cases
A domestic battery arrest in Pinellas County usually means release with a no-contact condition. That generally rules out any contact, direct or through other people, and requires staying away from the alleged victim’s home and workplace, which can keep the person out of a shared home. The alleged victim can’t lift the condition; only the court can. Attorney Ron Frey has handled many cases where he obtained no-violent-contact orders and other changes to no-contact conditions, though every case is different. Our Pinellas County domestic violence page explains more.
Changing Bond or Conditions
If the bond is more than the family can post, or a condition makes it hard to work or care for children, an attorney can file a motion to modify bond and request a hearing. The court can reconsider the amount and adjust conditions when there’s good reason. Until a judge changes a condition, it’s important to follow it exactly, because a material violation or a new arrest can lead to revocation of release.
Pinellas Bond FAQ
My family member was arrested in St. Pete. Where will they be held?
People arrested anywhere in Pinellas County are generally booked into the county jail in Clearwater.
Do we have to use a bondsman?
No. A bond can be posted in full as cash, or through a licensed bondsman for a nonrefundable premium.
What happens after release?
The case generally moves to arraignment and then to pretrial dates. Diversion programs exist in Pinellas County, and some people may qualify.
Arrested in Pinellas County? Call Attorney Ron Frey.
Attorney Ron Frey has over 20 years of experience representing people in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and throughout Pinellas County, starting from the first hours after an arrest. Call or text for a free and confidential consultation at (813) 775-2276 or toll-free at (844) 766-3739. You can also learn more about our Pinellas County criminal defense work or read our questions to ask a criminal defense lawyer.
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.