Arrested in Florida? Steps to Take After an Arrest

If you were just arrested and released, talk to a criminal defense lawyer before answering questions or making a statement to police. Confirm your court date, read your release conditions and keep the papers and messages related to your case.

Attorney Ron Frey of The Frey Law Firm, LLC represents people charged with crimes across Tampa Bay. Call or text (813) 775-2276 for a free initial consultation.

Steps to Take After You Are Released

1. Speak with an attorney before answering police questions. Detectives may contact you after release to ask for your side of the story. Speak with your attorney before answering questions or making a statement.
2. Get legal advice before agreeing to a search. If officers ask to search your phone, car or home, speak with an attorney before consenting. Do not physically resist officers carrying out a search.
3. Confirm your court date. Review your release papers and check the clerk’s court records. If the dates are unclear or conflict, have your attorney confirm when you must appear. Missing court can lead to a warrant and loss of bond.
4. Follow every release condition. Review any no-contact orders, travel limits, reporting requirements and other restrictions. Whether contact with an alleged victim is allowed depends on the court orders in your case. Speak with an attorney before any contact. Violating a court order can lead to a new arrest, additional charges and loss of bond.
5. Preserve records related to the case. Keep your booking and bond papers, property receipts, messages, photos and other relevant records. Ask your attorney how to preserve and provide them.
6. Avoid discussing the case online. Do not post your account of the arrest or argue about it on social media. Discuss the facts privately with your attorney instead.
7. Make notes for your attorney. Record what you remember about the events, including possible witnesses, while your memory is fresh. Keep those notes private and share them with your attorney.
8. Ask about deadlines early. Some issues, including driver’s license consequences after a DUI arrest, have deadlines separate from the criminal court case. Do not assume your first court date is the only deadline that matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer if I was released without paying bond?

Being released without paying bond does not mean the case is over. You may still have court dates and release conditions to follow. An attorney can review the status of the case and explain what comes next.

What happens at first appearance?

A judge addresses issues that may include whether there is probable cause for the arrest, appointment of counsel, bond and release conditions. First appearance is not a trial. Read more about first appearance in Hillsborough County or first appearance in Pinellas County.

Can I contact the alleged victim to clear things up?

Whether any contact is allowed depends on the court orders in your case. Speak with an attorney before contacting the alleged victim, including through another person or online. Violating a court order can lead to a new arrest, additional charges and loss of bond. The other person’s willingness to talk does not override a court order.

Police took my phone. Can I get it back?

A phone may be held as evidence, and its return may take time. An attorney can review why it is being held and what steps may be available to request its return. Speak with an attorney before answering questions about its contents or agreeing to a search.

I live out of state. Can I just go home?

Review your release conditions with your attorney before traveling. Permission to travel does not excuse a required court appearance. Do not assume you can miss court unless the court has excused your appearance. Read more about being arrested while visiting Tampa Bay.

What if I think there is now a warrant for me?

Call an attorney to help verify whether a warrant exists and discuss how to address it. An online search showing no results is not proof that there is no warrant. See our warrant FAQs for Hillsborough County and Pinellas County.

Should I ask an AI chatbot or search online about my case?

General information can help you understand the process, but it is not a substitute for legal advice about your case. Do not assume information you enter into an AI chatbot is confidential or protected by attorney-client privilege. Discuss the facts privately with your attorney.

Related Help

• A family member was arrested overnight in Tampa
• Bond and bail in Florida
• Questions to ask a criminal defense lawyer
• Resisting arrest in Florida

Just Arrested? Talk With Attorney Ron Frey Before You Talk With Police.

Call or text (813) 775-2276 for a free initial consultation, or use our contact form.

General information only, not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this page.