Initial Appearance

If you have never been through the process of being arrested for a criminal case, it can be a very nerve-racking and scary experience. A skilled Criminal Defense Attorney in Orlando Florida is very familiar with the arrest process. When you are arrested you are taken to the Booking and Release Center at the Orange County Jail, where you are processed and held until someone can post bond on your behalf.

If you do not bond out within 24 hours of being arrested, you will be taken before a Judge for what is called Initial Appearance. Every person who is arrested must be taken to see a Judge within 24 hours of their arrest, and an Initial Appearance is therefore mandatory for anyone who remains in jail for at least 24 hours.

Initial Appearance in court Florida

The Judge

The Initial Appearance that you appear in front of is likely a judge who has been assigned Initial Appearance duty for that day. They more than likely not be the judge that will actually handle your case. After Initial Appearance, your case will be assigned to the Judge who will actually handle your case until the case is resolved.

The Initial Appearance Judge will look at the charges against you and determine the appropriate bond amount and any pre-trial release conditions (i.e. no contact orders, GPS monitoring, no alcohol, etc..)

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney

You are entitled to a lawyer at your Initial Appearance
You are entitled to the assistance of counsel at every critical stage of your criminal case, including at the Initial Appearance. Having a Criminal Defense Attorney in Orlando Florida at the Initial Appearance can be very useful, as your lawyer can argue for a reasonable bond, negotiate for less restrictive pre-trial release conditions, and prevent you from making statements that may negatively affect your case.

Initial Appearance is a very quick process
The hearing is often very short and will usually last less than 5 minutes. Make sure you have Criminal Defense Attorneys Orlando present for this hearing.

It is never too early to contact a criminal lawyer to help with your case. Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney in Orlando Florida today!  If you or your loved one are in need of information on Initial Appearance, call us at 407-930-8912 to speak with a qualified legal professional or fill out the contact form on this page. We’re available 24/7, we offer free initial consultation and payment plans. In addition to our Orlando location, we have offices in the following cities across the state of Florida:

*Additional Orlando Florida & Orange County Legal Resources