EARLY REPRESENTATION PROCESSLaw Office of the Public Defender

If physically arrested, you may be taken to the Main Jail in Fort Lauderdale for booking. Depending on the reason for the arrest you may be permitted to be released or required to post a monetary bond. If you cannot afford to post a bond before appearing before a magistrate judge within 24 hours of the arrest, you are entitled to a bond hearing before a judge.

Under Florida Law you are entitled to see a Judge within 24 hours of arrest. At the first appearance / magistrate hearing the Judge will determine whether the police officer had legal authority (also known as Probable Cause) to support the arrest. The Judge will also decide (1) whether you are entitled to be released from the jail and (2) whether to order any conditions of your release. The judge may require that a sum of money be posted prior to release – Bail / Bond. The judge may also prohibit you from engaging in certain activities or may require you to do certain things upon your release as a condition of the release from the jail.

You have the right to an attorney during your First Appearance / Magistrate hearing. If you are unable to afford an attorney, you may receive representation from Law Office of the Public Defender through an application process. If you are determined by the Clerk of Court to be indigent an attorney from the Law Office of the Public Defender will be appointed to represent you. Once appointed an attorney from our office will make legal arguments on your behalf and advocate on your behalf at this initial hearing.