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Bonding Issues

Bonding Issues for Domestic Violence Arrests

Understanding Bonds & First Appearances 

When someone is arrested for domestic violence, they will not be released until they go before a Judge at a hearing called First Appearances.  Where most arrestees are able to post bond immediately, those arrested for Domestic Battery cannot.  After the arrest, they will be held on “No Bond,” meaning that the person who got arrested cannot post bond and be released.  Do not worry, this does not last forever. 

Cooling Off Period

I have always said that if the police respond to a domestic violence situation, someone is getting arrested.  It is too much of a liability for the police to leave two people who are fighting at home together.  Because of that liability, the Florida Statute has set a “cooling off period” where the Statute mandates that someone who is arrested for domestic battery must go before the Judge before a bond can be set.  This allows for the State to:

  • do a proper background check on the arrestee;
  • try to make contact with the victim; and
  • be prepared to discuss those issues before the Judge.

When Can I Bond Someone Out If They've been Arrested for Domestic Violence?

First appearances happen the following day after a domestic violence arrest.  On the weekends, the hearing is typically first thing in the morning.  On weekdays, the hearing is in the afternoon.  Most counties hold the hearings at the jail and some even allow for the parties to attend via Zoom.  Below are links to some of the neighboring county jail websites so that you can contact the jail directly to see if your loved one is set for court.

If you would like to speak to an experienced attorney concerning an arrest for domestic violence or domestic battery, please call us at (386) 280-4977

County Jail Information 

Volusia County (Daytona Beach, DeLand, Deltona, Orange City, Lake Helen, New Smyrna Beach)

Seminole County

Flagler County

 

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    Defendant entered a treatment facility while case was pending. Attorney Thompson provided progress reports of all of her progress during her stay to show improvement. State agreed to amend all charges to simple possession and the Defendant was sentenced into Drug Court.

  • All Charges Dismissed Child Abuse Battery

    The Client was entangled in a contentious divorce where her ex-husband used the criminal legal system to try to gain leverage against the Client in the family law courts. Attorney Thompson was able to provide documentation, witness statements, and a certificate of completion of a parenting class to get all charges dismissed against the client.

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    Attorney Thompson met with the Client soon after his arrest. It was clear that the person who was in the vehicle with the Client was the person guilty of committing the robbery and that the Client was more of a bystander. Attorney Thompson provided information to the State Attorney’s Office to separate the Client from the co-defendant. The information provided to the State resulted in all charges against the Defendant being dismissed.

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    Attorney Thompson and Client reviewed case and met with Department of Revenue investigators to explain the discrepancy. In doing so, the State determined that they would not seek criminal charges, but offered a repayment plan through non-judicial means.

  • All Charges Dismissed Racing on the Highway

    Client was arrested after leaving a car show in a fast vehicle. Officers suspected the client of racing another vehicle and police officers pulled him over, drug him out of his vehicle, and arrested him for both racing on the highway and resisting an officer without violence. Upon review of the body camera video, Attorney Matt Thompson raised an excessive use of force complaint against the arresting officer. All charges against the client were dismissed.

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    Attorney Thompson took over for the Defendant’s prior attorney who was unable to obtain an offer of anything other than a felony conviction. Attorney Thompson prepared a sworn Motion to Dismiss and was offered a misdemeanor with no probation or jail.