Being arrested – especially for the first time – can be an extremely frightening and confusing experience. The same is true if a loved one has been arrested and they’re counting on you to help them.
Those arrested here in Broward County are typically first taken to the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) primary booking location, known as the Central Intake Bureau (CIB). It’s in the Main Jail Bureau in downtown Fort Lauderdale. There’s also another booking location in Pompano Beach.
The booking process and bond
The booking process includes being fingerprinted and photographed. The person’s belongings are taken. A medical screening is done to assess immediate health issues, communicable conditions and suicide risk.
After being booked, people are generally placed in the Main Jail. There are three other detention facilities in Pompano Beach. If a loved one contacts you and asks you to call an attorney or post bond for them, it’s important to know which facility they’re in. Family and loved ones’ visitation soon after arrest and booking is typically done through video.
It’s important to know if the person arrested is allowed to post bond for their release pending hearings. Depending on the amount, you may be able to post a cash bond for them. Despite the name, you can typically do so using other forms of payment, like credit cards and money orders. You also have the option of getting a surety bond through a bondsman. Those charged with misdemeanor first offenses are often allowed to do this.
A first appearance hearing may be required before release
If a person must or chooses to appear before a judge before they can post bond or otherwise be released, Florida law requires that they be allowed to do so within 24 hours. First appearance hearings usually start at 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in the Central Courthouse, which is near the Main Jail. The judge may set bond at this time unless they order that the person be held in custody.
The amount of bond depends on the severity of the alleged offense, whether it’s a first offense and whether a person is considered likely to flee the area or be a threat to the community.
The importance of legal guidance
This can be a lot to remember at a stressful time. Whether you’ve been asked to help someone who’s been arrested and jailed or they need advice, the best first step is to call a criminal defense attorney who’s experienced in dealing with the justice system here in Broward County and protecting their clients’ rights as they help them navigate the justice system.