Domestic Violence Arrests and Bonds
Domestic violence arrests in Florida are handled differently from most charges. Expect a first appearance before a judge and, in many cases, a no-contact condition attached to release.
Bond is usually set by a judge, not a schedule
For domestic violence charges in Florida, release is commonly addressed at first appearance before a judge rather than through a standard bond schedule. That hearing is generally held shortly after booking. Until the judge rules, there may be no bond amount to post.
No-contact conditions are common
Courts frequently impose a no-contact condition as part of release. That condition is a court order. Violating it — including through calls, texts, social media, or a third party passing a message — can result in a new arrest and revocation of the bond. Take it literally.
Practical steps
There are things you can do while waiting on first appearance.
- Confirm the person is in custody using the county inmate search.
- Arrange a place for the defendant to stay if the residence is covered by a no-contact order.
- Talk to a criminal defense attorney early.
- Call us so the bond is ready to post as soon as the judge sets one.
We are not the court
We cannot influence the conditions a judge sets, and we cannot get a no-contact order lifted. That is between the defense attorney and the court.
Domestic Violence Bonds — questions we get
Why is there no bond amount yet on a domestic violence arrest?
Florida domestic violence cases are commonly addressed at a first appearance hearing before a judge, so a bond amount may not exist until that hearing takes place.
Can the alleged victim drop the charges?
The decision to pursue charges belongs to the State Attorney, not the alleged victim. That is a question for a criminal defense attorney.
What happens if the no-contact order is violated?
It is a court order. Violating it can lead to a new arrest and to the bond being revoked. Treat all contact, including indirect contact through other people, as prohibited.