What Happens After Someone Is Arrested in Tampa? A Guide for Families

Finding out that someone you care about has been arrested can be overwhelming.

You may immediately start wondering: Where are they? What happens next? How do I get them out? How much will it cost? Who do I call?

If you've never dealt with an arrest before, you may not know where to start. The good news is that you don't have to know the entire process before you make your first phone call.

Here's a general overview of what can happen after an arrest in Tampa and where a bail bond may fit into the process.

1. The Person Is Taken Into Custody

After an arrest, the person is taken into law-enforcement custody and goes through the booking process.

Booking generally involves recording information about the person, the arrest, and the charges. Depending on the circumstances, the person may remain in custody while the appropriate release conditions are determined.

If you're trying to help someone, one of the first things you'll want to find out is where they're being held and what charges they are facing.

2. Bail and Release Conditions Are Determined

The next step depends on the circumstances of the case.

Florida law provides for different forms of pretrial release, and a monetary component may be satisfied through a surety bond when applicable.

The court determines the applicable bail amount and conditions. A bail bond agent does not set the defendant's bail amount.

If you're not sure what the bond amount is, a bail bond agent may be able to help you understand what information you need to move forward.

3. A Family Member or Friend Can Contact a Bail Bond Agent

If a surety bond is an option, someone outside the jail can contact a bail bond company.

You don't need to have every answer before you call.

It can help to have as much of the following information as possible:

• The person's full name

• Date of birth

• Where they are being held

• The charges, if known

• The bond amount, if it has already been set

• Your name and contact information

• Your relationship to the person in custody

If you don't have everything, don't panic. Start with what you know and ask what else is needed.

4. The Bail Bond Application Is Completed

Once you've contacted a bail bond agent, they can explain the next steps and the paperwork involved.

Depending on the bond, there may be requirements involving a co-signer, premium, collateral, identification, or other documentation.

Make sure you understand your responsibilities before signing the agreement.

If you're providing collateral or paying the premium, keep your receipts and other documents.

5. The Bond Is Posted

Once the requirements have been completed, the bail bond agent works with the surety to post the bond.

A surety bail bond is a commitment that the defendant will appear for the criminal proceedings covered by the bond.

The jail then handles the release process.

6. The Defendant Is Released

Release isn't always immediate the moment a bond is posted.

There can be processing time on the jail's end, and the exact timing can vary depending on the circumstances.

Once released, the defendant still has to follow the conditions of release and appear for required court proceedings. Posting bond does not end the criminal case.

What If You Don't Know How Much Bail Is?

That's common. If you aren't sure whether bail has been set, what the amount is, or what type of bond is needed, you can contact a bail bond agent and explain what you know.

A bail bond agent can tell you what information they need to determine how they may be able to help.

What If You Can't Afford the Full Bail Amount?

A surety bail bond can be different from paying the full bail amount directly.

Florida regulates bail bond premiums. For state bonds, the Florida Department of Financial Services currently states that the premium is 10% of the court-set bail amount.

Collateral may or may not be required depending on the circumstances.

Payment options can also vary. Honey's Bail Bonds may be able to offer payment plans in certain situations, so it's worth asking about your options when you call.

What If Someone Misses Court?

If the person released on bond fails to appear for a required court proceeding, there can be consequences for the defendant and the bond.

If you learn that someone may have missed court or may not be able to comply with the conditions of their bond, contact the bail bond agent as soon as possible.

Don't wait and hope the situation resolves itself.

What Happens After the Bond Is Posted?

The bail bond process doesn't end when someone walks out of jail. The defendant may have court dates, conditions of release, or other obligations to follow.

At Honey's, we believe our job isn't simply to help someone get released and send them on their way. We want our clients to understand what comes next and know that they can reach out when they have questions.

Honey's also provides court-date reminders to help clients keep important dates on their radar.

You Don't Have to Know What to Do First

If someone you care about has been arrested, it's easy to feel like you need to figure everything out immediately.

You don't.

Start with the information you have. Ask questions. Get clear on what is required. And don't be afraid to ask someone to explain the process.

Honey's Bail Bonds has been helping individuals and families navigate the bail bond process since 1990. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer questions and help you understand your options.

Whether you need a felony, misdemeanor, DUI and traffic, drug-related, probation violation, or transfer bond, we're here when you need us.

Need help with a bail bond in Tampa? Contact Honey's Bail Bonds anytime, day or night.

This article is intended for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. The process following an arrest can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. For legal advice regarding a specific situation, contact a qualified attorney.