If you or a loved one have been arrested for a state of Florida offense you are entitled to a bond hearing. You may be eligible for release on your own recognizance or a reduction of bail.
Has the Coronavirus Pandemic and the Courthouse Shutdown Changed the Playing Field?
County jail populations are likely to increase because the Florida Department of Corrections has said it will temporarily stop taking inmates into the state prison system as it takes steps to curb the spread of coronavirus. The Southern Poverty Law Center is worried that it could max out county jail capacities. Florida’s county jails face potential overcrowding due to coronavirus.
Summaya Saleh, a criminal justice reform attorney with the Southern Poverty Law Center, said “We have no idea how long this is going to last and how long these delays are going to be in place. People could theoretically be spending several extra months in jail in a very unsafe, unsanitary environment.”
A joint statement from Faith in Florida, Southern Poverty Law Center and Dream Defenders urges the release of pre-trial detainees who don’t pose a public safety risk and inmates held on detainer requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The Florida Supreme Court has also ordered that jury selection and trials be suspended through March 27. It has been recommended that all other court proceedings be conducted remotely if possible. See News4Jax
Yes, the coronavirus pandemic and the courthouse shutdown has changed the playing field. Now more than ever you are entitled to a bond hearing and you may be eligible for release on your own recognizance or a reduction of bond. Due to the coronavirus circumstances and the jail crowding situation, an emergency motion may be filed requesting a reasonable bond or a reduction of bond in non-violent cases and immigration holds. Also, a motion may be filed requesting release in cases where a defendant’s health issues put him at a higher risk of serious illness or death due to the coronavirus.
Why Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
In addition to a defendant’s financial circumstances, there are numerous things to be considered in setting bond and each case is dependent upon the facts. Some of the facts to be considered are the seriousness of the offense, whether the offender is awaiting trial and presumed to be innocent. Other facts to be considered are the potential for overcrowding due to the coronavirus, the spread of coronavirus due to overcrowding, and the possibility of serious health problems or even death due to the coronavirus. Many detainees have serious health problems such as lung and heart disease, which put them at great risk due to the coronavirus. A criminal defense attorney can request an emergency bail hearing and point the facts out to the judge. Contact a criminal defense lawyer and request a bond hearing.
Why Fernandez & ?
At Fernandez & , the criminal defense attorneys are familiar with the laws governing reasonable bond and have extensive experience dealing with a release on bond. Our attorneys have established a successful track record, and the coronavirus pandemic, and the courthouse shutdown, has changed the playing field.
If you or a loved one have been arrested and would like to be released from incarceration while awaiting trial you may be released on reasonable bail. The attorneys at Fernandez have experience with bond hearings and will work vigorously to get you a reasonable bond. The coronavirus pandemic has increased the need to release inmates from the county jails. Criminal defense attorney Daniel J. Fernandez can help guide you through the process.
If you need legal assistance with a bond hearing, call Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Daniel J. Fernandez of Fernandez & at 813-229-5353.
