In the last several years, there have been major changes made to Florida’s pretrial detention system. Whether you’ve been accused of aggravated assault in Destin or burglary in Fort Walton Beach, understanding Florida’s pretrial detention law and what can happen if you are charged with a dangerous crime is essential.
During this difficult time, Jay Patel Attorney at Law is here to answer your questions, stand by your side, and protect your rights.
Legal Changes to Florida Law Affecting Pretrial Detention
In January of 2024, changes from House Bill 1627 went into effect for Section 907.041 of the Florida Statutes. This bill expanded the list of dangerous crimes recognized by the state and removed judges’ discretion to grant non-monetary release at first appearances. It also states that prosecutors should file for no-bond holds for individuals alleged to have committed dangerous crimes.
It is crucial to understand what is defined as a dangerous crime in Florida. This bill added crimes like DUI or BUI manslaughter, fentanyl trafficking, written threats to kill, and extortion to a list already containing:
- Murder
- Sexual battery
- Robbery
- Carjacking
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated battery
- Aggravated assault
- Burglary
- Stalking
- Aircraft piracy
- Home invasion robbery
Before this bill was added to the state legislature, judges could consider offering house arrest, recognizance bond, or electronic monitoring instead of pretrial detention. Under this new law, however, if you find yourself arrested for a listed dangerous crime, and the courts find probable cause, you won’t be granted pretrial release, such as house arrest, without a monetary bond.
According to a recent study, around 400,000 people in the United States are currently being detained pretrial. Due to all that is at stake, your Florida criminal defense attorney needs to respond in kind. It is essential that they are able to build your evidence file quickly, prepare detention hearing presentations, and create a strategy that fits your needs at a pretrial detention hearing in Florida.
About Jay Patel Attorney at Law
Jay Patel firmly believes that your worst moment or mistake should not define you for the rest of your life. As a former prosecutor and former law enforcement officer with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Attorney Patel knows his way around a courtroom and a criminal charge. He is passionate about defending your rights and working to make certain you are treated fairly. His background as a prosecutor gives him a unique perspective on how to effectively defend his clients.
Hire a Trusted Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Whatever criminal charge you are facing, Jay Patel Attorney at Law works tirelessly to advocate for his clients. If you or a loved one has been arrested on grounds of a dangerous or violent crime in Florida, it is essential that you hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. If you are facing possible pretrial detention, you need a skilled defense attorney to support you. Contact our offices today to learn more and schedule your initial consultation.
