Do I need a Lawyer at a First Appearance?

Sometimes an arrest can occur in the most inopportune times. When this occurs you might not know what to do or what to say. That is why the advise and counsel of a Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer could prove to be invaluable. In Jacksonville Florida’s first appearance court (also known as bond hearing), most Jacksonville Criminal Defendants are not represented by a Jacksonville criminal lawyer. Under Florida law, a Jacksonville Criminal Defendant is entitled to appear before a judge within 24 hours of his arrest. Due to this Florida law, Duval County first appearance court is held twice a day, every day.

As a Criminal Defense Lawyer, I have spent a lot of time in Duval County first appearance court for bond hearings. I have seen many Jacksonville Criminal Defendants stand before a judge without representation. While there is a Public Defender present in the room, this is only one Criminal Lawyer to represent one hundred or so Criminal Defendants in one day. It is not possible for a Jacksonville Criminal Attorney to adequately represent that many people at one time.

Criminal Defendants that hire a Lawyer for a bond hearing have the benefit of one lawyer for one client. Also, an experienced Criminal Defense will give the judge favorable and valuable information about the Jacksonville Criminal Defendant to the judge at the bond hearing. The reason a Jacksonville Criminal Attorney presents this information is to achieve a lower bond for the Jacksonville Criminal Defendant.

If a loved one has been arrested for a Jacksonville Criminal Offense, time is of the essence. Contact a Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer today to discuss your case and make sure your rights are being protected.