What to Do When You Go to Jail

What to Do When You Go to Jail

Getting arrested is disorienting, and the choices you make in the first few hours matter. This is a plain walkthrough of what actually happens after an arrest in Florida and how to get out quickly.

1. Say as little as possible

You have the right to remain silent, and it is worth using. Officers are permitted to ask questions while booking you, but you are only required to give identifying information — your name, address, and date of birth. Anything beyond that can end up in the case file. Politely ask for a lawyer and stop there.

2. Understand booking

After the arrest you are transported for booking: fingerprints, a photograph, a health screening, and an inventory of your property. This usually takes several hours, and it has to finish before bail can be posted. Booking times stretch on weekends and holidays, when arrest volume is highest.

3. First appearance and the bond amount

In Florida, most people see a judge within 24 hours of arrest. At this first appearance the judge sets the bond amount based on the charge, any prior record, and whether the person is considered a flight risk. Some minor charges have a standard bond schedule, which means bail can be posted before seeing a judge at all.

4. Call someone who can co-sign

This is the single most useful call you make. The person who co-signs — the indemnitor — is usually a family member or close friend. They take responsibility for making sure you appear at every court date. Have them ready with your full name, date of birth, and the facility you are being held at.

5. Post the bond

You can pay the full bail amount to the court in cash and get it back after the case ends, or pay a bail bondsman a premium to post it for you. Florida sets that premium at exactly 10% of the bond — a rate written into state law, not something a bondsman chooses. See how the 10% rule works for the full breakdown.

6. Show up to every court date

Once you are out, the single obligation that matters is appearing in court. Missing a date triggers a bench warrant and can forfeit the entire bond, which lands on whoever co-signed for you. If you are unsure of a date, call and ask — it is a five-minute conversation that prevents a serious problem.

What families ask most

How long does release take? Once the bond is posted, release typically takes a few hours depending on how busy the facility is.

Can I bail someone out at 3 AM? Yes. Jails process releases around the clock, and so do we.

What if the bond is too high? An attorney can file a motion to reduce it. Ask about a payment arrangement in the meantime — see our FAQ.

Talk to Big Mike — 24/7

Big Mike's Bail Bonds has served Palm Beach County families for over 40 years. A licensed Florida bondsman answers the phone day or night — not an answering service.

Call (561) 686-2221 or start your application online and be out in hours, not days.