The phone rings at midnight and your brother or best friend are calling from the jail, what do you do? CALL US! We are available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week to walk you through the process of bonding your loved one out of jail. Rarely is justice delivered in First Appearance Court. Never hesitate to call Nichols & Pina to find out what to do when you get that phone call.

Contact Nichols & Pina for experienced Criminal Defense representation for you or your loved one in First Appearance Court.

When someone is arrested they are understandable confused and scared. They do not know what will happen to them or when they will be brought before a Judge. In Florida, when someone is arrested they must (unless a lawful extension is granted) be brought before a Judge within 24 hours of the arrest in a proceeding called "First Appearance." At first appearance the Judge is to make a determination of probable cause to detain and to also address pretrial forms of release - often referred to as bail or bond. If the case is a misdemeanor case, the person arrested may be able to enter a plea to the charge or charges at first appearance court.

Many times my law firm is contacted by a person just arrested, or friend or loved one of a person arrested, with news of the recent arrest. In this situation the person arrested or their family (or friend(s)) understandably have urgent questions regarding "what to do next." It is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who is very familiar with the Court procedures conducted at first appearance. Fortunately, I have represented hundreds of individuals at first appearance and my services can be of considerable help to both the person recently arrested and the family of the person arrested.

One of the first things I will do is talk with the person arrested and explain to them what will happen when we both appear before the Judge at first appearance court. I find that talking with the person arrested (client) before first appearance court not only calms down the client but also gives the client's friends and/or family members a piece of mind that help has started early in the case.

Then, depending on the given facts of the individual case, I will seek to have the client either released on his or her own recognizance ("ROR") or have the bond reduced to a level that the client can afford. Factors essential to an "ROR" or simple bond reduction include, but are not limited to: the severity of the charge, the persons criminal history, the clients' ties to the community, the client's length of residence in the community, and whether the client has any prior "failure to appear(s)" in previous court proceedings.

I have the skill and experience of representing thousands of clients at first appearance court to ensure competent legal representation of you, or your loved one, at first appearance court.

If you find yourself, or a loved one, in need of assistance at First Appearance Court please call me at (904) 353-3300, day or night, for a free consultation. I want to be in your corner, defending your rights.