WHY CAN’T I POST BOND FOR MY LOVED ONE’S PINELLAS COUNTY DUI?

The New Law

Effective January 1, 2024, Florida Statute 903.011 was amended to require that the Florida Supreme Court set a statewide uniform bond schedule for pre-trial release. That same statute provided that the Chief Judge in each Judicial Circuit must also establish a uniform bond schedule for the circuit, but that bond schedule must not set a uniform bond that is lower than the statewide bond schedule. In accordance with that law, the Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, who presides over Pinellas and Pasco Counties, published its Uniform Bond Schedule.

How it Applies to Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Pinellas DUI Cases

Prior to this law taking effect, many persons arrested for a DUI in Pinellas County would be released from the Pinellas County jail without the need to post any bond through an administrative “release on your own recognizance,” or “ROR,” as it is commonly referred. However, the Pinellas County Uniform Bond Schedule has completely eliminated the administrative ROR that previously existed in all DUI cases.

Under the new law, a person arrested for a DUI will only be eligible to immediately post a bond to secure his or her release from jail if:

• He or she has no prior convictions for Driving Under the Influence or Boating Under the Influence
• He or she did not have a prior DUI arrest dismissed through a diversion program.
• The case does not involve a traffic accident.

In all other cases, your loved one will not be eligible to post a bond until after he or she appears in court for “first appearance” or “advisory court.”

What Does This Mean for My Love One’s DUI Case

The effect that this law will have on your loved one’s case will vary depending on the circumstances of the case and his or her prior record. In almost all cases, it means that your loved one will stay in jail for a longer period of time. In addition, we expect:

• Higher bond amounts will be collected by the County.

• Many people arrested for DUI may miss work because of the inability to immediately post bond.

• Persons arrested for DUI may have to arrange child or pet care from inside the Pinellas County Jail until a bond can be set and posted.

• More cases will have “conditions of release,” which can include no alcohol, limitations on travel, and random urine testing.

• That the Court will order many persons arrested for DUI to wear a “Continuous Alcohol Monitor,” even if the individual does not have an alcohol dependency issue.

Call the Best DUI Lawyers in Clearwater for Help Right Away

If your loved one has been recently arrested for a DUI in Pinellas County, call the Top Rated Clearwater DUI Attorneys right away. Our highly experienced team may be able to:

• Appear at your loved one’s first appearance to request a low bond amount.
• Present mitigation that your loved one does not pose a flight risk and does not have a
  history of missing court appearances.
• Help preserve your loved one’s privilege to drive.
• If a Continuous Alcohol Monitor (CAM) was ordered, file a Motion to Remove the Continuous Ankle Monitor.

Contact our office today at 727-578-0303 to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.