How Will A Bail Bond Be Set In Hillsborough County?

Author: Brett Metcalf

Hillsborough County Bail Bond Amounts:

Finding out how much the bail or bond will be is one of the most important things after an arrest. In Hillsborough county, the amount of the bond depends on the seriousness of the charge. Some charges require a “first appearance” in front of a judge before a bond amount will be set, while other charges have the bond amount set automatically.

Hillsborough County Bond Chart

For charges that do not require a first appearance, the following bond amounts apply per charge:

Charge – Bail Bond Amount

  • First Degree Felony – $15,000.00
  • Second Degree Felony – $7,500.00
  • Third Degree Felony – $2,000.00
  • First Degree Misdemeanor & Misdemeanor DUI – $500.00
  • Second Degree Misdemeanor – $250.00
  • City or County Ordinance Violation – $250.00

This means that if you are charged with three third-degree felonies, the total bond amount would be $6,000.00.

Charges That Require a First Appearance

While some charges have a bond amount set automatically, other charges require a first appearance in front of a judge before a bond can be set. Also, any arrest of a person who is already out on bond for another crime or is on felony probation or community control requires a first appearance before any bond can be set.

In Hillsborough county these charges are: 

  • Capital Felony
  • Life Felony
  • Any First-Degree Felony Punishable by Life
  • Attempt/Solicitation/Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder
  • Carjacking
  • Sexual Battery
  • Escape
  • Attempt/Solicitation/Conspiracy to Commit Second-Degree Murder
  • DUI Manslaughter
  • Retaliating Against a Witness
  • Failure to Appear
  • Domestic Violence
  • Violation of Domestic Violence Injunction
  • Violation of Repeat Domestic Violence Injunction
  • Violation of Pretrial Release for Domestic Violence
  • Trafficking Offenses
  • Arson
  • Aggravated Child Abuse
  • Gang-Related Offenses

What Judge Handles First Appearances?

Judge Conrad handles the first appearances in Hillsborough county. Additionally, if you have been arrested on a charge requiring a first appearance, you will appear in court via video-conference. If you need an interpreter the court will provide one for you.

Am I Guaranteed a Bond After the First Appearance?

No. The judge has the discretion to grant or deny bond based on several factors:

  • The nature and circumstances of the offense charged;
  • The weight of the evidence against you;
  • Your family ties to the community, employment, financial resources, and mental condition;
  • Your past and present conduct;
  • Whether you pose a danger to the community;
  • Whether you are already on release for another crime or are on probation;
  • The street value of any drugs connected to your charges;
  • Whether it is probable you will intimidate witnesses;
  • Whether or not it is probable you committed a new crime while on pretrial release; and
  • Any other factors the judge considers relevant.

If you are on pretrial release for a different crime at the time you are arrested, you are pretty much guaranteed that the bond for that first charge will be revoked at your first appearance. In order to be released you will have to ask the judge in your first criminal case to reinstate that first bond.

Domestic Violence Cases

In domestic violence cases the court will determine at first appearance whether or not to issue a “no contact” order. In doing this the court will take testimony from the alleged victim, and the judge will make his own determination as to whether contact should be allowed.

What if I am Denied Bond at First Appearance?

It’s not the end of the road. Your attorney can file a motion with the court that is handling your criminal case to set a reasonable bond. Your attorney will meet with you and find out the information necessary to make the motion, and will present witness testimony on your behalf if necessary. If the bond set at first appearance is unreasonably high, your attorney can file a motion to have that bond amount reduced.

If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges or have questions about getting a bond or bond reduction, please do not hesitate to contact us today

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