St. Petersburg Lawyer for Violation of Condition of Pretrial Release from Domestic Violence

Alleged offenders who are arrested for domestic violence offenses in Florida are held in custody until they can appear before a judge who sets not only their bond but also establishes the conditions of their release. Conditions of pretrial release are intended to simultaneously provide due process to the alleged offender and also protect the alleged victims in domestic violence cases.

When alleged offenders violate the terms of their pretrial release, those individuals not only can have their bond revoked but can also face new criminal charges. The conditions of pretrial release are incredibly strict, but many people can be accused of violating the terms of their pretrial release for technical violations that were not willful disobedience of court orders.

Lawyer for Domestic Violence Pretrial Release Violations in St. Petersburg, FL

St. Petersburg criminal defense attorneys Melinda Morris and Seth Shapiro aggressively defend clients throughout Sarasota County, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Manatee County, and Pasco County. 

The Morris Law Firm can review your case and help you understand all of your legal options when you call (727) 592-5885 to take advantage of a free initial consultation.

Florida Domestic Violence Pretrial Release Violations Information Center

• What are typically the conditions of pretrial release in violence cases?
• What are the consequences of violating pretrial release in Pinellas County?
• Where can I learn more about violations of conditions of pretrial release from domestic violence in St. Petersburg?

Common Conditions of Pretrial Release in Pinellas County Domestic Violence Cases

Florida Statute § 903.047 states that as a condition of pretrial release, whether such release is by surety bail bond or recognizance bond or in some other form, an alleged offender must refrain from criminal activity of any kind, refrain from any contact of any type with the alleged victim (if the court issues an order of no contact), and comply with all other conditions of pretrial release. The term “no contact” includes the following prohibited acts:

• Communicating orally or in any written form, either in person, telephonically, electronically, or in any other manner, either directly or indirectly through a third person, with the alleged victim or any other person named in the order;
• Having physical or violent contact with the alleged victim or other named person or his or her property;
• Being within 500 feet of the alleged victim’s or other named person’s residence, even if the alleged offender and the alleged victim or other named person share the residence; and
• Being within 500 feet of the alleged victim’s or other named person’s vehicle, place of employment, or a specified place frequented regularly by such person.

Some of the other conditions of pretrial release that an alleged offender may have to comply with could include no drugs or alcohol (including submission to drug or alcohol testing), no weapons or firearms, or possible Global Positioning System (GPS) monitoring.

Violation of Pretrial Release Penalties in St. Petersburg Domestic Violence Cases

Under Florida Statute § 903.0471, a court can revoke pretrial release and order pretrial detention if it finds probable cause to believe that an alleged offender committed a new crime while on pretrial release. When the original arrest was for an act of domestic violence, any willful violation of a condition of pretrial release is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

Furthermore, alleged violations of no contact orders can result in alleged offenders being held on “no bond” status until their first court appearance. When bond is set for these individuals, it is frequently set much higher than the original bond amounts.

Florida Resources for Violation of Condition of Pretrial Release from Domestic Violence

Alternative Sentencing / Pre-Trial Services | Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office — Visit this website to learn more about alternative sentencing and pre-trial services in Pinellas County. Find information about the county’s Electronic Monitoring Program (EMP), Continuous Alcohol Monitoring (CAM), Pre-Trial Services (PTS), and Day Reporting Program (DRP).

Pinellas County Justice Center 
14250 49th St. N. # 1300 
Clearwater, FL 33762

(727) 592-5885

Uniform Bond Schedule | Pinellas County — On this website, you can learn more about the low bond, high bond, and recommended bond for criminal offenses in Pinellas County. Alleged offenders are held with no bond until their first appearance hearings before judges for domestic violence, non-domestic stalking, violations of domestic violence injunctions, violations of injunctions for dating, repeat or sexual violence, or violations of pretrial releases where the original arrest was for an act of domestic violence. You can learn more about bond in domestic violence cases.

Morris Law Firm, P.A. | St. Petersburg Failure to Appear Defense Attorney

If you were arrested for allegedly violating the terms of your pretrial release relating to a domestic violence crime, it is in your best interest to seek legal representation as soon as possible. The Morris Law Firm, P.A. represents alleged offenders all over Pinellas County, including Pinellas Park, Largo, Clearwater, Dunedin, and other surrounding cities.

Melinda Morris and Seth Shapiro are criminal defense lawyers in St. Petersburg. Melinda Morris has experience handling domestic cases on the other side of the aisle as a former Assistant State Attorney with the Sixth Judicial Circuit. 

Call (727) 592-5885 or submit an online contact form to have our attorneys provide a complete evaluation of your case during a free, confidential consultation.