Waldo, FL Criminal Defense Law Firms & Lawyers

They could try to charge you with habitual DWLS. In this event you will need an aggressive criminal defense attorney to represent you. These cases can get very complicated, and unfortunately, I have run into a few people who went to prison for this offense. If they had just gotten a good attorney, they may never have had to do time. On the other hand, I have run into a number of people charged with this offense who somehow skated. It seems that the outcome of any case depends upon the likes and dislikes of the judge, the abilities of the attorneys, and then the actual facts. Get someone who practices regularly in front of the judge you have.

The purpose of bail is to assure the defendant's appearance for trial and in some cases, the safety of the community. If a defendant is released on a bail bond that is later revoked, the Court may require him or her to remain in custody until the trial. When a court sets bail, it has the authority to set both the amount of money a defendant must post as well as conditions of release. If the Court becomes aware of a violation of these conditions, it can order a hearing on whether bond should be revoked. A bail bond is like a three-way contract, between the State, the defendant and the person who puts up the money for release. In your daughter's case, by putting up the cash for her bond and agreeing to allow her to reside in your home, you acted as a surety or guarantor. If bond is revoked and the Court finds that you acquiesced in any way to her bail violation, the bail money will be forfeited to the State. In other words, you won't get it back. This is a difficult situation for you. If you tell the Court or pretrial release officer that your daughter has been violating her bond by not coming home, and that you have pleaded with her time and again to obey the condition, the Court probably will revoke her bond--but it might also let you have your money back. On the other hand, if you don't tell the Court or pretrial release officer, and the Court finds out anyway, not only will her bond be revoked but you may have a very difficult time getting the Court to return your money. Perhaps your daughter doesn't understand the gravity of the situation and the consequences of not complying with her bond conditions. You might try to find an adult or even a friend of her's that she trusts to explain these things to her. Another option might be to find another suitable adult to act as custodian for your daughter in your place, and petition the Court to substitute that person's residence for your's as the place your daughter must reside. However, this would only work if your daughter was willing to go along.