Arrested in Orange County: What Happens Next

If you or someone you love was just arrested in Orlando or anywhere in Orange County, here is the usual sequence — and where a lawyer can help at each step.

Booking. Most arrests in Orange County go through the county's Booking and Release Center, where booking, first court appearance and release happen in one place. Orange County Corrections inmate records: (407) 836-3400, option 5 (Spanish-speaking representatives available).
First appearance — within 24 hours. Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.130, an arrested person must be brought before a judge within 24 hours. The judge reads the charge, explains the right to counsel and decides on pretrial release or bond. In Orange County, weekday sessions are at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; weekends and court holidays have a single 11 a.m. session. People released on bond beforehand don't attend.
Bond and release conditions. The judge may set bond and conditions such as no contact with an alleged victim. A lawyer can argue for lower bond or workable conditions, and can ask for time to be retained before the hearing.
Formal charges. The Ninth Circuit State Attorney's Office decides whether to file formal charges and which ones — often the best early window to present the defense's side.
Court dates. Cases are heard at the Orange County Courthouse, 425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando.

What not to do

Don't discuss the case on jail phones or video visits — those calls are generally recorded.
Don't contact an alleged victim if a no-contact order is in place.
Don't miss a court date — see failure to appear.

Finding someone in the Orange County jail

Orange County Corrections publishes a Current Inmate Database on its BestJail website. It lists people currently in jail, with their charges, bond amount and booking photo; a last name is required and a first name is optional. Spanish speakers can ask for a Spanish-speaking representative at (407) 836-3400.

Posting bond in Orange County

According to Orange County Corrections, bond can be posted in person at the Booking and Release Center, 3855 South John Young Parkway, Orlando, at any time of day. Payment must be a money order, traveler's check, or certified or cashier's check made payable to "Clerk of the Courts" — no personal checks or cash. Corrections also lists a Western Union option. The Clerk's office confirms that bonds for arrests are posted at the jail, not at the courthouse.

Pretrial release supervision

When a judge releases someone with conditions, Orange County Corrections' Community Corrections Division may supervise them through its Pretrial Release program. A Pretrial Release Officer works with the defendant until the case is resolved to make sure they understand and follow the court's conditions. A violation of those conditions can lead to re-arrest, so it is worth being clear about every condition from the first day.

Frequently asked questions

How soon will they see a judge?
Within 24 hours of arrest under Rule 3.130, at first appearance.

Can family watch first appearance?
Orange County Corrections says first appearance can be viewed from public galleries at the Booking and Release Center, except on weekends and holidays.

Can a lawyer help before first appearance?
Yes. A lawyer can be present to address bond and conditions, and the rule allows time to retain counsel.

Can I pay a bond with cash at the jail?
Not in person. Orange County Corrections accepts a money order, traveler's check, or certified or cashier's check payable to "Clerk of the Courts," and lists Western Union as another option.

How do I find out someone's bond amount?
The Current Inmate Database on Orange County Corrections' BestJail site shows charges and bond amount for people currently in jail.

Call or text 407-846-8008, any time. Office: 517 W. Bryan St., Kissimmee, FL 34741 · Office line 407-530-4920. Consultations and meetings available throughout Florida by appointment.