Seminole County First Appearance - Seminole County Judges

 In Florida when someone is arrested they must be taken before a judge or judicial officer within 24 hours of arrest. The First Appearance in Seminole County is important because that is the hearing in which Bond or Bail will or will not be set. In Florida, the law holds that each individual arrested on a criminal charge is entitled to a reasonable bond unless it is one of a few exceptions. One of the exceptions is a violation of probation or a failure to appear. Another is if the case is punishable by life or death or the State Attorney’s office can file a motion showing that the public cannot be protected if the accused is released on bond. In most cases the accused is released on bail. In cases with a victim additional restrictions such as GPS monitoring might be placed on the accused. The conditions of pre-trial release: bond, bail, are determined at the First Appearance. The first appearance in Seminole County occurs at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility 211 Bush Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773. At the First Appearance the presiding Judge or Judicial Officer will determine if Probable Cause exist. If the case has insufficient probable cause the case can be dismissed or the accused can be held to allow the state to produce additional evidence. The Seminole County judges rotate covering first appearance. Generally first appearance is covered by misdemeanor or county court judges but it can also be covered by felony judges. In Seminole County first appearance is viewed by the public electronically. Attorneys are able to speak with the accused and judges also appear electronically.