What to do you’ve been arrested

Obviously, not your best day or moment. But all is not lost, and the fact that you are on our website reading this is an indication you are on your way to better tomorrows. Without sounding too cocky or arrogant, the criminal defense lawyers at The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A., are confident that based on our track record, if you have been arrested in Okeechobee County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, or Indian River County, you will have a better outcome with us onboard than you might, otherwise.

Hiring a reputable bail bondsman can be a little challenging so if you have questions or concerns, feel free to call us for help, even if we have not yet been hired or retained. Generally a bail bondsman requires ten percent of the bond amount, but not all require it at once. In theory, a bail bondsman should want the difference collateralized, so this may become an issue as well. The ten percent paid, is their fee, and that is not returned at the conclusion of the case. If someone posts a cash bond in full (not using a bondsman), that entire amount is returned at the conclusion of the case. We do not work with just one bail bondsman and have a very short list of ethical and reliable ones in Stuart, St. Lucie, Vero Beach, and Okeechobee. We are also able to petition the court for bond reduction hearings in an attempt to get bonds lowered, however, there has been a long time prohibition in Indian River County, St. Lucie County, Martin County and Okeechobee County against attorneys making “limited appearances” just for the purpose of bond reductions. In other words, we can only petition the court for a bond hearing and file a notice of appearance after we have been retained as counsel for the criminal case in full. While everyone asks, “Am I looking at jail?” most first offenders may not be. However, if there is a subsequent offense while on bond, or a violation of a bond condition is believed to have occurred, jail is most certain.

If you have been arrested for a DUI, please note that you only have 10 days to make certain elections with respect to your driving privileges and obtaining a hardship license. This is known as the 10 day rule. As a courtesy to all drivers arrested for DUI in Okeechobee, Stuart, St. Lucie, or Vero Beach, our office will help you through the DHSMV administrative process without any obligation to hire us, just to make sure you are able to drive longer, if possible. Again, time is of the essence in this regard.

Martin County, St. Lucie County, Indian River County, and Okeechobee County comprise what is known as “The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit.” Our Circuit processes and prosecutes cases differently in this circuit than how they may be handled elsewhere. Each county varies, and “Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI)” or “Diversion Programs” may be a possibility such as Drug Court, Mental Health Court and Veterans Court. It is important to have local counsel who is familiar with these nuances and who has a respected rapport with the Assistant State Attorney prosecuting your case. With an office in each of the four counties, and over thirty years practicing criminal defense on the Treasure Coast, the criminal defense lawyers at [firm-name] can help ensure a better outcome when facing criminal charges. We are available twenty-four (24) hours a day, and offer FREE CONSULTATIONS, so call us today!