Bond Reduction Motions in Hillsborough County, FL

Pursuant to Administrative Order No. S-2013-008, signed by the Chief Judge on February 1, 2013, from the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, the court has established certain procedures in the criminal justice divisions for bond reduction motions. The most recent administrative order supersedes Administrative Order S-2012-052.

If you need an attorney to file a motion for a bond reduction or release on recognizance then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the Sammis Law Firm. Our offices are located in Tampa, FL.

Our attorneys are experienced in handling these types of case. In many cases, seeking a bond reduction actually saves the client money. Call us to discuss your case today with Jason Sammis or Leslie Sammis at (813) 250-0500.

Bond Reduction and Release on Recognizance in Tampa, FL

When the criminal defense counsel in Tampa seeks either the reduction of bond or release on recognizance (ROR), then defense counsel will contact the assistant state attorney (the prosecutor) assigned to the case or the prosecutor’s immediate supervisor.

If the criminal defense attorney and prosecutor are able to stipulate to the conditions of a defendant’s release, such stipulation will be reduced to writing and delivered to the office of the presiding judge of Division “O” for consideration and approval.

If the presiding judge of Division “O” in the Tampa Courthouse is not available, the stipulation will be presented to the administrative judge of the Criminal Justice Division or the administrative judge’s designee for consideration and approval.

When the criminal defense attorney and assistant state attorney are unable to come to an agreement and stipulate to the conditions of a defendant’s release, then the criminal defense counsel may schedule a hearing with the presiding judge of Division “O” and file an application for modification of bail with notice of hearing in accordance with Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.131(d)(2).


Bond Reduction Motions in Violation of Probation Cases in Hillsborough County, FL

The administrative order in Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL, provides that if the case involves a violation of probation (“VOP”), then the application for a reduction of bail or a modification of bail will be submitted to the judge assigned to the division in which the alleged violation is pending or scheduled.

Applications for reduction of bail or modification of bail in these violation of probation (VOP) cases will not be heard at first appearance or in Division “O” without the specific concurrence of the judge assigned the violation, or in that judge’s absence, the administrative judge of the Criminal Justice Division, an associate administrative judge or the chief judge.

If the criminal defense attorney in Tampa schedules a hearing for the reduction of bond or release on recognizance, counsel will notify the defendant’s probation officer of the scheduled hearing so that probation information can be made available for the hearing.


Finding a Criminal Defense Attorney for Bond Reduction Motions in Tampa

Contact a criminal defense attorney at the Sammis Law Firm to discuss your case and a motion to reduce bail or bond, including a motion for ROR. The state attorney’s office takes the first 21 days after the arrest to make a filing decision.

Hiring an attorney during this critical time in the case can often lead to a better result in the case, especially for serious felony charges. Call (813) 250-0500 to speak with an experienced attorney today.


This article was last updated on Friday, August 20, 2018.