How to Reduce Bond in Orlando | Florida Bond Hearing AttorneyWhat Happens at a Bond Hearing?

By: John Guidry II

Is a loved one sitting in an Orlando-area jail with a bond that’s too high to afford? You are not stuck. My name is John Guidry, and as a Central Florida criminal defense attorney, one of the most impactful things I do is file a Motion to Reduce Bond. This legal action can save your family tens of thousands of dollars and get your loved one home.

Let me walk you through what happens at a bond reduction hearing and how we fight to lower an excessive bond.

Need to Lower a Bond in Orange, Seminole, or Osceola County? Time is critical. Call me, John Guidry, to discuss filing a Motion to Reduce Bond immediately. Call Now: (407) 423-1117

What We Argue at Your Bond Reduction Hearing

The goal of a bond hearing is to present a clear picture of the defendant to the judge, showing they are not a flight risk and that the current bond is unnecessarily high. To do this, I present evidence and testimony on several key factors:

• Strong Community Ties: We demonstrate deep roots in the community—family, long-term residence, etc.—to show the person isn’t going anywhere.
• Stable Employment: A steady job shows responsibility and is a strong indicator that the person will appear for future court dates.
• Financial Situation: We must show the judge that the current bond is unaffordable. We provide a realistic picture of your finances to justify a reduction.
• Family Support: Having family members appear in court to vouch for their loved one can be incredibly persuasive to a judge.

The judge will also consider your prior criminal history and the strength of the evidence in the case. My job is to present your story in the most compelling way possible.

Real Results: A Central Florida Case That Saved a Client Over $73,000

The impact of a successful bond motion can be life-changing. Consider the local case of Sylvester v. State of Florida, which was decided by the appellate court right here in Daytona. 175 So.3d 813, Fla. 5th DCA 2014.

Mr. Sylvester was charged with first-degree grand theft, and his bond was set at a staggering $750,000. To get out of jail, a bondsman would have required a non-refundable fee of $75,000.

His attorney filed a motion and got the bond reduced, but only to $600,000 (a $60,000 fee). This was still too high. The attorney appealed.

The appellate court agreed the bond was excessive and it was ultimately reduced to just $15,000. This meant the bondsman fee dropped from $75,000 to only $1,500.

The result of fighting the bond was a total savings of $73,500.

This case also established an important point: a judge doesn’t have to reduce a bond just because you can’t afford it. It is up to your attorney to prove the bond is unreasonable for other reasons.

Our Advantage: Using the County Bond Schedule

One of the most effective tools we use is the official bond schedule for the county of the arrest (e.g., Orange County, Seminole County). This document lists the standard, recommended bond amounts for specific offenses. If a client’s bond was set significantly higher than this schedule, it gives us a powerful argument that the amount is excessive and should be reduced to the standard.

Hire an Experienced Orlando Bond Attorney

Fighting to reduce a bond requires a local attorney who knows the judges, understands the county bond schedules, and knows how to present a compelling case under pressure. The cost of hiring an attorney for a bond motion is often a fraction of the money you save on the bondsman’s fee.

Don’t let a loved one sit in jail because of an excessive bond. I handle bond reduction hearings throughout Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Brevard, and Volusia counties. Let’s get them home.

About John Guidry II

John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.

Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.

Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.

When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.