“Get Me Out of Here”: A Step-by-Step Guide to Bonding Out of Jail

By: John Guidry

o, a loved one has been arrested. Now what? Before you hire me, you’ll need to get them out of jail. Assuming you’ve never been through something like this, here is exactly what happens after the handcuffs go on.

The 5 Steps of Processing

1. Arrival at the Jail As you arrive at the jail, the arresting officer is completing his report.

• Time: 20–90 minutes.

2. Inventory & Booking The jail takes their property, fingerprints them, and takes their mugshot.

• Time: 20 minutes to 2 hours.

3. The FDLE Check Why do they take fingerprints? To send them to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to confirm you are who you say you are.

• Time: 30 minutes to 4 hours.

4. The Warrant Check They run a check through two systems: the Florida system and the National Crime Computer (NCIC). They are looking for active warrants from other counties or states.

• Time: 10 minutes to 6 hours.

5. The Decision (Clean or Dirty)

• If You Come Back Clean: The jail supervisor authorizes your release. (Add another 30 mins – 3 hours for paperwork).
• If You Come Back Dirty: If they find an active warrant, the process stops. Your bondsman will be given the new bond info, but waiting for the out-of-county response can take an additional 2–4 hours.

How Much Does It Cost?

1. Cash is (Usually) No Longer King Most jails no longer accept cash at the window. So, if you’re trying to bond someone out with a $100,000 bond, don’t show up with a suitcase full of bills.

• The Method: Most jails accept Money Orders or Cashier’s Checks. Some have lobby kiosks that accept credit cards. Always call the jail first to check their specific payment method.

2. The 10% Solution (Bail Bondsman) If you cannot afford the full bond, you hire a Bail Bondsman.

• The Fee: Bondsmen typically charge a 10% premium.
  • Example: On a $100,000 bond, you pay the bondsman $10,000.
  • The Catch: That $10,000 is their fee. You do not get it back, even if the case is dismissed the next day.
• Collateral: For high bonds, the bondsman may require collateral (signing over a house or car title) to ensure the defendant shows up to court.

How can you reduce the fee? Simple. Hire an attorney before you pay the bond. We can file a Motion to Reduce Bond, potentially saving you thousands.

John’s 2026 Update: The Statewide Schedule & AI Judges

Note: In the past, local judges set the rules. As of January 1, 2026, the Florida Supreme Court changed the game.

1. The Uniform Statewide Bond Schedule (Effective Jan 1, 2026) Florida now has a standardized “price list” for crimes to prevent disparity between counties.

• The Change: Local cops and booking officers have less discretion to let you go on a lower bond. If the Schedule says “Second Degree Felony = $15,000,” that is the starting price until you see a Judge.
• The Strategy: Do not argue with the booking officer about the amount. They are bound by the new Supreme Court Order. Call a lawyer to argue for a departure from the schedule at the First Appearance.

2. The “Cashless” Jail Lobby In 2026, you almost certainly cannot pay a bond in person with paper money.

• The Tech: Jails now use third-party processors like TouchPay or GovPayNow. You will likely need to use a kiosk in the lobby or pay online via a smartphone app.
• The Fee: Be warned—these digital services charge a “convenience fee” that can be substantial on large bonds.

3. AI “Risk Assessment” Tools Before you even see a Judge, a computer might decide your fate.

• The Algorithm: Many Florida counties now use Algorithmic Risk Assessments to generate a “Risk Score” based on your zip code, employment, and past history.
• The Danger: If the AI flags you as “High Risk” (often based on biased data), the Judge may deny bond entirely or set it impossibly high. We have to fight the algorithm by presenting human evidence (job, family, community ties) to prove the computer wrong.

Don’t Pay More Than You Have To

If the bond is set at $50,000, don’t rush to pay a bondsman $5,000 just yet. Call me first. I might be able to get you Released on Your Own Recognizance (ROR) or get the bond lowered significantly at the First Appearance hearing.

Call me at (407) 423-1117. Let’s get them out.

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.