It can be incredibly overwhelming when you or someone you love has been arrested, especially if you have no idea what the process looks like. Understanding the Palm Beach County Court system can help you know what to expect and what you can do to protect your future.
Palm Beach County Courts and Arrests
The Palm Beach County Court only handles misdemeanor criminal cases. The Criminal Division for this court is located in the Judge Daniel T.K. Hurley Courthouse. Cases may be handled at this courthouse or at the Criminal Justice Complex. Both courthouses are located in West Palm Beach. For more serious criminal cases, the process is handled by the Circuit Courts rather than the County Courts.
In Palm Beach County, there were a total of 32,841 arrests in 2021, which included arrests from the Sheriff’s Office, each city’s police department, and more. In 2025, there were 21,688 index offenses reported in the county, 57.56% of which were crimes against property.
Arrest or Notice
While many criminal cases begin with an arrest, not all do. Arrests are meant to be made by law enforcement officers on the basis of probable cause, meaning the officer has reason to believe you committed a crime. In some cases, you receive a notice to appear for misdemeanor offenses. Failure to appear after the notice can lead to a warrant for your arrest.
Whether you are arrested or appear after a notice, you have constitutional rights that must be respected. You should be told of these rights before questioning.
Booking
After an arrest, the booking process occurs. Booking occurs at the police station, such as at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the office’s Department of Corrections. The booking process likely includes identity verification, a search, fingerprinting, and photographing. It may also include a medical screening. Information about your arrest and alleged offense is also documented.
First Appearance
The first appearance before a judge occurs within 24 hours of your arrest. The first appearance hearing will involve the judge, you, the state attorney or assistant state attorney, and legal counsel. At the hearing, the judge determines if there was a legal basis for your arrest.
The judge will inform you of:
- The charges against you and provide you with a copy of the complaint
- Your right to remain silent
- Your right to counsel or appointed counsel
- Your right to communicate with family, friends, and counsel
At the first appearance, the judge will also determine what the conditions of pretrial release will be, including setting bond if it is necessary. It is crucial to have legal support during this process, as your attorney can advocate for reasonable pretrial release conditions and protect your rights.
Formal Charges
After the first appearance, the state will determine if it is going to file charges against you. For Florida cases where you were not granted pretrial release, the state likely has between 30 and 40 days to file formal charges after an arrest, or else you will be released. Limitations are different if you do not remain in custody.
In some cases, the state decides not to press charges. If formal charges are filed against you, the process continues.
Arraignment
The arraignment is how the formal charges are read to you. They may be different from the charges from the first appearance hearing. This is also when you will enter your plea. You may plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Always review your case with experienced legal representation before reaching a decision on your plea. A guilty plea will end the process, and you will be sentenced for the offense.
Case Preparation, Pretrial, and Trial
Case preparation is when you and your legal team gather necessary information to build your defense. Pre-trial motions can be made to suppress evidence or call for dismissal, depending on the facts of your case and defense strategy. If the case is not resolved through a dismissal, diversion program, or plea deal, the case will go to trial. The county court has 90 days to bring the case to trial after charging you with misdemeanor offenses.
FAQs
How Long Does the State of Florida Have to Prosecute After an Arrest?
The state of Florida has 30 days to file formal charges after an arrest where you remain in custody, under Rule 3.134 of the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure. The individual must be released on the 33rd day unless the courts show good cause. Even with good cause, the individual must still be released after the 40th day without charges. Having an attorney by your side is essential to help uphold and protect your rights after an arrest.
How Long After an Arrest Will You See a Judge in Florida?
After an arrest in Florida, you must be taken before a judge within 24 hours of arrest under Rule 3.130 of the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure. This appearance may be in person or over video call, depending on the court’s needs. It’s important to work with an attorney as soon as possible, ideally before this first appearance.
What Court Case Is the Hardest to Navigate?
Every court case is unique, but serious criminal cases are usually the hardest to navigate, especially if you don’t work with skilled legal representation. These cases are complex and stressful, with a lot of procedural requirements. If an offense is severe enough, it likely will not be managed by the county courts but by the circuit courts or even a federal court. You need to hire a criminal defense lawyer if you are facing criminal charges.
What Is the Process After an Arrest in Florida?
The process after an arrest in Florida includes booking, a first appearance before a judge, who determines if there was probable cause for your arrest, reads you the charges, and may set bond. Then, formal charges may be filed against you. These are read at the arraignment, where you enter your plea. Unless you plead guilty, the case will proceed to trial. There are pretrial motions that might resolve the case early.
Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer After an Arrest in Palm Beach County
When you need an experienced Palm Beach County criminal defense attorney, reach out to the Law Offices of Nellie L. King, P.A.
