We get asked quite frequently if people get arrested and go to jail at court for misdemeanor or felony criminal cases in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. The answer is generally, no. It is possible, though.
Generally speaking, the purpose of a criminal court date, whether it be an arraignment, a pre-trial conference, or a case management court date, is to either plea to the charges, ask the judge for a continuance to another court date because more time is needed, or set the case for trial.
Occasionally, there are people who do get arrested at arraignment, pre-trial conference, or case management court dates, and it is almost always for one of the following reasons:
-They have a warrant out for their arrest,
-They choose to plea to the state's plea offer that includes jail,
-They show up for court obviously under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and/or
-They are out of control and disrespectful to the judge.
The vast majority of people do not go to jail at arraignment, pre-trial conference, or case management. Each legal situation is entirely unique. Please do not rely on this post or anything else you read on the internet. If you have questions about your case please call our attorneys at (941) 444-5128 for a free consultation and case analysis.
Still afraid that you might go to jail? Make sure you do this before court!
Also, to learn more about our criminal lawyers and for more information and legal defenses to help you fight your criminal case, please visit the Soler & Simon Criminal Defense homepage.