What to Expect After an Arrest in Polk County

If you or a loved one has just been arrested in Polk County, here is what happens next: booking through the Sheriff’s Processing Center, a first appearance before a judge within 24 hours, and then a series of court dates that will decide the case. This page walks you through each step — what the courts do, what we do, and what you should do right now. Attorney Tonmiel Rodriguez of The Rodriguez Law Office is Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by The Florida Bar and has tried more than 75 jury trials in Central Florida courtrooms. Call (863) 774-4556 any time — a receptionist answers 24/7.

Legally reviewed by Tonmiel Rodriguez, Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer — last reviewed June 2026.

What happens in the first 24 hours after an arrest?

After a Polk County arrest, you are booked through the Sheriff’s Processing Center on De Castro Road in Winter Haven, then typically housed at the Central County Jail in Bartow or the South County Jail near Frostproof. Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.130, you must be brought before a judge for a first appearance within 24 hours of arrest — typically by video from the jail. At first appearance, the judge reviews probable cause, addresses bond, and may enter conditions of release such as a no-contact order. If you call us early enough, we may be able to get involved before the first appearance.

What happens when you call our office?

You will reach a live receptionist, day or night. The receptionist takes your name, contact information, and the basics of your case so the attorney is up to speed before you ever speak, then transfers your call to Attorney Rodriguez if he is available — and if he is not, he personally returns your call. Attorney Rodriguez personally handles every case. The consultation is free and confidential. Prefer to start in writing? Send us a message and we will call you back. It helps to have basic facts ready: who was arrested, what agency made the arrest, the charge if known, and whether a court date has been set. Do not discuss the facts of the case on jail phone calls — those calls are recorded.

What are the stages of a Florida criminal case?

A Florida criminal case moves through five main stages: first appearance, the State’s filing decision, arraignment, discovery and motions, and resolution by dismissal, negotiation, diversion, or trial. For a step-by-step walkthrough of each stage, see our guide to the Florida criminal process.

• First appearance — within 24 hours; bond and release conditions are addressed.
• Filing decision — the State Attorney for the 10th Judicial Circuit decides what charges, if any, to formally file.
• Arraignment — the formal reading of charges and entry of a plea. In many cases, when you are represented, we can file a written plea of not guilty so you do not have to appear.
• Discovery and motions — we obtain the State’s evidence, take depositions where appropriate, and file motions (for example, to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence).
• Negotiation, diversion, or trial — depending on the case and your goals: dismissal, diversion programs, a negotiated resolution, or a jury trial.

How long will the case take?

Most Polk County misdemeanors resolve within a few months; felonies commonly take six months or longer, especially if motions or a trial are involved. Florida’s speedy-trial rule (Rule 3.191, amended effective July 1, 2025) sets outer limits — 90 days for misdemeanors and 175 days for felonies, now measured from the filing of formal charges rather than from arrest — subject to waiver and exceptions. Sometimes waiving speedy trial buys time to develop a defense; sometimes pushing it pressures the State to make its filing and disclosure decisions. We will give you a realistic timeline for your specific case at the consultation, and no lawyer can honestly promise a particular result or date. You will find more answers on our frequently asked questions page.

Where will my court dates be?

Most Polk County criminal cases are heard at the Polk County Courthouse, 255 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow — a short distance down Davidson Street from our office at 690 E Davidson St in Bartow. Some county-court matters are heard at the Northeast Polk Government Center in Lake Alfred or at the Lakeland branch courthouse on East Parker Street. Highlands and Hardee County cases are heard at their county courthouses in Sebring and Wauchula. We tell every client exactly where to be and when, and what to expect at each hearing. Already a client? See our information for current clients.