What happens after an arrest on a felony offense?

An arrest on a felony offense means that the defendant is usually booked into the county detention facility. Most felony offenses are bondable according to the approved bail schedule. Except when previously released in a lawful manner, every arrested person is taken before a judge, by electronic audiovisual device within 24 hours of arrest, for first appearance. In the case of a child in the custody of juvenile authorities, against whom an information or indictment has been filed, the child is taken for a first appearance hearing within 24 hours of the filing of the information or indictment. At your first appearance before a judge, if you have not completed a financial affidavit, you will be asked if you can afford the services of an attorney. If you cannot, the judge will question you orally regarding your financial situation, then decide whether to appoint a public defender as your attorney, provisional upon a determination of indigence by the clerk, or instruct you to seek private counsel. If you have completed a financial affidavit, and the clerk has made a determination of indigence, the public defender will be appointed, and this information will be provided to the first appearance judge. A $50 application fee will be assessed to your case whether a public defender is appointed or not. The Clerk's office receives the initial paperwork from the Citrus County Sheriff's Department after a felony arrest. The Felony Division prepares the official court file, including arrest documents as well as any release form. Copies of this information are forwarded to the State Attorney's Office. The State Attorney then reviews the case to decide whether to file formal charges. If a public defender is appointed, copies of the paperwork are also forwarded to the Public Defender's Office.

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1. What is a felony charge?
2. What happens after an arrest on a felony offense?
3. How will I know when and where I go to court?
4. How do I have a public defender appointed to my case?
5. How do I get a new attorney assigned to my case if I have a conflict with my present attorney?
6. What if I move?
7. How do I change my court date after notification?
8. What happens if I fail to appear for my court date?
9. How do I find information about my case or other felony cases?
10. If I want copies of paperwork from a court file, is there a charge?
11. May I file a document by fax?
12. How do I get my bond money back now that my case has been disposed?
13. What happens to the evidence submitted in my case? How do I get it back?
14. How do I withdraw my plea?
15. How can I have my case sealed or expunged?
16. How do I have my civil rights restored?
17. How do I know when a trial is scheduled for public viewing?
18. What is a grand jury? When does it meet? Are the sessions public?
19. What local agencies are involved in the Citrus County Criminal Justice System?
20. What if I want to appeal the final decision of the judge in my case?
21. Where can I pay my court fine/fees and costs?
22. How do I find out IF there is a capias or bench warrant out for my arrest?