What happens at a domestic violence first appearance?

Three things make this hearing different from other first appearances.

No bond exists before it. Florida law requires that a person arrested for an act of domestic violence be held in custody until brought before the court. Nothing can be posted in the meantime.

The State arrives prepared. Florida law requires the State Attorney's office to conduct a thorough investigation of your history before this hearing — prior domestic violence arrests, prior other arrests, prior injunctions naming you, and prior walk-in domestic complaints. That's presented to the judge at the hearing. Almost nobody expects it.

Nonmonetary release isn't available. Domestic violence falls within the category of offenses for which a judge may not grant nonmonetary pretrial release at first appearance where probable cause is found. Recognizance release isn't an option.

The judge will also address conditions — almost certainly including no contact, and frequently a stay-away provision and firearms surrender.